...heroes, such as service members, story heroes, and also your average everyday citizens. Beowulf was a well known hero to the gates. He was to be known as the best, but times have changed. Most people today pay attention to the modern day heroes. Beowulf, a warrior and the main character of the epic, shows characteristics such as loyalty, generosity, and bravery which portray him as a hero. It is interesting how modern day heroes show not only similar, but also different qualities as Beowulf. One of the most appreciated heroes today in this modern time would be those who serve our country. In ways Beowulf could resemble a member of the U.S. military. “When we crossed the sea, my comrades/ And I, I already knew to win the good will/ of your people or die in battle, pressed/ In Grendel’s fierce grip.” (E.3; 7: 364-368) This passage compares Beowulf's promise to the people as a soldier would to serve his country. Both Beowulf and a soldier would risk their lives for the safety of others. Also both...
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...emotional connection with the reader and teach a moral value that will leave a lasting imprint on the reader. Various stories of heroes, like Beowulf, are very similar and they all have the same basic elements: personal connection, cultural connection, and universal connection. The universality of heroes and myths are demonstrated through different story elements. To the modern reader, heroes...
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...Modern Relevance of Beowulf The epic “Beowulf” tells of a courageous Geat warrior who comes to the aid of Hrothgar, King of the Danes, when his people are plagued by two demons from the Cain ancestry line. With his courage and strength, Beowulf defeats the two evils that cause terror and destruction among the townspeople. Several years later, Beowulf, now king of his people, must put an end to the fire-spewing dragon that has taken refuge on his land. The intense battle between Beowulf and the dragon end in the death of both opponents. Beowulf left behind a long and great legacy that leaves his people speechless and heart-broken for their fallen hero. Even though this Anglo-Saxon epic was written between the fifth and seventh century, it carries many similarities to modern day society. The similarities can be seen in modern literature and pop culture, the comitatus, the various struggles that occur, and the qualities that make up a great leader. The poem epic has left a huge print on modern day writers and pop culture. Its influence can be seen in many modern fantasies from J. R. R. Tolkien’s epic trilogy “Lord of the Rings” and J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series. J. R. R. has been known to be one of the few scholars that have seriously contributed his works to Beowulf. In “Beowulf: The Monsters and the Critics” he states how Anglo-Saxon literature had a long-lasting effect on present thoughts. Similarities between the Anglo-Saxon themes and ideas can be found throughout the...
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...other act of humanity? If yes, the modern world would consider you an everyday hero. However back in the time of Beowulf, a hero is portrayed as a strong and courageous super human. And while ancient and modern hero archetypes may serve a purpose in literature, they do not accurately reflect what it means to be heroic in real life. Old stories and modern films use implied metaphors, the hero cycle, and are usually influenced by culture. Whereas a real life hero is not bound by a writers ideas, and acts on their own. In almost every heroic story or film the hero encounters a challenge. These challenges can be thought of as metaphors for heroes in real life. Beowulf goes through many challenges throughout the book, but a notable one is when he goes to Grendel’s mother’s lair. When he “sank though the murky waves for hours, and at last he saw the mud of the bottom” (570, 574) he goes through a challenge. This challenge is a great example of a metaphoric challenge. The water symbolizes all the things he must go through to get to his goal, the bottom. Also he was sinking for hours. This amount of time also shows that no matter how far away the goal seems, it’s always reachable in some way or another. A second instance of this is when Beowulf kills Grendel’s Mother and “her body fell to the floor, lifeless […] Beowulf rejoiced at the sight.” (642, 645). This illustrates that when completing your goal as a hero, you are rewarded. In this case Beowulf is rewarded with pleasure and the...
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...As the narrator of Beowulf describes the hero, he sets up a scene for whirlwind adventure of superhuman abilities. “In his far-off home Beowulf, Higlac’s follower and the strongest of the Geats, greater and stronger than anyone anywhere in this world” (Line 90-93). An epic hero is someone who is a larger-than-life figure who often embodies the ideals of a nation or race. Epic heroes take part in dangerous adventures and accomplish great deeds, many undertake long difficult journeys and display great courage and superhuman strength. In the poem Beowulf, the author describes Beowulf as an epic hero through his actions and adventures that are similar and different to those of a modern day superhero such as Iron Man. Beowulf possess superhuman abilities when he describes his ability to drive five giants into chains and defeats Grendel with his bare hands. “Heard in his home: of heroes then living/ he was the stoutest and strongest/sturdy and noble”(line 8-12). Through these experiences that the author tells about in the epic, it is obvious that Beowulf is more than an ordinary man. His strength is tested by mythical beings that Beowulf has easily defeated. He also has some of the mental characteristics that are common to an epic hero including, his lack of self-righteousness and his perseverance while in battle. In the story Beowulf, Beowulf takes on a responsibility of fighting a dragon, this responsibility resulted in him dying at the end of the story. In Iron Man, Tony Stark...
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...values defined in ‘Beowulf’ and ‘Sir Gawain and the Green Knight’ ” The cultural values depicted in “Beowulf” and “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” are those of courage, honor, strength and humility among many others. Now, while exploring the ethos of the cultures in these pieces of literature the reader can deduce that each value means something different. What defines courage (and other values) in “Beowulf” differs from the definition of courage in “Sir Gawain” in many ways including the struggles Beowulf himself faced with Grendel, in “Sir Gawain” with the encounter with the lord’s wife, among other events in both poems. To begin with, in “Beowulf” these values are defined through the heroic code, which was held in the Anglo-Saxon culture in which this poem takes place. Beowulf himself is the definition of a “hero”, exemplifying values such as courage and strength. For example, one challenge that Beowulf held was the battle with Grendel. He shows exceptional strength when he is able to rip of Grendel’s arm which we see in the text itself, "The monster's whole body was in pain; a tremendous wound appeared on his shoulder. Sinews split and the bone-lapping’s burst. Beowulf was granted the glory of winning". The ability to cause so much physical pain to a giant monster shows just how powerful and strong Beowulf is. Strength here is sort of defined as physical power and ability rather than spiritual strength and what not. Courage, for example in Beowulf is also defined in...
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...My modern day hero I am comparing to beowulf is a soldier, my seem like they don't have a lot in common, but they really do. Like soldiers, beowulf love to fight, and show off their strength. Both do things that other people wouldn’t, to protect people they don't even know. Beowulf has supernatural strength, and soldiers don't but they still risk their lives for their country. Both of them are really brave, and save lives. Beowulf fights off grendel to protect the danes, as the soldiers fight to protect their country. Beowulf, and soldiers accomplish missions others would not attempt in their lifetime. “A path for his evil soul, but their points could not open hurt him, the sharpest and hardest iron could not scratch his skin.”(line 360-361 pg 32). Like in this quote, beowulf has powers to help him during a fight. A soldier is a regular human being with a substantial amount of bravery. They both fight with honor, and the will of fire in their hearts for a peaceful world....
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...withstood the test of time is Beowulf; a poem that narrates the conquests of the ancient Swedish hero. In the following centuries, Beowulf has become a template for the modern day hero story. That being said, modern day heroes, such as Batman, are far more heroic due to moral values, humility, and overall intelligence. In both Batman’s and Beowulf’s individual societies, they are viewed as heroes. However, if there had been a hero equivalent to Batman in Beowulf’s time, the cheers of the Geats would have been instantly extinguished. They knew nothing more than warriors killing foes mercilessly. If there had been a vigilante-like crusader foiling Grendel’s plans, as opposed to slaying him, Beowulf story might have never been recorded. “Other monsters crowded around me, continually attacking. I treated them politely, offering the edge of my razor-sharp sword.” (Lines 559-561) As seen in this quote, Beowulf was far from humble. He constantly recounted his memorable battles and was quite arrogant. Batman, on the other hand, doesn’t receive any praise for his heroic deeds, nor does he have the desire to. He is perfectly content living in the shadows, protecting the citizens of Gotham, and not drawing any recognition from his actions. “The lake and the cliffs alongside it, brave men staggering under the weight of Grendel’ skull, too heavy for fewer than four of them to handle” (1635-1636) Though not specifically stated, it can be inferred that Beowulf possesses something resembling...
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...positive mindset because the outcome of a situation depends solely upon on ones mindset. It can also help people establish a certain type of attitude one should keep when going through obstacles in life. Anglo-Saxon hero, Beowulf, and modern day hero, Nelson Mandela can be characterized as archetypal heroes from the characteristics that define them. Ancient hero Beowulf along with present day hero Nelson Mandela similarly have comparable quests during their time. Both heros during their quests experience great struggle and obstacles which they had to overcome in order to achieve their goals. Beowulf’s quest dealt with him having to defeat the monster, “Grendel, who haunted the moors, the wild Marshes, and made his home in a hell” (Raffel 44). The Anglo-Saxon hero may not have used weapons on his quest but he did use his Geats to his full advantage. In his epic quest to slay the monster, Beowulf realizes he cannot be successful alone and that he will need the aide of his loyal Geats. When faced with adversity he always had his men at his side. By succeeding in defeating the monster, Beowulf would have freed people of their nightmare. They showed their gratitude by holding ,“...a banquet in [his] honor, [and toasting to his] victories..."(Raffel 49). Like Beowulf, Nelson Mandela had a difficult quest to fulfill as well, “Mandela's main agenda consisted of winning over white conservatives and black political rivals and accomplishing the economic integration of the black majority"...
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...Beowulf &Superman A hero is defined in classical mythology as a man, especially the son of a god and a mortal, who is famous for possessing some extraordinary gift. Beowulf, the title character of an epic poem and Superman, a more modern day hero are both prime examples. Beowulf and Superman exhibit several differences, but they also share some similar qualities. Beowulf possessed great strength that separated him from other men. Being able to use a sword that no ordinary man was able to carry gives the feeling that Beowulf is something more than a human being. It makes him special and causes him to stand out from all other men. Fame is something that makes a hero more noted. Beowulf’s popularity had spread all over the world. He never let this go to his head and he never thought that he was better than everyone else because of it. By engaging in this foolish contest, Beowulf nearly got himself killed trying to prove he was better than Brecca. Jealousy is never a good trait, especially for a hero. Revenge is never a trait of a true hero. A hero has no scores to settle. A true hero should fight only to protect others and not out of his own rage. Also, with Beowulf being a human being, he was not invincible. Beowulf didn’t realize this until he fought the dragon. He knew nothing of the dragon, it’s strengths, weaknesses or powers. Beowulf found out what the dragon was capable of and what its powers were. He knew that it could breathe fire, so he got a shield that...
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...Beowulf: A Historical Masterpiece Written in approximately 750 A.D., Beowulf is the only remaining transcript of the 10th century. Even before it was written though, it had been circulated though it’s original oral narrative. Many of the events and characters tie to battles and actual figures in history that pre-date the Anglo-Saxon invasion in 450 A.D. Though originally pagan in nature, due to the Anglo-Saxon conversion to Christianity Beowulf was told through a Christian poet. The poet does reference to biblical thoughts and ideas, it’s mixed within the basic Anglo-Saxon principle. Which is pretty impressive. The fact that one can use Beowulf as a way to look at and understand the Anglo-Saxon culture, which may have been lost without it, is an historical feet all on its own. The values shown in the characters in Beowulf are the same values the Anglo-Saxon had. When it came to the values of the warrior class, it’s especially similar. Beowulf is in a sense the quintessential Anglo-Saxon warrior. Warriors at that time were first and foremost loyal to his people and his thane. A warrior was also brave and valorous. Without these what kind of warrior would one be? The warrior had to be courageous to go out to battle without certainty of coming home. Along with courage, a warrior also had to be proud. Not too proud as to offend the thane or his lady, just enough to make him seem worthwhile. Strength was a very sought after trait in a warrior. Strength was so highly viewed in...
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...Beowulf vs. Achilles “They were combat causalities, brave men and women who risked their lives to safeguard our freedom. And they paid for our liberty with their lives” (Cannon). So many people die for the freedoms that the American person values. As society grows and becomes different the true heroes are becoming less recognized. What modern day people would say about today's heroes would be far from the brave, and courageous war soldiers. A very long time ago, there were two brave and courageous warriors, Beowulf of Denmark and Achilles of Greece. These two individuals reached the highest expectations and excelled at successfully leading their people in battle. Both amazing leaders and determined fighters, but they came from different backgrounds,...
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...certain code of ethics that involve taking oaths and being loyal to their kings and individuals while in combat. While viewing medieval and ancient literature I perceived a couple interesting aspects that are influential with modern society. Honor and leadership are seen today not only from men, but also women. Also, fidelity and women have been The oldest poem in English language literature Beowulf is one of the most symbolic forms of medieval literature to be created. The poem depicts several emotions and characteristics that are still used today in modern society. While Beowulf is still on a conquest to help the good of his family heritage, he faces a dilemma with leadership and honor. He is constantly proving himself throughout the poem to be seen as a superior dominant figure for his people and at the same time, wants to be respected and seen in a heroic light. Although this poem depicts a glimpse of the past, the vast majority of men in modern day society, want to be seen or at least want to take on this role similar to Beowulf. In today’s society, men will go to great lengths to prove themselves worthy of retaining their masculine identity. Whether it is a physical contact with a bigger individual then them, or an intellectual debate, the modern day man has to prove themselves a worthy...
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...What is kenning? A kenning (Modern Icelandic pronunciation: [cʰɛnːiŋk]; derived from Old Norse) is a type of circumlocution, in the form of a compound that employs figurative language in place of a more concrete single-word noun. Kennings are strongly associated with Old Norse and later Icelandic and Anglo-Saxon poetry. They usually consist of two words, and are often hyphenated. For example, Old Norse poets might replace sverð, the regular word for “sword”, with a more abstract compound such as “wound-hoe” (Egill Skallagrímsson: Höfuðlausn 8), or a genitive phrase such as randa íss “ice of shields” (Einarr Skúlason: ‘Øxarflokkr’ 9). The term kenning has been applied by modern scholars to similar figures of speech in other languages too, especially Old English. Difference and similarities of epic and lyric Epic poetry tries to tell a grand narrative and is closely related to oral storytelling. The Odyssey and The Iliad are two famous examples of epic poetry from ancient Greece. Though some poets still work with epic poetry, it's not as popular as lyric poetry, which is one of the most common types of poetry today. Lyric poetry is interested in communicating a brief moment packed with significance through the use of intense, imagistic language. Epic poetry is poetry that has lots factual based information while the lyric poetry is when the poetry is very factual and has lots of rymes. Also, each sentence in the lyric poetry has ten lines while the other type of poetry...
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...Beowulf is actually one of my favorite poems. He exercises strength, skills and some help from the Gods and Goddesses to prevail a number of events of deadly and evil adversaries. Beowulf‘s righteousness, bravery and fearlessness in combat distinguishes him as a great epic hero. By Beowulf battling with his antagonist, he deliberately positions the field of battle and supplied Grendel with an honest shot of triumphing. Being relentless and bold is a challenging task to be burdened with. Bravery is indispensible to any hero, whether it is an epic hero or modern day hero. Beowulf is able to establish no shortage of this; this is seemingly apparent with the fighting of him and Grendel with no weapon is one of many occurrences to show his bravery. This is where the similarities and comparison of the heroes of the Iliad’s and Aeneid comes in, they all share the same characteristics of being courageous and brave. His bravery and heroism is demonstrated in this quote, “Indifferent to death, does death not lie and the root of all fear? Do we not shrink from darkness, from poison, from gunfire, because we fear death.” Beowulf goes into battle fearlessness, with the utmost self assurance in him. An important aspect of every epic hero is the competence to overcome and carry on, bravery, courageousness, self-sacrificing, relentless and boldness in war or battle. These are the bona fide qualities that a hero must maintain. The story of Beowulf is a great one indeed. Beowulf, like other epic...
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