https://www.planetpapers.com/ “ . . . He was spawned in that slim, / Conceived by a pair of those monsters born / Of Cain, murderous creatures banished / by God, punished forever for the crime / Of Abel’s death” (lines 19-23). This quotation alone shows the religious influence in the early English epic Beowulf. Religion seems to influence all early English writings, and conflict between Pagan and Christian in the earliest. Most early epics, such as Beowulf, show conflicting views, though are addressed to a Christian audience. And most Christian writings refer to the old ways as Heathenry. Heathens Heathen, by understood definition, means ‘one who is uncivilized or uncultured’ which truly is a fallacy. “The word Heathen comes from Old English hæðen, a word whose origin has been stated by scholars as being a native word related to Greek ethnos, or a gloss for Latin pagan ‘rural dweller’ meaning ‘dweller on the heath’”(“Theod”). This term, whatever its origin, is the preferred term when referencing the pagan religion(s) of the Anglo-Saxon tribes. Theses tribes descend from the earlier tribes of Saxons, Jutes, Angles, Frisians, Varni, and other Germanic invaders that migrated to modern day Britain. Around 500 BCE, these tribes began to expand from modern Denmark, Southern Scandinavia, and Northern Germany to lands formerly held by Celts, Balts, and Illyrians. Christianity Christianity began its expansion into Indo-Europe in the later portion of the 400 BCE century. In the beginning, the Christians focused on converting the nobility of the Germanic tribes, hoping the general population would follow. “First of these nobles was Clovis I of the Franks. The Christianization of the Franks soon followed, though it would take until the 7th century to halt some pagan traditions.”(Christianization) The Christianization of the Germanic tribes continued with Irish missionaries. These missionaries, monks if you will, developed a concept known as peregrination. This meant that as punishment for their sins, the monks would travel amongst the unconverted. This alone may link history to the fictitious epic Beowulf, and the monk present at Herot. Furthermore, the development of Christianity in Northern-Europe (setting of Beowulf) was far more violent then the past. The factions of each side fought during conversion, qualifying this as generic warfare instead of “persecution”. Once a chieftain or ruler was converted, the practice of the “heathen” religions was made punishable. This may also be symbolized within Beowulf as Grendel. The concept may be grasped if one thinks of 2007-12-03T18:20:29-05:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Religion-in-Writing-6804.aspx “ . . . He was spawned in that slim, / Conceived by a pair of those monsters born / Of Cain, murderous creatures banished / by God, punished forever for the crime / Of Abel’s death” (lines 19-23). This quotation alone shows the religious influence in the early English epic Beowulf. Religion seems to influence all early English writings, and conflict between Pagan and Christian in the earliest. Most early epics, such as Beowulf, show conflicting views, though are addressed to a Christian audience. And most Christian writings refer to the old ways as Heathenry. Heathens Heathen, by understood definition, means ‘one who is uncivilized or uncultured’ which truly is a fallacy. “The word Heathen comes from Old English hæðen, a word whose origin has been stated by scholars as being a native word related to Greek ethnos, or a gloss for Latin pagan ‘rural dweller’ meaning ‘dweller on the heath’”(“Theod”). This term, whatever its origin, is the preferred term when referencing the pagan religion(s) of the Anglo-Saxon tribes. Theses tribes descend from the earlier tribes of Saxons, Jutes, Angles, Frisians, Varni, and other Germanic invaders that migrated to modern day Britain. Around 500 BCE, these tribes began to expand from modern Denmark, Southern Scandinavia, and Northern Germany to lands formerly held by Celts, Balts, and Illyrians. Christianity Christianity began its expansion into Indo-Europe in the later portion of the 400 BCE century. In the beginning, the Christians focused on converting the nobility of the Germanic tribes, hoping the general population would follow. “First of these nobles was Clovis I of the Franks. The Christianization of the Franks soon followed, though it would take until the 7th century to halt some pagan traditions.”(Christianization) The Christianization of the Germanic tribes continued with Irish missionaries. These missionaries, monks if you will, developed a concept known as peregrination. This meant that as punishment for their sins, the monks would travel amongst the unconverted. This alone may link history to the fictitious epic Beowulf, and the monk present at Herot. Furthermore, the development of Christianity in Northern-Europe (setting of Beowulf) was far more violent then the past. The factions of each side fought during conversion, qualifying this as generic warfare instead of “persecution”. Once a chieftain or ruler was converted, the practice of the “heathen” religions was made punishable. This may also be symbolized within Beowulf as Grendel. The concept may be grasped if one thinks of 2007-12-03T18:19:59-05:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Religion-in-Writing-6803.aspx “ . . . He was spawned in that slim, / Conceived by a pair of those monsters born / Of Cain, murderous creatures banished / by God, punished forever for the crime / Of Abel’s death” (lines 19-23). This quotation alone shows the religious influence in the early English epic Beowulf. Religion seems to influence all early English writings, and conflict between Pagan and Christian in the earliest. Most early epics, such as Beowulf, show conflicting views, though are addressed to a Christian audience. And most Christian writings refer to the old ways as Heathenry. Heathens Heathen, by understood definition, means ‘one who is uncivilized or uncultured’ which truly is a fallacy. “The word Heathen comes from Old English hæðen, a word whose origin has been stated by scholars as being a native word related to Greek ethnos, or a gloss for Latin pagan ‘rural dweller’ meaning ‘dweller on the heath’”(“Theod”). This term, whatever its origin, is the preferred term when referencing the pagan religion(s) of the Anglo-Saxon tribes. Theses tribes descend from the earlier tribes of Saxons, Jutes, Angles, Frisians, Varni, and other Germanic invaders that migrated to modern day Britain. Around 500 BCE, these tribes began to expand from modern Denmark, Southern Scandinavia, and Northern Germany to lands formerly held by Celts, Balts, and Illyrians. Christianity Christianity began its expansion into Indo-Europe in the later portion of the 400 BCE century. In the beginning, the Christians focused on converting the nobility of the Germanic tribes, hoping the general population would follow. “First of these nobles was Clovis I of the Franks. The Christianization of the Franks soon followed, though it would take until the 7th century to halt some pagan traditions.”(Christianization) The Christianization of the Germanic tribes continued with Irish missionaries. These missionaries, monks if you will, developed a concept known as peregrination. This meant that as punishment for their sins, the monks would travel amongst the unconverted. This alone may link history to the fictitious epic Beowulf, and the monk present at Herot. Furthermore, the development of Christianity in Northern-Europe (setting of Beowulf) was far more violent then the past. The factions of each side fought during conversion, qualifying this as generic warfare instead of “persecution”. Once a chieftain or ruler was converted, the practice of the “heathen” religions was made punishable. This may also be symbolized within Beowulf as Grendel. The concept may be grasped if one thinks of 2007-12-03T18:19:50-05:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Religion-in-Writing-6802.aspx “ . . . He was spawned in that slim, / Conceived by a pair of those monsters born / Of Cain, murderous creatures banished / by God, punished forever for the crime / Of Abel’s death” (lines 19-23). This quotation alone shows the religious influence in the early English epic Beowulf. Religion seems to influence all early English writings, and conflict between Pagan and Christian in the earliest. Most early epics, such as Beowulf, show conflicting views, though are addressed to a Christian audience. And most Christian writings refer to the old ways as Heathenry. Heathens Heathen, by understood definition, means ‘one who is uncivilized or uncultured’ which truly is a fallacy. “The word Heathen comes from Old English hæðen, a word whose origin has been stated by scholars as being a native word related to Greek ethnos, or a gloss for Latin pagan ‘rural dweller’ meaning ‘dweller on the heath’”(“Theod”). This term, whatever its origin, is the preferred term when referencing the pagan religion(s) of the Anglo-Saxon tribes. Theses tribes descend from the earlier tribes of Saxons, Jutes, Angles, Frisians, Varni, and other Germanic invaders that migrated to modern day Britain. Around 500 BCE, these tribes began to expand from modern Denmark, Southern Scandinavia, and Northern Germany to lands formerly held by Celts, Balts, and Illyrians. Christianity Christianity began its expansion into Indo-Europe in the later portion of the 400 BCE century. In the beginning, the Christians focused on converting the nobility of the Germanic tribes, hoping the general population would follow. “First of these nobles was Clovis I of the Franks. The Christianization of the Franks soon followed, though it would take until the 7th century to halt some pagan traditions.”(Christianization) The Christianization of the Germanic tribes continued with Irish missionaries. These missionaries, monks if you will, developed a concept known as peregrination. This meant that as punishment for their sins, the monks would travel amongst the unconverted. This alone may link history to the fictitious epic Beowulf, and the monk present at Herot. Furthermore, the development of Christianity in Northern-Europe (setting of Beowulf) was far more violent then the past. The factions of each side fought during conversion, qualifying this as generic warfare instead of “persecution”. Once a chieftain or ruler was converted, the practice of the “heathen” religions was made punishable. This may also be symbolized within Beowulf as Grendel. The concept may be grasped if one thinks of 2007-12-03T18:18:58-05:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Religion-in-Writing-6801.aspx “ . . . He was spawned in that slim, / Conceived by a pair of those monsters born / Of Cain, murderous creatures banished / by God, punished forever for the crime / Of Abel’s death” (lines 19-23). This quotation alone shows the religious influence in the early English epic Beowulf. Religion seems to influence all early English writings, and conflict between Pagan and Christian in the earliest. Most early epics, such as Beowulf, show conflicting views, though are addressed to a Christian audience. And most Christian writings refer to the old ways as Heathenry. Heathens Heathen, by understood definition, means ‘one who is uncivilized or uncultured’ which truly is a fallacy. “The word Heathen comes from Old English hæðen, a word whose origin has been stated by scholars as being a native word related to Greek ethnos, or a gloss for Latin pagan ‘rural dweller’ meaning ‘dweller on the heath’”(“Theod”). This term, whatever its origin, is the preferred term when referencing the pagan religion(s) of the Anglo-Saxon tribes. Theses tribes descend from the earlier tribes of Saxons, Jutes, Angles, Frisians, Varni, and other Germanic invaders that migrated to modern day Britain. Around 500 BCE, these tribes began to expand from modern Denmark, Southern Scandinavia, and Northern Germany to lands formerly held by Celts, Balts, and Illyrians. Christianity Christianity began its expansion into Indo-Europe in the later portion of the 400 BCE century. In the beginning, the Christians focused on converting the nobility of the Germanic tribes, hoping the general population would follow. “First of these nobles was Clovis I of the Franks. The Christianization of the Franks soon followed, though it would take until the 7th century to halt some pagan traditions.”(Christianization) The Christianization of the Germanic tribes continued with Irish missionaries. These missionaries, monks if you will, developed a concept known as peregrination. This meant that as punishment for their sins, the monks would travel amongst the unconverted. This alone may link history to the fictitious epic Beowulf, and the monk present at Herot. Furthermore, the development of Christianity in Northern-Europe (setting of Beowulf) was far more violent then the past. The factions of each side fought during conversion, qualifying this as generic warfare instead of “persecution”. Once a chieftain or ruler was converted, the practice of the “heathen” religions was made punishable. This may also be symbolized within Beowulf as Grendel. The concept may be grasped if one thinks of 2007-12-03T18:17:57-05:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Religion-in-Writing-6800.aspx “ . . . He was spawned in that slim, / Conceived by a pair of those monsters born / Of Cain, murderous creatures banished / by God, punished forever for the crime / Of Abel’s death” (lines 19-23). This quotation alone shows the religious influence in the early English epic Beowulf. Religion seems to influence all early English writings, and conflict between Pagan and Christian in the earliest. Most early epics, such as Beowulf, show conflicting views, though are addressed to a Christian audience. And most Christian writings refer to the old ways as Heathenry. Heathens Heathen, by understood definition, means ‘one who is uncivilized or uncultured’ which truly is a fallacy. “The word Heathen comes from Old English hæðen, a word whose origin has been stated by scholars as being a native word related to Greek ethnos, or a gloss for Latin pagan ‘rural dweller’ meaning ‘dweller on the heath’”(“Theod”). This term, whatever its origin, is the preferred term when referencing the pagan religion(s) of the Anglo-Saxon tribes. Theses tribes descend from the earlier tribes of Saxons, Jutes, Angles, Frisians, Varni, and other Germanic invaders that migrated to modern day Britain. Around 500 BCE, these tribes began to expand from modern Denmark, Southern Scandinavia, and Northern Germany to lands formerly held by Celts, Balts, and Illyrians. Christianity Christianity began its expansion into Indo-Europe in the later portion of the 400 BCE century. In the beginning, the Christians focused on converting the nobility of the Germanic tribes, hoping the general population would follow. “First of these nobles was Clovis I of the Franks. The Christianization of the Franks soon followed, though it would take until the 7th century to halt some pagan traditions.”(Christianization) The Christianization of the Germanic tribes continued with Irish missionaries. These missionaries, monks if you will, developed a concept known as peregrination. This meant that as punishment for their sins, the monks would travel amongst the unconverted. This alone may link history to the fictitious epic Beowulf, and the monk present at Herot. Furthermore, the development of Christianity in Northern-Europe (setting of Beowulf) was far more violent then the past. The factions of each side fought during conversion, qualifying this as generic warfare instead of “persecution”. Once a chieftain or ruler was converted, the practice of the “heathen” religions was made punishable. This may also be symbolized within Beowulf as Grendel. The concept may be grasped if one thinks of 2007-12-03T18:17:45-05:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Religion-in-Writing-6799.aspx “ . . . He was spawned in that slim, / Conceived by a pair of those monsters born / Of Cain, murderous creatures banished / by God, punished forever for the crime / Of Abel’s death” (lines 19-23). This quotation alone shows the religious influence in the early English epic Beowulf. Religion seems to influence all early English writings, and conflict between Pagan and Christian in the earliest. Most early epics, such as Beowulf, show conflicting views, though are addressed to a Christian audience. And most Christian writings refer to the old ways as Heathenry. Heathens Heathen, by understood definition, means ‘one who is uncivilized or uncultured’ which truly is a fallacy. “The word Heathen comes from Old English hæðen, a word whose origin has been stated by scholars as being a native word related to Greek ethnos, or a gloss for Latin pagan ‘rural dweller’ meaning ‘dweller on the heath’”(“Theod”). This term, whatever its origin, is the preferred term when referencing the pagan religion(s) of the Anglo-Saxon tribes. Theses tribes descend from the earlier tribes of Saxons, Jutes, Angles, Frisians, Varni, and other Germanic invaders that migrated to modern day Britain. Around 500 BCE, these tribes began to expand from modern Denmark, Southern Scandinavia, and Northern Germany to lands formerly held by Celts, Balts, and Illyrians. Christianity Christianity began its expansion into Indo-Europe in the later portion of the 400 BCE century. In the beginning, the Christians focused on converting the nobility of the Germanic tribes, hoping the general population would follow. “First of these nobles was Clovis I of the Franks. The Christianization of the Franks soon followed, though it would take until the 7th century to halt some pagan traditions.”(Christianization) The Christianization of the Germanic tribes continued with Irish missionaries. These missionaries, monks if you will, developed a concept known as peregrination. This meant that as punishment for their sins, the monks would travel amongst the unconverted. This alone may link history to the fictitious epic Beowulf, and the monk present at Herot. Furthermore, the development of Christianity in Northern-Europe (setting of Beowulf) was far more violent then the past. The factions of each side fought during conversion, qualifying this as generic warfare instead of “persecution”. Once a chieftain or ruler was converted, the practice of the “heathen” religions was made punishable. This may also be symbolized within Beowulf as Grendel. The concept may be grasped if one thinks of 2007-12-03T18:17:39-05:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Religion-in-Writing-6798.aspx “ . . . He was spawned in that slim, / Conceived by a pair of those monsters born / Of Cain, murderous creatures banished / by God, punished forever for the crime / Of Abel’s death” (lines 19-23). This quotation alone shows the religious influence in the early English epic Beowulf. Religion seems to influence all early English writings, and conflict between Pagan and Christian in the earliest. Most early epics, such as Beowulf, show conflicting views, though are addressed to a Christian audience. And most Christian writings refer to the old ways as Heathenry. Heathens Heathen, by understood definition, means ‘one who is uncivilized or uncultured’ which truly is a fallacy. “The word Heathen comes from Old English hæðen, a word whose origin has been stated by scholars as being a native word related to Greek ethnos, or a gloss for Latin pagan ‘rural dweller’ meaning ‘dweller on the heath’”(“Theod”). This term, whatever its origin, is the preferred term when referencing the pagan religion(s) of the Anglo-Saxon tribes. Theses tribes descend from the earlier tribes of Saxons, Jutes, Angles, Frisians, Varni, and other Germanic invaders that migrated to modern day Britain. Around 500 BCE, these tribes began to expand from modern Denmark, Southern Scandinavia, and Northern Germany to lands formerly held by Celts, Balts, and Illyrians. Christianity Christianity began its expansion into Indo-Europe in the later portion of the 400 BCE century. In the beginning, the Christians focused on converting the nobility of the Germanic tribes, hoping the general population would follow. “First of these nobles was Clovis I of the Franks. The Christianization of the Franks soon followed, though it would take until the 7th century to halt some pagan traditions.”(Christianization) The Christianization of the Germanic tribes continued with Irish missionaries. These missionaries, monks if you will, developed a concept known as peregrination. This meant that as punishment for their sins, the monks would travel amongst the unconverted. This alone may link history to the fictitious epic Beowulf, and the monk present at Herot. Furthermore, the development of Christianity in Northern-Europe (setting of Beowulf) was far more violent then the past. The factions of each side fought during conversion, qualifying this as generic warfare instead of “persecution”. Once a chieftain or ruler was converted, the practice of the “heathen” religions was made punishable. This may also be symbolized within Beowulf as Grendel. The concept may be grasped if one thinks of 2007-12-03T18:17:32-05:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Religion-in-Writing-6797.aspx Religion In Writing “ . . . He was spawned in that slim, / Conceived by a pair of those monsters born / Of Cain, murderous creatures banished / by God, punished forever for the crime / Of Abel’s death” (lines 19-23). This quotation alone shows the religious influence in the early English epic Beowulf. Religion seems to influence all early English writings, and conflict between Pagan and Christian in the earliest. Most early epics, such as Beowulf, show conflicting views, though are addressed to a Christian audience. And most Christian writings refer to the old ways as Heathenry. Heathens Heathen, by understood definition, means ‘one who is uncivilized or uncultured’ which truly is a fallacy. “The word Heathen comes from Old English hæðen, a word whose origin has been stated by scholars as being a native word related to Greek ethnos, or a gloss for Latin pagan ‘rural dweller’ meaning ‘dweller on the heath’”(“Theod”). This term, whatever its origin, is the preferred term when referencing the pagan religion(s) of the Anglo-Saxon tribes. Theses tribes descend from the earlier tribes of Saxons, Jutes, Angles, Frisians, Varni, and other Germanic invaders that migrated to modern day Britain. Around 500 BCE, these tribes began to expand from modern Denmark, Southern Scandinavia, and Northern Germany to lands formerly held by Celts, Balts, and Illyrians. Christianity Christianity began its expansion into Indo-Europe in the later portion of the 400 BCE century. In the beginning, the Christians focused on converting the nobility of the Germanic tribes, hoping the general population would follow. “First of these nobles was Clovis I of the Franks. The Christianization of the Franks soon followed, though it would take until the 7th century to halt some pagan traditions.”(Christianization) The Christianization of the Germanic tribes continued with Irish missionaries. These missionaries, monks if you will, developed a concept known as peregrination. This meant that as punishment for their sins, the monks would travel amongst the unconverted. This alone may link history to the fictitious epic Beowulf, and the monk present at Herot. Furthermore, the development of Christianity in Northern-Europe (setting of Beowulf) was far more violent then the past. The factions of each side fought during conversion, qualifying this as generic warfare instead of “persecution”. Once a chieftain or ruler was converted, the practice of the “heathen” religions was made punishable. This may also be symbolized within Beowulf as Grendel. The concept may be grasped if one 2007-12-03T18:16:48-05:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Religion-in-Writing-6796.aspx Religion In Writing “ . . . He was spawned in that slim, / Conceived by a pair of those monsters born / Of Cain, murderous creatures banished / by God, punished forever for the crime / Of Abel’s death” (lines 19-23). This quotation alone shows the religious influence in the early English epic Beowulf. Religion seems to influence all early English writings, and conflict between Pagan and Christian in the earliest. Most early epics, such as Beowulf, show conflicting views, though are addressed to a Christian audience. And most Christian writings refer to the old ways as Heathenry. Heathens Heathen, by understood definition, means ‘one who is uncivilized or uncultured’ which truly is a fallacy. “The word Heathen comes from Old English hæðen, a word whose origin has been stated by scholars as being a native word related to Greek ethnos, or a gloss for Latin pagan ‘rural dweller’ meaning ‘dweller on the heath’”(“Theod”). This term, whatever its origin, is the preferred term when referencing the pagan religion(s) of the Anglo-Saxon tribes. Theses tribes descend from the earlier tribes of Saxons, Jutes, Angles, Frisians, Varni, and other Germanic invaders that migrated to modern day Britain. Around 500 BCE, these tribes began to expand from modern Denmark, Southern Scandinavia, and Northern Germany to lands formerly held by Celts, Balts, and Illyrians. Christianity Christianity began its expansion into Indo-Europe in the later portion of the 400 BCE century. In the beginning, the Christians focused on converting the nobility of the Germanic tribes, hoping the general population would follow. “First of these nobles was Clovis I of the Franks. The Christianization of the Franks soon followed, though it would take until the 7th century to halt some pagan traditions.”(Christianization) The Christianization of the Germanic tribes continued with Irish missionaries. These missionaries, monks if you will, developed a concept known as peregrination. This meant that as punishment for their sins, the monks would travel amongst the unconverted. This alone may link history to the fictitious epic Beowulf, and the monk present at Herot. Furthermore, the development of Christianity in Northern-Europe (setting of Beowulf) was far more violent then the past. The factions of each side fought during conversion, qualifying this as generic warfare instead of “persecution”. Once a chieftain or ruler was converted, the practice of the “heathen” religions was made punishable. This may also be symbolized within Beowulf as Grendel. The concept may be grasped if one 2007-12-03T18:16:39-05:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Religion-in-Writing-6795.aspx Regardless of the difference or similarity in time, distance, language, and culture a few people are similar when everything amongst them is poles apart and some people are different when they share absolutely nothing in common. A similar case is with Beowulf and Gandhi; while being different in many aspects they are still very much alike in some other cases. Beowulf is a fictional character situated in the time of Anglo-Saxons which was around 700 whereas Gandhi is a realistic personality who lived in the time of British rule in India which was around the1940’s. Although being in different times, Beowulf and Gandhi had similar aims in their lives, which was to fight for good and helpless people. Beowulf and Gandhi are different in a way that Beowulf was a physically strong character and he gained an advantage over people through his power. On the other hand, Gandhi was physically weak but had a disadvantage over people of brawn. Gandhi had a unique fashion of approaching his objectives as he applied non-violent tactics to come over his opposition. On the other side, Beowulf used the violence to combat his foes. Gandhi’s words, “Non-violence is the first article of my faith.” shows how much Gandhi trusted in his non-violent method. The characters had an uncommon cultural background; Beowulf was a fictional character from around the 700’sAnglo-Saxon society, and Gandhi was a realistic personality from the modern 20th century and was a part of the Indian society. There is also some resemblance between the two characters. Both Beowulf and Gandhi were noble because they were fighting for people who were helpless and could not fight for themselves. They also represented integrity and ambition as they alleged with what they were doing and didn’t need any assistance from anyone to set out to get their goals. They were self-assured because they knew they had nothing to lose and were valiant enough to act alone. Beowulf and Gandhi were famous and respected within their own societies; people looked at them for motivation and believed in them to lead the way. In the poem Beowulf Hrothgar refers to Beowulf when he says, “God, His mercy, has sent him to save us.” This stands as a proof to how much people respected and trusted on Beowulf’s abilities. In the end they both the heroes died while they were still fighting in their struggles for the people who 2004-10-02T04:52:48-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Beowulf-vs-Gandhi-5814.aspx The inclusion of fate and what happens to the soul when you die is quite common in ancient literature. The Greek epic The Iliad and the essential work of Old English, Beowulf, are two very fine examples of this theme. Fate, how it is, or how it will play out, is recognized in both epics as something all must eventually deal with. What is implied is that the true fate of a warrior, no matter how great, is death. A man’s death can either include honor, or shame, it is the goal of both Achilles of The Iliad, and Beowulf to die honorably. Another interesting aspect of fate and death is the inclusion of an afterlife, and what that might be. In Beowulf, it is deducted that there is early Christianity that has to do with the belief in the heaven. On the contrary, the belief in life post mortem in The Iliad has much more to do with the ancient Greek Gods. The purpose of this essay is to establish a comparison of the power of fate, and the control it has mentally over both the protagonists. Also, it will contrast the early Christianity of Beowulf, to the polytheism of ancient Greece and each of their effects respectively to both characters. From the beginning of the epic, Beowulf regards his fate as one of a great warrior. This fate is to do as much honor to his name as he can, but all the while, be prepared for death, as Beowulf is. This fate, as shown in Beowulf is that of a great Warrior and ruler. Beowulf, called on by the agony of the Danish, comes to rid them of the beast Grendal. “Beowulf got ready, donned his war-gear, indifferent to death; his mighty, hand forged, fine webbed mail would soon meet with the menace underwater. It would keep the bone cage of his body safe” (Heaney 1442-1446) The quest for honor before death is perhaps the central goal for all true warriors. Beowulf quests for this honor before death over all else that is gifted to him such as power, money, and longevity. Beowulf’s glory before death is shown in his actions such as destroying Grendal, hunting Grendal’s mother, and in eliminating the great Dragon after being abandoned by his own men. Although he realizes that he is a great warrior, Beowulf is also very aware of his own mortality, and knows that 2002-12-02T13:00:00-05:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Beowulf-and-The-Iliad-Fate-and-Religion-in-Ancient-Text-5202.aspx In folktales, legends, mythology, and even the Bible, people are told stories of men with unimaginable strength. They perform heroic feats and give service to the people they love. In the Old English epic of Beowulf, by an unknown author, people are enlightened of another such hero. Beowulf, the main character of the epic, is very much an epic hero. Epic heroes are defined according to many parameters, but the two that most apply to Beowulf are supernatural powers and weapons and obstacles or heroic actions. Throughout the story, there is evidence of Beowulf’s astounding strength and “war-gear”. When Beowulf arrives at Heorot, the narrator describes him by saying, “Of living men he was the strongest, / Fearless and gallant and great of heart” (132-133). This passage articulates that Beowulf is stronger than any other man, and that his strength is supernatural. Later it also states that he has the “hand-grip” of thirty men. His strength is like many other famous legends like Hercules and Samson. They were heroes and Beowulf is no different from them. Beowulf receives many special weapons to aid him. During the battle with Grendel’s mother, Beowulf discovers a sword among the extra gear. The narrator says, “Saw mid the war-gear a stately sword, / An ancient war-brand of biting edge, / Choicest of weapons worthy and strong, / The work of giants, a warrior’s joy” (1046-1049). This mysterious weapon proves that Beowulf is an epic hero. It is conveniently there for him when he needs it most, and Fate, or God, often favors the hero of a story. It is also the only sword or weapon that will even harm the Troll-Wife. Beowulf is also aided by his chain mail armor. The narrator describes the scene when he says, “Swift she grappled and grasped the warrior / With horrid grip, but could work no harm, / No hurt to his body; the ring-locked byrny / Cloaked his life from her clutching claw; / Nor could she tear through the tempered mail” (996-1000). It never states for a fact that his armor is enchanted in anyway, but it does withstand the powerful grip of the Troll-Wife. Every hero needs protection and Beowulf has the best possible. The armor that Beowulf wears enables him to gain the advantage in the battle. Beowulf’s strength and weapons indicate that he is a true hero. Beowulf has to confront many obstacles and 2002-08-18T14:00:00-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/The-English-Epic-Hero-4949.aspx The tale of Beowulf is one of constant tranformation. Great warriors and leaders turn into cowering peons. Faithful Christians convert to devil worship. Devout followers flee at the sight of trouble. Many people's morals change quickly and drastically at the sight of change. Personal turmoil abounds with changing values brought by changing times. People remain content as long as nothing challenges them, but at the first sight of change chaos occurs. One case of how change causes people to forsake their values happens when Grendel makes his first appearance at Herot. In Herot lives Hrothgar who "...led/ The Danes to such glory that comrades and kinsmen/ Swore by his sword, and young men swelled ( Beowulf lines 64-67). Hrothgar is a mighty leader of the Danes, but at the sight of a different foe, a change, Hrothgar turns tail and runs. He does not once try to face Grendel. He instead lets his people live in terror. The Hrothgar that is described before the arrival of Grendal is a completely different person, mentally, than the Hrothgar that is terrorized by the monster. He knows only one type of enemy, humans, and once that changes he loses all his leadership power. A true man of value will keep his values no matter what change takes place. Fate does not play a role in Hrothgar's actions. He is caught up in pride about all his achievements. This makes him weak to being caught by change. He beomes so comfortable in his station that he narrows his comfort zone to such a level that any amount of change will throw him off. Everything that happens is by his own accord. Hrothgar is a perfect example of how people cannot mentally fight evil. Without the constant attack of evil, one will not be able to deal with it when it arises. Hrothgar is not exposed to evil, so when it rears its ugly head his only reaction is to flee. If someone lives in a utopia and leaves, they will not be able to deal with the evil they find because they have never dealt with it before. Good cannot combat evil if it has never known evil. The only way to resolve Hrothgar's situation is to bring in someone who knows evil and faces it well, is not prideful, and can adapt to change well. In the tale, that is exactly how the problem 2001-10-30T13:00:00-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Beowulf-Changes-In-People-3964.aspx The tale of Beowulf is one of constant transformation. Great warriors and leaders are turned into cowering peons. Faithful Christians convert to devil worship. Devout followers flee at the sight of trouble. Many people’s morals change quickly and drastically at the sight of change. Personal turmoil abounds with changing values brought about by changing times. People can remain content as long as nothing challenges them, however at the mere sight of change personal chaos abounds. One case of how change causes people to forsake their values happens when Grendal makes his first appearance at Herot. “Then Hrothgar, taking the throne, led/ The Danes to such glory that comrades and kinsmen/ Swore by his sword, and young men swelled.” (64-67) Hrothgar was a mighty leader of the Danes, but at the sight of a different foe, a change, Hrothgar turned tail and ran. He did not once try to face Grendal (although his attempt would have been insignificant), but would rather let his people live in terror. The Hrothgar describe before the arrival of Grendal was a completely different person, mentally, than the Hrothgar that was terrorized by the monster. He knew only one type of enemy, humans, and once that changed he lost all his leadership power. A true man of values would have kept them no matter what change takes place. Fate does not play a role in Hrothgar’s actions. He is caught up in pride about all his achievements that makes him vulnerable to being caught by change. He becomes too comfortable in his station that he narrows his comfort zone to such a level that any amount of change will throw his off tremendously. Everything that happens is by his own doings. Hrothgar is a perfect example of how people cannot mentally fight evil. Without the constant attack of evil, one will not be able to deal with it when it comes up. Beowulf is constantly battling evil, which makes him more able to battle it when it is encountered. Hrothgar was not exposed to evil, so when it reared its ugly head his only reaction was to flee. If someone lives in a perfect society and leaves, they will not be able to deal with the evil they find because they have never had to deal with it before. Good cannot combat evil if it has never known evil. The only way to resolve Hrothgar’s situation is to bring 2001-05-13T14:00:00-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Beowulf-Changes-in-People-3366.aspx There are many traits that are possessed by those who seek heroism. Whether it is in real life or in fiction, every hero desires these character traits in the past, present, and future. IN my opinion, the two traits that are most prominent in the poem Beowulf are bravery and goodness. In this poem, Beowulf exhibits the trait of bravery by defeating the monster, Grendel. This monster was a very powerful monster that plagued the town of Herot. “He slipped through the door… Snatched up thirty men, smashed them/ Unknowing in their beds and ran out with their bodies/ The blood dripping behind him, back/ To his liar, delighted with his night’s slaughter. (11)” The society that he terrorized was happy and always rejoicing. “As now warriors sang of their pleasure/ So Hrothgar’s men lived happily in this hall… (11)” Bravery today has changed from that of Anglo-Saxon times. In the poem, Beowulf uses his bare hands to defeat the evil, monstrous Grendel. He believes that it would be braver and mightier if he were to defeat Grendel without use of a weapon. “My lord Higlac/ Might thing less of me if I let my sword/ Go where my feet were afraid to, if I hid/ Behind some broad linen shield: my hands/ Alone shall fight for me, struggle for life/ Against the monster (15).” However, in modern times, bravery is associated and accompanied by weaponry. In the movie “Jaws”, which is a 20th century film, the preying shark terrorizes the beaches of New England. After he is finally trapped, he is killed- but not in the same fashion as Grendel was. The shark was shot in the mouth and then blew up to do a CO2 tank he had swallowed. The way in which each antagonist was killed was in two very different ways: with and without weaponry, respectively. These two scenarios from Anglo-Saxon and modern times are similar, as well. They are similar because of the continuity of “monsters” terrorizing a society being a great influence among audiences of the past and present. The two works of both eras demonstrate the continual interest in defeating villains and “feeding” it’s listeners with tales such as these. Bravery is not the only trait in which a hero possesses. A hero needs and has more than one heroic quality, just like no flower is complete without its vibrant colors and sweet smell. Goodness can be compared 2001-04-21T14:00:00-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Heroism-in-Beowulf-3229.aspx Grendel, the first antagonist in the epic poem Beowulf, is most definitely a monster. To even compare him to a “rambunctious youth” is irrational. The narrator emphasizes his monster-like qualities and even refers to him as a monster. The diction deliberately portrays him as evil, as do Grendel’s own actions. The beginning line of the passage is , “A powerful monster …”. In line 16-17, the narrator goes further by saying, “… the monster stirred, that demon, that fiend, Grendel, …”. The narrator plainly states that he is a monster in several other lines, also. But, even before all of these occurrences of the word, the introduction summarizes the first passage saying that a fierce and powerful monster invades the mead hall. Even by this, the reader has a preconception that Grendel is a monster. Grendel is always in contrast to “the Almighty” and Christianity. It is explained that he is descendant of the biblical figure Cain. Anyone familiar with the bible knows that Cain murdered his brother, Abel, and is considered an embodiment of evil by most Christian religions. So Grendel was born banished by God and lead his life accordingly. He is described as being the shadow of death and having hell-forged hands. The narrator would not have to continue to convince anyone that Grendel is a monster. Grendel behaves like a monster and has many qualities pertaining to being one. He lusts for evil (lines 52-53) and relished his savage war (line 67). He was not on a conquest of love, fortune, or fame; he slaughtered men for sport, certainly not the pass time of the average rambunctious youth. His victims were all unknowing and asleep. He only came with darkness, also associated with evil. He lurked, stirred, and haunted. All these words have evil connotations, as do all words describing the monster and his actions. After the night’s rampage, he returned to his “lair”, suggesting that Grendel is a wild animal. Since the word is usually associated with lions, it’s connotation further illustrates his claws and fangs in the reader’s mind. Only one event almost relates a human aspect to Grendel – his mother’s revenge. Suggesting that he has a mother and that she cares about him may convey a child-like image to the reader, but that doesn’t mean he’s not a monster. We all have mothers and most everyone’s mother cares about them. Grendel’s 2001-02-26T13:00:00-05:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Beowulf-Grendel-The-Monster-2927.aspx Grendal, a descendant of Cain, is one of the main antagonist of the poem Beowulf. He lives under an inherited curse and is denied God’s presence. Throughout the story Grendal causes enormous grief and fear to the people of Herot. After so much pain and agony the king of Herot, Hrothgar, sends for the protagonist of the poem, Beowulf. He is a Geat and the epic hero of the poem. The wide variety of distinctions between Grendal and Beowulf is what develops the climax of the composition. Beowulf kills Grendal, so he is honored by the people of Herot for his heroic act. Since Grendal and Beowulf play opposite roles in the poem, Beowulf, they let the reader know how contrasting characters can develop the plot of the story. Grendal is known as a monster and portrays one of the many villains in the poem. He is referred to as the “guardian of his sins”. Grendal depicts a heathen the physical image of man estranged from God. Basically, Grendal reflects a physical monster, an ogre who is hostile to humanity. Grendal’s constant visits to Hrothgar’s mead hall for bloody feasts made him feel powerful over God’s humanity. Unfortunately, the night Beowulf lies in wait for him, he assumes that his bloody feasts will continue and Grendal gives no attention to his method of attack. Grendal is then killed. Beowulf, the heroic figure in the poem, is known throughout the land as a courageous man who performs great deeds of valor. He is a Geat, who later becomes the king of the Geats. Beowulf’s strength seems to be a gift from God. As a noble and kind man, Beowulf comes to Herot to save them from God’s foe. Before Beowulf initiates battle with Grendal he exhibits a sense of fairness in not using a weapon against the monster. This demonstrates a great difference between the two characters. Had Beowulf’s attack not been unexpected, Grendal surely would have used a weapon. Beowulf’s defeat against Grendal sets one of the first stepping stones to his long legacy of heroic deeds. Both of these characters remain static throughout the poem. Beowulf portrays the heroic figure who saves everyone, while Grendal always remains evil with bad intentions. Grendal attacks mead hall because of jealousy. Grendal envies the fellowship and happiness he observes. He dislikes living in the outer world, excluded from the company of men; thus he 2000-11-17T13:00:00-05:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Beowulf-vs_-Grendal-2519.aspx A hero is a person noted for their act of courage and the nobility of their purpose. The hero of an epic poem embodies the ideals of conduct that are most valued by the culture in which the epic was composed. Beowulf is described as a perfect hero who fights for his people and vanquishes evil with his extraordinary abilities to bring peace and justice. Three of Beowulf’s traits that support this are his amazing physical strength, his ability to put his people’s welfare before his own, and the fact that he does not fear death. Beowulf is a hero in the eyes of his fellow men through his amazing physical strength. He fought in numerous battles and returned victorious from all but his last. Beowulf is strong enough to kill the monster Grendel, who has been terrorizing the Danes for twelve years, with his bare hands by ripping off his arm. When Beowulf is fighting Grendel's mother, who is seeking revenge on her son's death, he is able to slay her by slashing the monster's neck with a Giant's sword that can only be lifted by a person as strong as Beowulf. When he chops off her head, he carries it from the ocean with ease, but it takes four men to lift and carry it back to Herot mead-hall (39). This strength is a key trait of Beowulf's heroism. Another heroic trait of Beowulf is his ability to put his peoples welfare before his own. Beowulf's uncle is king of the Geats so he is sent as an emissary to help rid the Danes of the evil Grendel. Beowulf risks his own life for the Danes, asking help from no one. He realizes the dangers but fears nothing for his own life. After Beowulf had served his people as King of the Geats for fifty years, he goes to battle one last time to fight a horrible dragon that is frightening all of his people. Beowulf is old and tired but he defeats the dragon in order to protect his people. Even in death he wished so secure safety for the Geats so a tall lighthouse is built in order to help the people find their way back from sea (45). The most heroic of traits within Beowulf is that he is not afraid to die. He always explains his death wishes before going into battle and requests to 2000-10-25T14:00:00-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Beowulf-2407.aspx Beowulf’s author is unknown, as are his motives and inspiration for the creation of the poem. Written some four hundred years before the Norman conquests, it is comprised of three thousand, one hundred and eighty-two lines, dramatically reproducing the timeless struggle between good and evil, along with all the variations that accompany such a story. By far one of the most admirable qualities presented to the reader is the notion of heroism, and the importance of honor. The quality of character was a major element of the heroic man in the world of which the story is set. In relation the personality, James V. McConnell wrote; “Let us define personality as the way in which a person thinks, behaves and adjusts to his or her environment. Such a definition would include the persons traits, values, motives, attitudes, emotional reactions, abilities, self-image and intelligence as well as the persons overt behavior patterns.” (McConnell, page 610). He then went on further to say, “A complete theory of personality would not only describe the individual’s present style of adjustment but give some notion of how the person got that way and where he or she was going.” Throughout the poem, the author allows the reader to see, in action, the true workings of heroes. Men and women who cast aside their own personal needs and desires for the better of others. During this time society sustained a strong honor code. The actions that an individual amassed over their lifetime was the title by which they were known to the rest of the land, both good and bad. A lot was asked of rulers concerning the protection and expansion of the empire, Kings and Queens were known by their conquests and control of the subjects around them. In the prologue we are introduced to a loved and heroic King by the name of Shild. “ How Shild made slaves of soldiers from every land, crowds of captives he’d beaten into terror…lived to be rich and much honored. He ruled lands on all sides: wherever the sea would take them his soldiers sailed, returned with tribute and obedience.” (Raffel, line 4). This section of the prologue clearly defines the times, in that it immediately sets up the reader for the level of nobility in the tone of the author, in the expression of dignity that accompanies King Shild’s conquests. His life was associated with greatness and 2000-10-19T14:00:00-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Beowulf-Heroism-2387.aspx Grendel was the embodiment of all that was evil and dark. Before Grendel was a monster, his name was Lednerg He was described as a monster, demon, and a fiend. Terrible events occurred to Grendel to transform him into a horrible monster. Lednerg had a very weird childhood. He did not have any siblings. Throughout his childhood, Lednerg endured many insults directed to him and his family. His parents were also second cousins. He was always the last to finish his homework. During his early years, sports were not very kind to Lednerg. His only friend was Adolf. Adolf was extremely smart, and he was blessed with great sporting abilities. Whenever Lednerg was in a pensive mood, Adolf always brought joy to him. Lednerg’s education ended when his mom got in a verbal assault with the school president. With lack of sufficient education, Lednerg made many stupid decisions in his life. Since Lednerg did not attend school anymore, his parents forced him to get a job. Lednerg worked for Natas, who owned a football team, as a water boy. All the football players made fun of everything that Lednerg did at work. In the beginning, Lednerg did not get discouraged; in fact, Lednerg worked extra hard to make sure the water was at perfect temperature for drinking. Unfortunately, one of the players made fun of Lednerg’s mom. Something in Lednerg’s mind went off, and he tackled the player with all his strength. Natas saw Lednerg’s potential; however, he knew he needed to have full control of Lednerg. Natas separated Lednerg from his family by killing all his relatives. Natas told Lednerg that he needed to be angrier to be a better football player. During one of the football games, Lednerg hit the opponent in the head after the play was over. After staying a few days in the Intensive Care Unit, he died. Lednerg felt very upset at what he had done, but Natas told him that it was not his fault. At this time, Adolf was also on the football team. Natas told Lednerg that if by some chance Adolf was hurt, then all the glory would be his. The next day, Adolf was found dead. Lednerg had so many thoughts going through his head about everything he had done. After murdering his best friend, Lednerg became insane. When Natas realized that Lednerg could not play football because he was mentally 2000-10-11T14:00:00-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Beowulf-Grendel’s-Past-2325.aspx Grendel is the embodiment of all that is evil and dark. He is a descendant of Cain and like Cain is an outcast of society. He is doomed to roam in the shadows. He is always outside looking inside. He is an outside threat to the order of society and all that is good. His whole existence is grounded solely in the moral perversion to hate good simply because it is good. He is described as a monster, demon, and a fiend. Grendel has swift, hard claws, and enormous teeth that snatch the life out of his victims, which are numerous. This “shadow of death” not only kills; he drinks the blood of his prey. His forefather, Cain, was also known for this fiendish act. Just as Grendel is an outcast, so Cain was cast out of the Garden of Eden. To the Anglo-Saxons, the worst crime a person could commit was the crime of fratricide, the killing of one’s own brother. Their society and culture was structured around themes of brotherhood and kinship. The mead Hall, Herot, was a symbol of peace. It was a place where warriors gathered in a spirit of brotherhood and harmony to celebrate. Grendel was jealous and enraged by the festivities and the sound of laughter that he kept hearing while he was alone in his mere. Time after time he charges into Herot Hall, slaughtering the warriors like sheep, and feasting on them. Denmark trembles in fear and grief as Grendel terrorizes their land. The people live in fear for their family and friends. Grendel is the Anglo-Saxon embodiment of what is dark, terrifying, and threatening. Grendel is an enemy of God. He can not know God’s great love. He is a powerful ogre that resides in the dark, wet marshes. He is a shadow of death that grows impatient with the Danes. He delights in their slaughter. No crime or savage assault would quench his thirst for evil. For evil can never be quenched. Grendel is a shepherd of evil and a guardian of crime. Grendel exhibits his envy towards the warriors as Cain did to his brother. Jealousy breed loneliness. Grendel is alone; he can not know God’s love and be comforted. He is an outcast, and the sins of his forefather have fallen upon him. Evil can not stand God being glorified just as the praising of God by the Danes angered Grendel. 2000-08-15T14:00:00-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Beowulf-Grendel-Essay-2189.aspx John Gardner introduces the reader of Grendel to an intimate side of Unferth unseen in the epic poem Beowulf. In Grendel we behold what a pathetic, sniveling wimp Unferth has become. In Beowulf all that we see is a jealous bastard. Why did Gardner make the character of Unferth so different from the original depiction? He didn’t. The only change in Unferth from Beowulf to Grendel is his realistic characterization in Grendel. After the drunken Danes give Beowulf his warm welcome, Unferth unleashes his anger in an attack on Beowulf. This petty proclamation which points out Beowulf’s not- so triumphant swimming contest with Brecca, shows the reader (or listener) that Unferth is nothing more than a spineless bastard. In Grendel we find that Unferth’s bitterness is well founded. John Gardner shows Unferth as the most pathetic man to ever call himself a hero. Unferth is degraded once in the apple battle (he was beat by flying fruit for god’s sake!!!) and then again in the cave. In the cave Unferth begs Grendel to take his life but Grendel gives him fate worse than death. Grendel leaves him alive and impotent. Unferth knows that he cannot kill Grendel yet he cannot be a martyr to Herot either. All during the first year of Grendel’s siege, the smell of apples fresh in the air, Unferth tries to be the Grendel’s martyr. Oh the heroic Unferth who died trying to save the people of Herot. Unfortunately he never got to die, not even dressed up as a goat, a pig or an elderly women. This continuing life of impotence lead Unferth to an immense sense of bitterness. Poor Unferth to be at a beast’s mercy for twelve years only to have Beowulf disembowel Grendel in one night. On the beach as Beowulf is about detach mama’s head from her body, Unferth gives Beowulf his sword in a touching moment of peace between Beowulf and Unferth. Well that is not quite right. This touching moment is Unferth’s last attempt at contributing to his beloved Herot. If he can’t kill the beast at least his sword can. Unferth is reaching for martyrdom. Unferth never redeems himself as a hero no matter how unselfish or heroic he was as he handed over his beloved sword. Unferth would never be a hero again. His one chance of "inner heroism" was gone when Grendel refused take his life in the 1999-11-27T13:00:00-05:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Beowulf-Grendel-1351.aspx I have just completed the reading of Beowulf, which was translated by Burton Raffel. 1) Beowulf is an extremely exciting and fascinating story about a character who lived in medieval Europe. The shocking thing for me about this work was to find out that it is the earliest poem in a modern European language. Beowulf is to the English what Homer and the Odyssey were to the Greeks. Although this is the earliest poem, it is still fun and exciting to read. I didn't believe that a poem which has been around for more than twelve centuries, could keep my interest. I was wrong. The book is filled with more blood and guts then the average summer horror flick. After the battle with Grendel, the monster which has been ravaging the Danish countryside and killing countless men, Beowulf makes sure that all people know that he had injured the great monster. It is translated that, "...no Dane doubted the victory, for the proof, hanging high from the rafters where Beowulf had hung it, was the monster's arm, claw and shoulder and all" (Raffel, 49). It was the shocking use of detail and exciting battles that was left with me when I finished the book. I guess all books, regardless of their age can still be fun and entertaining to read. 2) Good literature has a very precise definition for me. I judge a piece of literature on three different criteria, 1) does it have memorable characters, 2) does the work take me to a place and let me experience things that I have never experienced before, and 3) will the work stay with me long after I have completed reading it. This is the criteria on which I judge a book and according to this, I believe that Beowulf should be considered "good" literature. I always ask myself, when I am done reading a book, did the book have memorable characters. In Beowulf, the characters were memorable. A minor character in the book, the king of the Danes, named Hrothgar, is a character who sticks out greatly in my mind. Hrothgar was a king of the Danes and built for them a huge mead hall in which men were able to eat drink and be merry. It was then that the great monster, Grendel, came and destroyed the utopia which was Herot by eating and feasting on the Danish warriors. Hrothgar sticks out in my 1999-10-24T14:00:00-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Analysis-on-Beowulf-1087.aspx The epic poem Beowulf, whose author is unknown, not only captures a reader¡¦s attention and opens up new doors to his imagination, it gives an extensive background to a significant period in history. Being one of the first major works of England, Beowul introduced British Literature. The epic tells the adventures of a courageous hero named Beowulf. This renowned poem functions as a building block to British literature. Beowulf, serving as a prologue to British literature, introduced many new concept that has been built upon and altered throughout the centuries; Two of these concepts include the rhythm and the fact that history and literature correspond. The rhythm of Beowulf, from the Anglo-Saxon age, depended upon accent and alliteration. Through four stressed syllables alternating with an indefinite number of unstressed ones and an abrupt pause within the middle of lines, the careful ear detects a usical effect. Alliteration, the recurrence of the same first consonant sound in a line of poetry, commonly occurred in three out of four of the stressed syllables (Encarta). These methods of early rhythm set the basis for the accentuation for many su equent British works. Writers in later times modified these new concepts to fit their own style and the technique of their time. Beowulf truly played a role in the cadence of British literature. Beowulf is an accumulation of preceding centuries, as in history and other literary works, layer upon layer. The literature of Anglo-Saxons stems directly out of their lifestyles. It gives characteristics to an ancient civilization, allowing present y people to have an insight into the values, dreams, and ideals of men from the Anglo-Saxon time. Concepts of the era included: fame, fate, and having a hero. The epic poem Beowulf exemplifies these attributes. Beowulf was known all over for his triu h of ridding many lands of evil fiends. His name and reputation traveled through word of mouth. He possessed the qualifications of a hero, being ¡§braver and stronger than anyone anywhere in this world (Raffel 27).¡¨ Beowulf depicts the theme of fate i the words: ¡§God must decide who will be given to death¡¦s cold grip (Raffel 32).¡¨ The weakening of the ultimate power, Beowulf, is a result of destiny. If the Battle of Hastings never occurred, Britain would not be as man knows it today since a vital rt of history was omitted. Literature follows the same guidelines. If Beowulf never existed, British literature would have taken on 1999-10-15T14:00:00-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/How-is-Beowulf-important-to-British-Literature-1054.aspx The Anglo-Saxons were the members of the Germanic peoples who invaded England, and were there at the time of the Norman Conquest. They were people of their own time, language and culture. In the Anglo-Saxon adventure filled tale of Beowulf, the heron Beowulf was, at the time, considered the modern day superman. His character exemplifies the Germanic hero, and consequently the Anglo-Saxon ideal: strong, fearless, bold, loyal, and stoic in his acceptance of fate. With the absence of humility, yet his important role in society and his ideals of chivalry, Beowulf was the definition of a hero in his own time. This novel develops the theme that with honor towards chivalry and faith in yourself, anything can be accomplished. To be a hero in the Anglo-Saxon period, you proved yourself by doing good deeds,showing honor and exemplifying bravery. But with all of his amazing characteristics, Beowulf had a hard time proving humility. "you're Beowulf, are you - the same boastful fool who fought a swimming match with Brecca, both of you daring and young and proud, exploring the deepest seas, risking your lives for no reason but the danger? All older and wiser heads warned you not to, but no one could check such pride."(p.39, Beowulf). This quote best describes Beowulf as a child, full of pride and not that good at hiding it. "I fought that beast's last battle, left it floating lifeless in the sea." (p.40 Beowulf). Another quote that showed that in his older age, he had no problem expressing how good he was. A Knight , a hero in the near future, was not one to be as outspoken of his capabilities as Beowulf, even though they did both have the same roles in society and honor towards chivalry. Two qualities that did make Beowulf look a lot more heroic, unlike his absence of humility. Beowulf's role in society was almost identical to that of a Knight. Only, unlike the Knight, Beowulf made the choice to have this role in society. He was considered the strongest warrior around. He could fight anything, and would easily fight for his King and country. When King Hrothgar had trouble in his battle hall Herot, he asked for Beowulf's assistance. With honor and pride, Beowulf gladly accepted the Kings plea for help. Many believed he did so because it was considered his role in society. Either way, he fought off the two 1999-01-22T13:00:00-05:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Theme-of-Beowulf-62.aspx