Beowulf :: Epic of Beowulf Essays

BeowulfThe translated Anglo-Saxon epic Beowulf is the one of the most important works of darkened English literature, and is well deserved of the distinction. The epic tells the story of a hero a Scandinavian prince named Beowulf, who rids the Danes of the monster Grendel, a descendant of Cain, and of his exploits fighting Grendels come and a dragon. Throughout the epic, the Anglo-Saxon author uses many elements to build a certain depth to the characters. Three main important character elements in Beowulf atomic number 18 wealth and honor, Biblical, and man (good) versus wild (evil) themes.Many of the characters in Beowulf are, like in most epics, narrow downd by their status. But, in addition to status, the Anglo-Saxon culture likewise adds an element of honor. To the Anglo-Saxons, a characters importance as well as their wealth and status was measured not only in monetary terms, but it was also measured in terms of honor, fame, and accomplishments. Hrothgar, King of the Dane s, is one example of Anglo-Saxon measurement of importance in Beowulf. In the Prologue, the poet describes his wealth and importance, not only as mounds of gold or jewels, but more importantly his ease of having Friends and kinsmen flocked to his ranks, young followers, a force that grew to be a mighty military (lines 65-67) and his ability to create a great mead-hall meant to be a wonder of the world forever. (lines 69-70) Through this display of proving his position of King, Hrothgar proves the full extent of his honor and thus the extent of his wealth and status. Beowulf, the hero-prince, also proves his true wealth and status through his great deeds as defender of the Danes. As he fights and defeats Grendel, Beowulf earns fame and wealth from his companions, as well as from the Danes. More importantly, he earns honor raising him to the level of an archetypical hero. Grendel, however, is the complete opposite of Beowulf. He has no wealth, no honor, and he is disreputable as an evil killer. This lack of wealth and honor defines Grendel as a symbol of evil and corruption. In addition to using honor and wealth to define a character, the poet has incorporated Biblical motifs in the epic-poem.As time progressed, the rewriting and touching up of the manuscripts by various sources caused the characters to keep back Christian characteristics. These Christian themes have become very important to the epic to add an element of depth that wouldnt be possible in modern times due to the personnel casualty of Anglo-Saxon culture and beliefs.