Beowulf The Epic Poem From The Anglo Saxon Period

Beowulf, the longest epic poem from the Anglo-Saxon period, has a protagonist named Beowulf. A hero of the Geats and forthcoming king, the title character comes to the aid of Hrothgar, king of the Danes, whose kingdom was under attack by a monster known as Grendel. Both are great kings, wise and noble, but what truly makes a king great? Is it the accolades or honors that one receives or does it go beyond that? Two different cultures, two different men, but two great kings; Beowulf was described as a hope for the people (l. 13, 36). He was a hope for the Geats in his ability to lead, to fight and to inflict change. Even Hrothgar voiced to Beowulf that he have heard no man of the age that you are utter such wisdom. You are rich in strength and ripe of mind, you are wise in your utterance (ll. 1840-43, 77). After defeating Grendel and his mother, Hrothgar tells Beowulf this. This foreshadows that Beowulf will be a mighty king in the future. Both are men whom people counted on and looked to for guidance. Both exemplifying what a ferocious warrior resembled and what a true hero was. Hrothgar was granted glory in battle, mastery of the field (ll. 63-4, 38). Knowing from experience, the glory of being looked up to as a hero, Hrothgar warns Beowulf of pride and arrogance. He tells Beowulf a story about Heremod, a fighter once known for being brave and destroyed all obstacles that came his way, but turned into a monster himself when he became blood-thirsty. Beloved Beowulf,Show MoreRelatedEpic Poetry and Beowulf Pg1086 Words   |  5 PagesEpic poems have a unique set of characteristics that distinguish them from just an ordinary poem. An epic poem must contain a hero that is male, noble, and of importance to society who gives long formal speeches and travels over a vast setting. 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