Beowulf Reader Response - 1459 Words

The poem begins with a discussion about Shield Sheafson , who was the king of the Thanes. He was a baby whose parents abandoned him and rose to the top. After Sheafson died, his son Beow became king in his place. Once he died, Hrothgar became the ruler of the Thanes. Hrothgar brought fortune and success to the Thanes and in celebration of it he built a hall called Hereot, where he and his men gathered for festivities. For a good amount of time the Danes enjoyed peace until one Grendel, who was descendant of Cain, attacked the hall and killed thirty men when they fell asleep. Grendel continued these attacks for twelve winters. After all this time, word begins to spread throughout kingdoms. Beowulf, who is the best warrior in the world,†¦show more content†¦He throws the hilt and the head on the ground showing him they she was killed and they can feel safe again. Hrothgar promises Beowulf more treasures and another banquet in the morning. After the banquet Beowulf urges that h e and his men return home. Hrothgar Praises Beowulf again and tells his that he has reunited the Danes. He gives Beowulf twelve treasures and tells him to come back to Denmark even though Hrothgar knows he will never see Beowulf again. Beowulf sets sail back to Geatland and go back to the hall of Hygelac. Beowulf and his men return home, and go to the hall of King Hygelac and Queen Hygd. The Geats are preparing for their arrival since they heard news that Beowulf was coming home. They warriors and Beowulf receive a warm welcome. After Beowulf tells the story of what happened during his journey, he gives the king and queen a large part of his treasure. In return for all his good deeds, Hygelac gives him treasure and a piece of his own land to rule. Some time passes and king Hygelac is killed in a battle with the Shylfings. Beowulf becomes kings and rules for fifty years. A thief then steals a gem covered goblet and the furious dragon that has protected the treasure for over three hun dred years becomes enraged, torching villages to pieces. Beowulf’s own hall then becomes target and is burned to the ground. After all this time, Beowulf has to face one last obstacle. He sends elevenShow MoreRelatedThe Tragedy Of Beowulf By William Shakespeare1111 Words   |  5 PagesAncestry plays an important part in Beowulf, it is the blood that the characters carry that decides their fate. To try to deny destiny, is both courageous yet, for some it is futile. Beowulf’s most conflicting character is Grendel, throughout the story you may feel pity for him, and other times you feel hatred for him. Grendel live in a marshy swamp, and is a descendant of Cain, who killed his own blood brother, Abel, out of jealousy. To pay for this ultimate sin, Cain s whole clan was condemnedRead MoreDavid Maloufs Hero in Ransom1215 Words   |  5 Pagestraditional form is that of narrative heroic poetry. One such example being the eight century poem Beowulf. Which when tied and co mpared to a much more modern take on the traditional hero genre in the form of David Malouf’s â€Å"ransom† showcase the different ways in which the hero trope can be explored. Throughout both these texts, the author directs and challenges the readers ideas of heroism. Within Beowulf especially where the traditional ideals of being a hero are challenged and reformed, to createRead MoreComparing Beowulf And Sir Gawain And The Green Knight Essay1555 Words   |  7 PagesOne may express that today’s cultural values differ than those who lived â€Å"back then† but the response to that ideology is, does one value loyalty? Among the many values of the Anglo-Saxons, such as bravery, truth, and honor, above them all stands loyalty. 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His great strength is shown firstRead MoreEssay about Epic of Beowulf1017 Words   |  5 PagesBeowulf The Anglo-Saxon Culture as Illustrated in Beowulf Beowulf is an epic poem, which takes place in ancient Denmark and Geatland and describes the adventures of Beowulf, a Geat hero. Through their heroes, epic poems usually describe the traditions and beliefs of a certain culture. An Anglo-Saxon author wrote Beowulf about the Danes and Geats. The Anglo-Saxon’s had similar beliefs to that of the Dane and Geat’s, so the poem gives us some idea of what the Anglo-Saxon culture was like.Read MoreBeowulf As A Heros Journey1624 Words   |  7 PagesFor Beowulf to retain its relevance after a journey from single surviving manuscript to famous epic poem, one can assume its star role is filled by a character extraordinary. The poem’s hero, Beowulf, strikingly resembles many renown principal characters. 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In the epic of Beowulf, one of the warrior’s biggest adversaries is a creature from the swamp named Grendel. Although the character of Grendel is present for only a short portion in the story of Beowulf, Grendel signifies one of the important messages in the text about humanity. In Beowulf, Grendel is called a ‘monster’. However, if observed closely, analyzing the meaning behind the story, it is easyRead MoreEssay on Beowulf study guide1576 Words   |  7 Pages1) Describe how we find King Hrothgar and his response to learning that Beowulf has come to his kingdom. A. The king is sad and depressed that his kingdom has fallen into such a state of disrepair. He is overjoyed to learn that Beowulf, whom he knows from stories and his father, Ecgtheow, has come to fight Grendel. Hrothgar promises Beowulf treasure if he can defeat the monster. 2) In the beginning of â€Å"Beowulf,† King Hrothgar’s hall has been deserted for twelve years. In a short essay, tell whyRead MoreThe Roles Of Compressions In The Epic Of Beowulf812 Words   |  4 Pagesthrough generations. Throughout the epic poem of Beowulf, digressions are presented through the concept of giving advice or remembrance to their ancestors. The digressions within the epic poem are at times ambiguous. However, they play a large role in the underlying perception for the character’s actions. The digression that illustrates the story of King Finn was implemented to uncover the uncertainly of Hrothgar’s Queen, Wealhtheow. Though Beowulf was a mighty hero and savior for Heorot and the