Beowulf As An Epic Poem - 1940 Words

Beowulf as an Epic Poem Beowulf is a legendary Old English poem believed to have been written in the eighth or ninth century. Though its origin is unclear and its author is unknown this poem has continued through time. Portions of the original transcript have been lost with the passing of time and many translations of the work have been made. Each version of the work one aspect has remained the same, its hero. In all versions of the poem the hero is characterized by his impressive strength, bravery and loyalty. These traits make an epic hero. Beowulf can be defined as a true epic because the work and its main character exhibit the characteristics of an epic poem and hero, making it the subject of numerous translations. Beowulf is the oldest surviving Germanic epic as well as the most important poem written in Old English. The story and its hero are fiction, yet there are historical elements through the poem. There is certainly a great deal of Germanic history incorporated in the poem. Whether Beowulf was a real man or not, his character fit invariably into the context of his society. Many of the poem’s characters were real: The Geat king, Hygelac, Hrothgar, and others. Also, the Ravenswood battle which took place in 510AD is true. The poem is believed to have been composed as early as 700, and that an oral version of the poem was composed even earlier. The poem was retold through a significant period of time before it was written down. The retellings caused the story toShow MoreRelatedEpic Poem Beowulf 805 Words   |  4 PagesBeowulf is Ð °n Ð °mÐ °zing, epic poem with greÐ °t quests Ð °nd epic fight scenes throughout the story. It Ð °lso hÐ °d mÐ °ny depressing Ð °nd sÐ °d moment plÐ °ced in the poem. In this poem it hÐ °s mÐ °ny recurring themes plÐ °ced by the Ð °uthor. One of the centrÐ °l themes of Beowulf, embodied by its title chÐ °rÐ °cter, is feÐ °lty. Ð °t every step of his cÐ °reer, feÐ °lty is Beowulf s guiding virtue. FeÐ °lthy meÐ °ns Ð ° feudÐ °l tenÐ °nts or vÐ °ssÐ °ls sworn loyÐ °lty to Ð ° lord. There were mÐ °ny greÐ °t exÐ °mples of feÐ °lty in the epic poem BeowulfRead MoreThe Epic Poem Beowulf 3048 Words   |  13 Pages Given, the current high profile debate with regard to dating the epic poem Beowulf, it is quite surprising that some scholars go as far as placing it during the Vendel era around 550 - 793 CE. Eventhough it is considered as a kind of folk tale, many are those who believe it happened towards the early Vendel era. As a rebuttal to this point, it might be convincingly argued that this period is also referred to as the Germanic Iron Age. Moreover, this era saw the rise of Norse mythology, which is veryRead MoreThe Epic Poem Beowulf 3137 Words   |  13 Pages11 Given, the current high profile debate with regard to dating the epic poem Beowulf, it is quite surprising that some scholars go as far as placing it during the Vendel era around 550 - 793 CE. Eventhough it is considered as a kind of folk tale, many are those who believe it happened towards the early Vendel era. As a rebuttal to this point, it might be?convincingly argued?that this period is also referred to as the Germanic Iron Age. Moreover, this era saw the rise of Norse mythology, whichRead More Epic of Beowulf Essay - An Epic Poem1656 Words   |  7 PagesBeowulf:   An Epic Poem   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   To qualify as an epic poem, Beowulf reflects the values of the culture in which it was created. The Anglo-Saxon culture and the poem share many of the same values. They shared a heroic ideal that included loyalty, strength, courage, courtesy, and generosity. Like all epic poems Beowulf is a long narrative work that tells the adventures of a great hero and also reflects the values of the society in which it was written. Both Beowulf and the Anglo-Saxons believedRead MoreBeowulf Is The Longest Epic Poem1316 Words   |  6 PagesBeowulf is the longest epic poem written in Old English. The story centers around the exploits of Beowulf, a heroic warrior known for his strength and bravery. The theme of heroism is prevalent throughout the poem through the use of conflict between good and evil forces. Beowulf is often engaged in selfless conquests in the pursuit of saving others, resulting in his emergence as the hero of the story. The text, while focusing on the main th eme of heroism, is divided into two main parts, Beowulf asRead MoreThe Epic Scale Of The Poem Beowulf 2968 Words   |  12 PagesThe Anglo-Saxon story of Beowulf, as it appears in the version written by an unknown author in the early Middle Ages, is unique as a rare surviving example of epic poetry in the English tradition. In this paper, I will show the qualities that make Beowulf an epic, and I will explain the significance of the epic scale of the poem by looking at the battles that take place in the story. The three great beasts that Beowulf has to defeat represent the fears of the Danes about the uncontrollable violenceRead MoreBeowulf Is The Longest Epic Poem1239 Words   |  5 Pages Beowulf is the longest epic poem written in old english ever published. The composition centres around the exploits of Beowulf, a heroic warrior known for his strength and bravery. Themes of heroism are prevalent in the famous piece of literature in relation to its noble protagonist. The poem follows an adventurous plot containing conflict between both good and evil forces. Beowulf is often engaged in selfless conquests in the pursuit of saving others from evil forces, resulting in his emergenceRead MoreHow Beowulf Is An Epic Poem934 Words   |  4 PagesTo Leave a Footprint Beowulf is an epic poem written 1000 to 1300 years ago in Old English and translated by Seamus Heaney into Modern English. Beowulf is a significant piece of literature art work not only because it is one of the earliest known works, but also because it reflects and represents the authors, the Anglo-Saxons’ culture and values. At first, this story was passed around orally, from one person to another. Then, later on, the Anglo-Saxons wrote the entire story down into a manuscriptRead MoreBeowulf And The Anglo Saxon Epic Poem, Beowulf1637 Words   |  7 Pages In the Anglo-Saxon epic poem, Beowulf, a myriad of virtues define the warrior Beowulf. Coming from his homeland, Geatland, he arrives in the land of the Danes resolute in helping King Hrothgar defeat an evil monster, Grendel. Beowulf is an impressive, strong warrior who will triumphantly defeat Grendel; moreover, he will demonstrate how one must seek glory before death, a legacy. A man’s reputation and his lineage i s exceedingly important in the patriarchal society Beowulf lives in. ConsequentlyRead More The Epic Poem - Beowulf Essay2255 Words   |  10 Pages   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Beowulf is an epic poem. Why? Because (1) it is a long narrative work that relates the adventures of a great hero and (2) it reflects the values of the Anglo-Saxon society in which it was written prior to 1000AD. This Old English poem in unrhymed, four-beat alliterative style narrates, through the course of about 3200 verses, the bold killing of two monsters, Grendel and his Mother, and a fire-dragon, as well as numerous other brave deeds in lesser detail, by Beowulf, â€Å"the strongest