What are the elements of Beowulf?
Archetypal Epic Hero The epic hero illustrates traits, performs deeds and exemplifies morals that are valued by that society. In his quest to assist the Danes, Beowulf exhibits bravery, physical strength and mental cunning when battling monsters, which makes him appear superhuman and far superior to the average man.
What are the characteristics of an epic hero in Beowulf?
The main characteristics of an epic hero that Beowulf shows is brave deeds, he is a strong and responsible leader, risks his life for the greater good of his people and his kingdom, has a great amount of courage, his inhuman strength, and his faith and gratitude.
What are the key components of Beowulf as an epic poetry?
Elements that typically distinguish epics include superhuman deeds, fabulous adventures, highly stylized language, and a blending of lyrical and dramatic traditions. Beowulf qualifies as an epic poem on several of these criteria. First, it is book-length, and it is a story that is written in the verse format.
What is the relationship between Hrothgar and Beowulf?
The words which describe the relationship between Hrothgar and Beowulf is respect and loyalty. In the stories of the Anglo Saxons, Comitatus is the relationship between the ruler and his thanes. In the story, “Beowulf” there exists a relationship of honor, friendship and respect among the ruler and the thanes.
What pagan elements are in Beowulf?
Throughout the poem, the epic tale blends the pagan ideals of vengeance, feuds, fate, and pride with Christian elements and the will of God. Christian elements are illustrated in Beowulf through biblical allegories and references of God, creation, hades, and heaven.
What characteristics of an epic hero does Beowulf display in his fight with Grendel’s mother?
Some of Beowulf’s most important traits as an epic hero include bravery, loyalty, honor, superhuman physical strength, and the willingness to risk his life for the greater good. These characteristics are exemplified in Beowulf’s epic deeds, including slaying Grendel and Grendel’s mother.
How does Beowulf prepare himself for battle?
How does Beowulf prepare differently for the battle with Grendel’s mother? He puts on his arm our and weapons this time and uses the sword that Unferth gave to him.
What does Hrothgar symbolize in Beowulf?
Hrothgar, the king of the Danes, symbolizes the elder who possesses the knowledge others need in order to succeed as men, heroes, and kings. Hrothgar passes on much excellent information and advice to Beowulf.
Why does Beowulf hang Grendel’s arm from the rafters of herot?
What is Beowulf’s reason for coming to help Hrothgar? Make an inference; why does Beowulf hang Grendel’s arm from the rafters of Herot? He hangs it as a trophy to show that he won the battle. Identify a kenning for Beowulf and a kenning for Grendel.
How does Beowulf want to be buried?
How does Beowulf want to be buried? He wants to be burned at the water’s edge, and to build a tower and call it’s Beowulf’s tower. What did Wiglaf do with the treasures that he had won with Beowulf? He buried them in the sand near the tower.
How is Beowulf different in his last battle?
How is Beowulf a different man in his last battle than he was in his first two battles with Grendel and Grendel’s mother? Beowulf goes into his final battle with a shield, a sword, and armor (lines 618-619), whereas, as a young man, he fought Grendel with his bare hands. Also, he killed Grendel’s mother with his hands.
What does the dragon’s treasure symbolize in Beowulf?
The dragon’s treasure-trove poignantly represents the vanity of human wishes as well as the mutability of time. The dragon’s barrow holds wealth in abundance, yet the wealth is of no use to anyone.
Who does Beowulf Thank with his dying words?
Wiglaf