The Heroic Qualities of Beowulf - Essay Example

The heroic qualities of Beowulf are evident when the poem describes his arrival to the Hrothgar's hall. In the eyes of a poet, Beowulf shows different boastful features. In the majority of cases, he claims about his brave nature. Hrothgar as the king was unable to protect his people and he underlined the heroic features of Beowulf. He is proud of Grendel's head and for Beowulf, it is a perfect example of his brevity and it is a valuable symbol of his power and strength.

Question 2
There are two different societies and their traditions reflected in this epic poem. There is no doubt that a period of transition from paganism to Christianity is a landmark in the history of England. Hrothgar believes in God and he is sure that his nation can be protected with the help of God's support. Beowulf exposes his belief in God too. He says that the power of the Almighty can be seen in different aspects of human lives.
Then up sprang the old one, the All-Wielder thanked he,
Ruler Almighty that the man had outspoken.
Then for Hrothgar, a war-horse was decked with a bridle,
Curly-maned courser. The clever folk-leader (Hall 2006, line 15, p. 79)
In an interesting manner, both ideas of Christianity and paganism are implemented in this epic poem. For example, in spite of beliefs in God, the Danes, and the Geats nations practice crematory rituals in the funerals.

Question 3
Beowulf shows his physical dominance in the fight against Grendel and his psychological power in his fight against Grendel's mother. The author makes an emphasis on external supremacy and the leading positions of Beowulf. This is a powerful hero:
Take thou in charge now the noblest of houses;
Be mindful of honor, exhibiting prowess,
Watch ’gainst the foeman! Thou shalt want no enjoyments,
Survive thou safely adventure so glorious!” (Hall 2006, line 100 p. 44)
Beowulf developed a cunning strategy and when Grendel came up to him, Beowulf did not sleep, but he was much focused on ways of fighting with Grendel.

Question 4
Treasure is the symbol of paganism. It is evident that Beowulf practices both religious and pagan strategies in the ways of his fighting against his enemies.
Of earth-joys any, I ever can give thee.
Full often for lesser service I’ve given
Hero less hardy hoard-treasure precious (Hall 2006, line 25 page 59)
It cannot be denied that in the ancient legends and myths the ideas of paganism were often embodied in weird creatures or some symbols, such as treasure, for example.

Question 5
Hrothgar can be considered as a devoted supporter of his nation's protector, i.e. Beowulf:
My true-hearted counselor, trusty adviser,
Shoulder-companion, when fighting in battle
Our heads we protected when troopers were clashing,
[He was my ideal hero.] (Hall 2006, lines 5-10, p. 76).
It looks like the king underlines his inability to protect his nation himself, but Beowulf acknowledges the wisdom of the king. What cannot be denied is that Hrothgar shows enough power to acclaim the physical power of Beowulf

Question 6
Good things are the gifts of God as St. Augustine claims. This fact cannot be denied and we clearly realize the fact that eternal victory and peace are never-ending. The same ideas are expressed in the epic poem. On the one hand, there are many features of paganism, but on the other hand, it is clear that the ideas of Christianity are on the way to development. We can illustrate this claim in the following way:
Since God had erst given him greatness no little,
Wielder of Glory. His end-day anear,
It afterward happens that the bodily-dwelling (Hall 2006, line 10, p. 95).
Superhuman personifications are present throughout the epic poem (Chickering, Howell, 2006). Beowulf has many supernatural features and though he believes in God he shows features of immense supernatural power. The fight between Grendel and Beowulf is an example of a fight between good and evil.
Beowulf movie
In the movie "Beowulf" by Robert Zemeckis (2007) Beowulf is shown as a flawed man and Hrothgar shows features of a womanizing alcoholic. Read More