Beowulf is the protagonist and main character of the poem. Characterized as a man with extraordinary strength and skills, Beowulf proves himself, during the course of the poem, to be powerful, virtuous, and courageous. He does not hesitate to rush to the help of the neighboring Danes in order to fight a monster that is plaguing them, proving that he is generous as well as brave. Beowulf is a nobleman in Geat society. Both his grandfather and his uncle serve as King of Geatland. Despite his heritage and courage, Beowulf has never been recognized as a hero amongst the Goatish people.
Although he has not received the recognition he probably deserves, Beowulf continues to do what he believes is right. As a result, when he hears how the Danes are being plagued by a monster, he volunteers to go and help his neighbors in their time of trouble. Filled with self-confidence, Beowulf believes he can slay Grendel. Beowulf’s sense of loyalty is fierce whether it is directed at the Geat King or at Hrothgar. When Hrothgar asks Beowulf to fight Grendel, the brave warrior does not hesitate. His only request is that if he is killed by the monster, his armor should be returned to Hygelac, for he is loyal to the King of Geatland.
Once Grendel has been wounded and chased away, Beowulf agrees to fight Grendel’s mother, who wants vengeance for her son’s death. When he succeeds in killing her, he severs her head and the head of the dead Grendel to show as a symbol of his success and bravery. Beowulf is also a just man. After he ascends to the throne, he rules with kindness and wisdom. Harmony and prosperity characterize his long reign as a king.
The Essay on Beowulfs Grendel
Beowulf has been a very good and controversial piece of literature since it was first written back in the 14th century. John Gardner, an American author was born in Batavia, New York. Gardner was novelist, epic poet, and a scholar. He was born on July 21, 1933. There he attended local schools and worked on his fathers farm. He grew up liking music and literature. Although being drawn to chemistry ...
Even though his courage is not tested for a long time, it does not diminish, even with old age. When Geatland is challenged by an irate dragon, Beowulf goes off to fight it, confident that he will be able to slay the monster in spite of foreboding prophecies. Even though he knows he may be killed, Beowulf rises to the challenge like a hero. Although he is mortally wounded by the dragon, he continues to fight until the monster is dead. During the course of the poem, Beowulf matures from a youth into a wise, old man.
He always behaves in accordance with what is expected of him at a particular age. As a young man, he is a bit wild and reckless, who swims for seven days in the open sea to satisfy a foolish wager. Beowulf later admits that it was his false pride that made him accept the bet. In the land of the Danes, he still displays a bit of pride, as he severs the head of the dead Grendel and carries it back to Heo rot as a trophy. In his old age, however, Beowulf seeks peace for his country rather glory for himself.
It is no wonder that he was a beloved king and becomes an epic hero.
