The Analysis Of The Epic Poem "Beowulf"
In the epic poem of Beowulf values, such as heroism, loyalty and responsibility were all held in the highest respect. It shows that Beowulf is a resected and successful hero because he has all these traits. The poem implies that if you have the same traits you will also die and noble and courageous death. Which he does by dying in battle right after he defeated a monstrous dragon. In line 3166, “They let the ground keep that ancestral treasure, Gold under gravel, gone to earth, As useless to men now as it ever was. Then twelve warriors rode around the tomb, Chieftain’s sons, champions in battle, all of them distraught, chanting in dirges, Mourning his loss as a man and a king”. This shows that with his heroic deeds he was given the burial of a king and he would be remembered forever for his heroism.
Elements of an epic include, and epic hero, a quest, valorous deeds, divine intervention, and great event. The epic poem is the epitome of all of these characteristics. Beowulf is the father of all heros that have ever been since. He set the precedent for being the fearless strongman that every author aspires to create. He also had a fatal flaw, as all heros do. His pride was the death of him. Additionally, the fact that the author and exact date is unknown, along with the first versions being told out loud makes it not only and epic but a folk epic. In line it shows that you don’t even have to know Beowulf to know he’s a heros. “Nor have I seen a mightier man-at-arms on this earth than the one standing here: unless I am mistaken, he is truly noble. This is no mere hanger-on in a hero’s armour”.
It seems that the narrator/storyteller of Beowulf has a christian background as they are the person that makes the biblical references. The characters, however, are pagan and have pagan ideals. Such as loyalty, revenge, courage and strength. Line 696 where the narrator says “But the Lord was weaving a victory on His war-loom for the Weather-Geats” clearly contradicts line 1468, where the characters believe that fate is real and will lead them to safety and victory. “A rare and ancient sword named Hrunting. The iron blade with its ill-boding patterns had been tempered in blood. It had never failed the hand of anyone who had hefted it in battle, anyone who had fought and faced the worst in the gap of danger. This was not the first time It had been called to perform heroic feats.”
Boasting and bragging about your lineage was to be expected and it proved you were an awesome person if you had a lot to boast about. Beowulf is very proud of his ancestry. In line 342 Beowulf announces his men and himself by stating: “We are retainers From Hygelac’s band. Beowulf is my name. If your lord and master, the most renowned Son of Halfdane, will hear me out. And graciously allow me to greet him in person, I am ready and willing to report my errand.” It shows how powerful he believes he is. This is an important element of heros.
Throughout the epic, Beowulf, foreshadowing is extremely present. In line 1760 Hrothgar says to Beowulf “Do not give way to pride. For a brief while your strength is in bloom but it fades quickly; and soon there will follow illness or the sword to lay you low, or a sudden fire or surge of water or jabbing blade or javelin from the air or repellent age. Your piercing eye Will dim and darken; and death will arrive, dear warrior, to sweep you away.” This is said to warn Beowulf against his pride, which is a the bane of many heros. Later, Beowulf dies for being to prideful in thinking he could defeat the dragon all on his own.
