Preview

The Villain In The Epic Of Beowulf

Better Essays
Open Document
Open Document
1253 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
The Villain In The Epic Of Beowulf
We live in a society that loves to know the reasons for the villain's actions. We want to know at exactly what moment in time this character decided to be “evil.” We want to be able to relate to the villain because we have realized we can no longer relate to the hero. The hero has knowledge unattainable in books, the honor only found in gods, and nobility that is too hard for us “mere mortals” to obtain. Our society has given up on the idea of the hero. We are all sick of being the mad scientist in a superman cape, The scratchy polyester choking our necks like a tightened noose. We want to be able to say it is okay to be bad, as long as you have a good reason for it. This is the thinking in the 2005 movie Beowulf and Grendel (Gunnarson,2005). …show more content…
He is the sheer epitome of perfection in every way. From the creatures he has defeated to the honor he has rightfully obtained, no man or beast on earth could possibly stand in the way of the mighty Beowulf. This reigns true throughout the whole poem. At no time does his conscience sway or spirit falter. Until the moment he dies saving the kingdom he so graciously ruled for years on end, he maintains this being of nobility, making this formidable character’s journey through life something we still discuss today. One of the only things people of that time had to bring them together were stories. These rightfully named epics were told across the land so they had to be something memorable. In such a time of despondency these people needed something to hold onto and believe would get them through, and that was Beowulf. Their simplistic thinking of right and wrong made it easy to write a story about someone who is so truly right. Although Beowulf might have been a real man, the feats he achieved were most likely nowhere near as daring. However, it is this daring being that was necessary for that

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Good Essays

    He does deeds that are encouraging and strength the motivation throughout the story. I like it because he has to go through a lot of struggles, fighting and in the end he always seems to win. The characters have very good character traits in the story. Also i like it because it shows that a hero is defined through physical violence and that is still shown in modern time but not as much back then. "Nor have I ever seen,/ Out of all the men on earth, one greater/ Than has come with you; no commoner carries/ Such weapons, unless his appearance, and his beauty,/ Are both lies." I like this because it shows how Beowulf really was. He was one of the best when it was said and people looked up to…

    • 691 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    In the story of Beowulf, by Seamus Heaney, the first antagonist is a monster named Grendel, who is a symbol to represent the fear of nightmares. At first sight the narrator describes the monster, “Then a powerful Demon, a prowler through the dark…” (86). Grendel is seen as a demon of the night, as he lurks across Heorot claiming his victims. The power he holds only fits his symbolism as a nightmare, and how he is feared from others by just the sight of him. The narrator explains the fear this monster reaps, “All were endangered, young and old/were hunted down by that dark death-shadow…” (159-160). This creature is a fear, a nightmare, and a demon because of his creeping of sleep and silent attacking. Our worst fears are usually things that…

    • 170 Words
    • 1 Page
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Beowulf Hero Quotes

    • 614 Words
    • 3 Pages

    First he is brave, throughout the poem he shows how brave he is with all of his stories that he tells to the king to prove his worthiness, Also it says in the poem (line 273-277) “A monster seized me, drew me swiftly towards the bottom, swimming with its claws tight in my flesh. But fate let me find its heart with my sword.” This show how Beowulf is like a god on earth. He can do things that no other man…

    • 614 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Beowulf vs. Gilgamesh

    • 1212 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Beowulf is described as a perfect hero who fights for his people and vanquishes evil with his extraordinary abilities to bring peace and justice. Three of Beowulf's traits that support this are his amazing physical strength, his ability to put his people's welfare before his own, and the fact that he does not fear death.…

    • 1212 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    There are plenty of characters in the epic poem “Beowulf” but none are as dynamic as Beowulf himself. As the main character and protagonist, he is thoroughly developed throughout the poem. While some of his traits jump right out at you (confidence, strength, bravery), other are buried and subtle. Beowulf is wise, compassionate, and honorable and these characteristics shape the entire poem.…

    • 770 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    A villain is a person who is evil or malicious actions. In Beowulf, Grendel is the first villain that we meet. Some villainous qualities of Grendel are that he is cursed, he kills people without thinking about it and doesn’t feel bad about it. Plus, he looks scary. Grendel comes from the line of Cain a murderous (106) line punished by God for killing Abel. He kills people and hurts the mead hall, Herot. Many villains are cursed, evil beings, like Grendel. Another villainous quality that Grendel has is that he kills people and doesn’t feel bad about it. He is unaffected by the fact that he is killing tons of innocent men (444). Grendel has a very scary and intimidating appearance. With his large figure and great strength, he looks like your…

    • 183 Words
    • 1 Page
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Good Essays

    Beowulf is the greatest of the heroes depicted in the poem not only because he has the greatest prowess in battle. He also perfectly fulfills his social obligations. He has the virtues of a civilized man, as well as the strength of the warrior. He looks after his people and is always gracious and kind. The following lines are typical of the way in which Beowulf is depicted:…

    • 3060 Words
    • 13 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Better Essays

    Beowulf is a classic hero in Beowulf for he fits the epitomized romantic mold so perfectly. His appearance is that of a hero, he is large, muscular, and intimidating. His intentions are also in the right place, he wishes to free Hrothgar's people from the evil that is Grendel. He is a mature man, one who in the face of belittlement responds respectably and effectively. "Then up spoke Unferth…"Are you that Beowulf who with Breca swam on the broad sea-swell struggling together proud wave-wrestlers wagering your lives with reckless boasting risking for praise deep water-death?..." Beowulf answered…"and you were never known for such deeds nothing to brag of renowned as you are for killing your brothers…" (p.17-18…

    • 1584 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Good Essays

    Beowulf Epic Hero Essay

    • 880 Words
    • 4 Pages

    The definition of a hero from ancient times to present day has evolved greatly, but they often still possess characteristics synonymous across all cultures and timespans. In modern times, they are often thought of as role models for others to live up to, and are generally humble, honest, and not afraid to put others in front of themselves. In ancient times, more emphasis was put on strength and fearlessness, and epic heroes were often saviors of the land, sent down to Earth in its time of need by God’s hand. Beowulf, the main character in the epic poem Beowulf, is blessed with superhuman strength, a magical weapon only he can yield, as well as a fierce sense of loyalty to his people and an obligation to protect them no matter what the cost, earning him the rank of an epic hero.…

    • 880 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Epic Poetry and Beowulf

    • 891 Words
    • 4 Pages

    In reading the epic poem of Beowulf, he has the characteristics of an epic hero by showing skill and courage, enduring fame, and royal responsibility. "Beowulf is considered an epic poem in that the main character is a historic hero who travels great distances to prove his strength at impossible odds against supernatural demons and beasts" (Wikipedia). He showed fairness to all he came across, including his enemies. He believed that everybody was equal and no one was greater or better than anybody else. While in battle, Beowulf showed great loyalty to his enemies by fighting one-on-one. Neither he nor his foes had the upper hand. This is the major factor in Beowulf's greatness.…

    • 891 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Better Essays

    Beowulf the Hero

    • 990 Words
    • 4 Pages

    “… A fiend out of hell”(Heaney 100). These words describe the monster Grendel, who is truly an evil entity. Only an epic hero with strength, courage and confidence is able to defeat this mighty foe. This hero’s name is Beowulf. He displays all of these throughout the epic.…

    • 990 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Good Essays

    Beowulf and Grendel define each other as we know a hero is incomplete without a villain and in order for a hero to be famous the need of a villain in his story is necessary. Grendel is a necessary evil in the story and is needed to depict Beowulf, as would not be what he is if Grendel wasn’t there. A hero cannot live in a fantasy tale without a villain furthermore a person cannot live without having a nemesis, this gives their lives a purpose. A purpose to live, fight, and be famous. Grendel is described as a monster based on what he does and Beowulf is deemed a hero because he kills Grendel.…

    • 658 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    strong, generous, and proud and evil is demonic creatures from the marshes the good heros have to stay strong through anything evil or bad that comes to destroy them or where they live.…

    • 122 Words
    • 1 Page
    Good Essays
  • Better Essays

    Beowulf the Epic Hero

    • 1352 Words
    • 6 Pages

    What does it mean to be a hero? Like anything else in this world, the definition of the word hero can be argued. Some may say that a hero can be passive, that is if he or she refrains from doing a certain action it makes them heroic. Others would argue that to be truly heroic the character must never turn tail and always face the obstacle head on even though he or she may die in the process. So is Beowulf a hero? Yes, Beowulf is a great epic hero, but his greatness comes only from his sword and not from his mind.…

    • 1352 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Good Essays

    Beowulf Paper

    • 764 Words
    • 4 Pages

    When Beowulf dies, the Geats dwell upon his greatness. They see him as a hero, not just because of the things he accomplished, but because of the sacrifices he made for them. The character, Beowulf, is a classic example of someone who fights for pride and glory. He is a brave warrior who is trying to repay his father’s debts to the king of Denmark. Beowulf is a tragic hero because he is noble, has a tragic flaw that leads to his downfall, and sacrifices himself for the good of his people. The achievements that Beowulf accomplishes make the people believe in him as a tragic hero.…

    • 764 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays