Conflicts in the Epic of Beowulf Essay - 1760 Words

Beowulf – the Conflicts J.D.A. Ogilvy and Donald C. Baker in â€Å"Beowulf’s Heroic Death† comment on the hero’s culpability in his final conflict: . . .the author describes Beowulf and the dragon lying dead side by side and observes rather sententiously that it was a bad business fighting with a dragon or disturbing his hoard. Beowulf, he adds, had paid for the treasure with his life. Some commentators seem to consider this passage, combined with Wiglaf’s remarks about Beowulf’s insistence on fighting the dragon alone, as a criticism of Beowulf’s conduct (69). Beowulf contains considerable conflict, both external and internal. Conflict is how one describes the relationship between the protagonist and†¦show more content†¦Grendel this monster grim was called, march-riever mighty, in moorland living, in fen and fastness; fief of the giants the hapless wight a while had kept since the Creator his exile doomed. This â€Å"kin of Cain† Grendel could not endure the joy of the Danes and their celebration of God’s creation of the world. Consequently he attacked Heorot and killed 30 warriors the first night. Thus the reader sees a very serious external conflict between this monster and the Danish people. This situation brought about a serious internal conflict within their king, Hrothgar, who was totally frustrated by his inability to get rid of Grendel: THUS seethed unceasing the son of Healfdene with the woe of these days; not wisest men assuaged his sorrow; too sore the anguish, loathly and long, that lay on his folk, most baneful of burdens and bales of the night. The continuing conflict with the monster, after enduring for 12 years, caused another internal conflict. The victimized population initially appealed to their Christian God for relief, and when this was not forthcoming they reverted to pagan sacrifices in an effort to stop Grendel: Whiles they vowed in their heathen fanes altar-offerings, asked with words that the slayer-of-souls would succor give them for the pain of their people. Their practice this, their heathen hope; twasShow MoreRelated Epic of Beowulf Essay - The Conflicts in Beowulf2005 Words   |  9 PagesThe Conflicts in Beowulf  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚        Ã‚   Brian Wilkie and James Hurt in Literature of the Western World discuss what is perhaps the overriding or central conflict in the poem Beowulf, namely the struggle between good and evil, and how the monsters are representative of the evil side: Ker was answered in 1936 by the critic and novelist J.R.R. Tolkien, author of Lord of the Rings, who argued that â€Å"the monsters are not an inexplicable blunder of taste; they are essential, fundamentally allied toRead MoreEpic Hero In Beowulf885 Words   |  4 Pagescultural legend can be considered an epic hero. An epic hero is someone who is noble and brave and accomplishes heroic acts that define their legacy while suffering an internal conflict. An embodiment of an ideal epic hero is Beowulf from the epic Beowulf who sets an unmatched example as an epic hero due to the fact that he displays a great deal of bravery, overcomes evil, and stands as a cultural legend while fighting with internal conflict. Beowulf’s journey as an epic hero involves killing demons andRead MoreChristianity And Paganism In Beowulf1005 Words   |  5 Pagesstrength? Have you ever wanted to be a savior? Well, that is every day for one epic hero named Beowulf. Beowulf is an epic poem about goo d versus evil written by an anonymous Christian monk. 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The original poem was written on sheep tanned leatherRead More Epic of Beowulf Essay - A True Literary Epic1700 Words   |  7 PagesBeowulf : A True Literary Epic       The Adventures of Beowulf, a rousing Old English poem of man and monster, and perhaps the earliest European vernacular epic, is rightfully considered an epic for it possesses those features which characterize epic poetry.    For example, in epic poetry the central character has heroic or superhuman qualities. In The Adventures of Beowulf, the main character, a Geat warrior named Beowulf, possesses such qualities: â€Å"He was the strongest of men alive inRead MoreEssay on Religion in Beowulf814 Words   |  4 Pagesperiod, the epic Beowulf contains many pagan ideals, in addition to several references to Christian philosophy. Beowulf is a tale of dual ordeals; an external fight against treacherous enemies, and an internal struggle with human tendencies of pride, greed, cowardice, and betrayal. The story intertwines them with both pagan and Christian beliefs. The pride of Beowulf was a personal characteristic that was not commonly shared with others during his time of living. This pride caused Beowulf to feel theRead MoreThe Epic Of Epic Heroes984 Words   |  4 PagesIn terms of epic poetry, the word â€Å"epic† depicts a lengthy poem containing heroic events (Hirsch 1). For one to be classified as a hero, one must display certain qualities and experience events that prove a character’s heroic potentials. Epic heroes are somewhat similar to superheroes, yet they are also different. Like epic heroes, superheroes endeavor challenging events to protect civilians and defeat villains. While the two types of heroes are broadly alike, epic heroes are generally an evident