Anglo-Saxon Poem: Beowulf - Book Report/Review Example

Introduction The epic Beowulf has been regarded as greatest Anglo-Saxon poem for its survival and popularity. The epic poem is the translation of thestory staged in Denmark and Southwestern Sweden during 6th century. The poem has explained the 'brief genealogy of the Scylding (Dane) royal dynasty' which was named after mythic hero as a tribute to his services and sacrifices. Scyld Scefing has reached his tribe 'as a castaway babe on a ship loaded with treasure'. The epic poem has explained the rituals of the funeral ceremony of Scyld in beautiful manner. In the second part of the poem the poet has discussed the reign and empire established by Hrothgar, great-grandson of Hrothgar, 'whose successful rule is symbolized by a magnificent central mead-hall called Heorot' (Frances, 2007). Discussion Point No. 1 The poem has explained that for more than twelve years Grendel who is among the descendants of the murderer Cain has been a threat to the stability and survival of the Hrothgar's empire. The personality of Grendel can be best explained as huge man-like ogre. Grendel raided Heorot and brutally attacked the warriors of the king, killed many of them, he 'ruled the mead-hall nightly'. It has been described in the poem that, Beowulf is the young warrior settled in the Geat-land i.e. Southwestern Sweden and visited Scylding. Beowulf offered his services to the kind in order to defend the territory and the empire against Grendel, he offered his fourteen bravest and trained men to the king. Beowulf was courteous and brave enough the offer his services to the king in exchange for the favors which were granted by the Hrothgar to the father of the Beowulf, the generous and supportive act of the Beowulf was a reciprocal gesture, however the intention of the Beowulf was much beyond just favoring the king, he desired to gain the treasure for his kingdom ruled by King Hygelac, and wanted to take that opportunity to enhance his personal reputation, and his influence in the political society. It is evident from the poem that during the visit of Beowulf in Denmark, the king offered him invitations and hosted many gatherings to appreciate and recognize his services for the kingdom. In one of such gathering Unferth, regarded as obnoxious and drunken insulted Beowulf, and referred to the lost of the Beowulf in swimming contest against Breca, the Unferth further tamed the image and credibility of the Beowulf by regarding him as a complete failure against the forces of Grendel. The courageous Beowulf responded to the claims of Unferth in a dignified manner, and offered him a challenge to swim, 'the two swimmers were separated by a storm on the fifth night of the contest, and Beowulf had slain nine sea monsters before finally returning to shore'. The success of the Beowulf resulted in his immense popularity wide across Denmark and public respected him for his courageous, bold and confident attitude. Point No. 2 Soon the clash between the Beowulf and Geats commenced in Heorot, the clash initiated only because Grendel was disappointed towards about the popularity of Beowulf and his team of warriors, and the peace of mind which his entire team offered to the people of Denmark. The fear which previously gripped the Danish was diluted, and this made Grendel surprised and shocked. Grendel was deeply frustrated and disappointed over 'the joy of the men in the mead-hall', and therefore furiously attacked the warriors who accompanied Beowulf and aimed to capture Beowulf. Beowulf was supported by his force of thirty warriors, and wanted to 'seize the ogre's claw and does not let go' (Frances, 2007). The battle between the forces of Beowulf and Grendel destroyed the great hall, however Beowulf was successful in slashing the 'Grendel's claw from its shoulder socket', which resulted in the escape of the wounded and helpless beast. The forces of Beowulf emerged victorious, and the claw trophy was in the custody of the Emperor of Heorot. It has been well described from the poem that, the victory was celebrated in large scale, and the Beowulf was awarded a gold collar by the Hrothgar's wife, Queen Wealhtheow. The Queen managed the entire arrangement, and offer gratitude to the Beowulf and his warriors on the behalf of the empire. Furthermore it is evident that, the Queen arranged a ceremony 'filled with mead, wine, and great food', after the party ended the people of the empire headed to peaceful night which they were able to enjoy after many years. The twist in the story is created when the mother of Grendel is full of vengeance against Beowulf and his team for assault against Grendel. Point No. 3 The vicious mother of Grendel was fragile, but however she was motivated enough to reach Heorot on the same might, and was successful in getting hold of her son's claw, the mother was also successful in murderous abduction of one of the associates of Scyldings named Aeschere. Next day the forces of Scyldings accompained by Beowulf and his warriors followed the old mother, the forces were able to identify the slaughtered head of Aeschere located 'on a cliff by the lake, which sealed the ogres; underground cave'. The Beowulf was bold enough to enter the cave to fight against the mother, and carried a sword called Hrunting, which was 'gifted to him by his chastised Unferth'. The mother attached Beowulf, and warrior resisted but the difted sword was not strong enough to defend Beowulf against the might of the mother, and failed to penetrate into ogre. Beowulf was protected against many of the attacks by the mother, the legendary blacksmith Weland was strong armor for the Beowulf. During their fight, the Beowulf spotted a magical sword and used that armor to attack the mother, and was able to destroy the evil. 'Beowulf decapitates the corpse, the magic sword melts to its hilt; Beowulf returns to the lake's surface carrying the head and hilt but leaving the treasure'. It is evident that Beowulf was appreciated for his successful venture, and retuned to his homeland the Geatland, and offered his services to the King Hygelac. The warrior discussed the possible 'warning of the dangers of pride and the mutability of time' with Hrothgar. Furthermore it is further evident that, King Hygelac was killed in war, and was succeeded by the Beowulf, the new king ruled for period of fifty years and brought prosperity and peace in the region. However during the last period of his reign, his empire is influenced and attacked by demon i.e. 'fiery dragon which terrorized the countryside at night, burnt several homes, including the house of Beowulf' (Michael, 2003). Beowulf went on to eliminate the demon, and took eleven of his warrior to combat the reign of terror. The king was bold enough to insist upon fighting against the demon all alone, however Naegling, the sword of the King was weak enough to defend the King. The warrior Wiglaf went on to defend the King, and the pair was able to kill the dragon, however the combat of the Beowulf made his mortally wounded, and he soon expired and appointed Wiglaf as his successor. He desired to be cremated in funeral pyre, and buried on seaside cliff. Conclusion The character has been the embodiment of bravery, audacity, vigor and aggressiveness against the evils. The epic is the fusion of thrill, action, courage, patriotism and emotions. The main character has been ideal and the associated characteristics have been commendable. References 1. Frances B Gummere. Beowulf. Red and Black Publishers. 2007. Pp. 126. 2. Michael Alexander. Beowulf: A Verse Translation. Penguin Classics. 2003. Pp. 74. Read More