Beowulf: a Legendary Poem of Ancient England - Essay Example

The language of this poem is unique which makes it difficult for the contemporaries to understand the text to the fullest extent. The majority of people are dependent on translation, and the master features of different versions of translations are the key determinant factor for the modern understanding of the poem. The central theme in the lines selected for analysis (1-1630) helps people to fight against monster Grendel. He has done his worst, but the wound will end him.
He is hasped and hooped and hirpling with pain, limping and looped in it. (Gummere lines 74-76)

We can see the controversial and challenging personality of Beowulf because he wanted to help Hrothgar who had helped his father. There is no boasting, and Beowulf intends to show his intentions to fight Grendel himself in order to help his people. King Hrothgar accepts his offer. The fight between Grendel and Beowulf impresses the readers because Beowulf makes the monster die as a result of his actions. In the end, this is very impressive and Hrothgar gives many presents to Beowulf (Gummere lines 1-85).

We can see positive relations between Hrothgar and Beowulf:
Blessed God
out of his mercy, this man hath sent
to Danes of the West, as I ween indeed,
against the horror of Grendel. I hope to give
the good youth gold for his gallant thought.
Be thou in haste, and bid them hither,
clan of kinsmen, to come before me;
and add this word,—they are welcome guests
to folk of the Danes (Gummere lines 382-389).

We can see that Beowulf is boasting, but at the same time, he claims that the details of the fight against Grendel are pleasant for him. Beowulf boasts once again, and he positions himself as a liberator of the Spear-Danes from Grendel. Wealhtheow is pleased with his declaration and sits near her husband (Gummere lines 607-914). It can be said that in the modern context, the ideas of a monster can also occur: "Grendel comes alive in the readers' imagination as a kind of dog-breath in the dark, a fear of collision with some hard-boned and immensely strong android frame...." (Heaney 2000). In spite of the fact that the monster's reality has been always challenged, the lines about "Grendel's mother, monstrous hell-bride, brooded on her wrongs" (Gummere lines 1259-60) inspire the readers.

Beowulf speaks of his wounding of the monster Grendel. The main characters of the epic poem are really interested in particular details of Grendel's assassination. King Hrothgar is thankful to God for Grendel's defeat. The epic poem reminds us about the closeness of death:
But well for him
that after death-day may draw to his Lord
and friendship find in the Father's arms! (Gummere lines 186-188)
At the same time, peace is reached when everyone is drinking and celebrating the victory of Beowulf over Grendel.

Conclusion
In this translation we can see a poem within a poem: in such a way it is easy for us to develop strategies, which are focused on the battle with the man-eating monster Grendel. For modern readers, it is difficult to comprehend the real essence of the epic poem. Heaney is focused on the ancient roots of Beowulf, and he widely implements onomatopoeia because in ancient times imitating sounds was a perfect means to transfer the real meaning of the original written work. This translation provides the readers with the realistic features of Grendel. In accordance with the translation and short lines of summary, the readers better understand the old epic poem and its main characters. The great personality of Beowulf is positioned as a heroic and outstanding fighter for the independence of his nation who does not forget about his personal interests, too. Interesting descriptions, vivid metaphors, and comparisons underline the unique nature of ancient times and the issues of heroism.