Beowulf

Beowulf

What is an epic? Is it a tale of warriors and heroes? Does it depict good against evil and the infinite struggle that has plagued mankind since the dawn of time? Or is it the epic feats, the superhuman strength and the undying will of the hero that turns a story into an epic? Beowulf is perhaps the greatest epic ever told and it is often regarded as the most important work in English literature. This great story consists of three major “Feats” that bring fame and reverence to the legend that is Beowulf.

The first feat takes place in the kingdom of Hrothgar, a king descended from the Great King Shield Sheafson. There is a mead hall in this kingdom and this hall named Heorot is being terrorized by a vicious demon named Grendal who lives deep in the swamplands of this kingdom. Beowulf hears of the misery that has befallen on this place and decides that he is the man to rid this land of its demon. This act is not done solely as an act of kindness and salvation but it is almost an obligation. Beowulf comes from a line of warriors and the warrior’s code practically obliges him to help these people. He goes to Heorot and does battle with the demon with his bare-hands. Grendal flees in fear but before he escapes he is mortally wounded and dies in his swamp. Beowulf later does battle with Grendal’s mother. He defeats her in her underwater lair. He then takes Grendal’s head as a prize for Hrothgar. This particular part of the epic takes place in the youth of Beowulf and is said to depict part of the heroic code. His brash actions and great physical strength prove him a great warrior and a man of great heart. The physical nature of this feat is a direct manifestation of his youth where he perfectly embodies the strength, courage, and the values of the Germanic Heroic code.

The second feat takes place in Geatland. The epic skips over the middle of Beowulf’s career and goes to the end of it. Through retrospectives however we are able to recall what Beowulf has done in his life including the essence of this feat, his support of Geatland’s new king. This takes place in the period of Hyglac’s death. Instead of rushing the throne like many warriors before him, Beowulf supports Hyglac’s son as a the rightful heir to the throne thus proving himself worthy to hold the throne. This gesture emanates with loyalty and respect and earns Beowulf even more reverence than he already had. This feat is especially important because it shows that not only is he a great warrior in the physical sense but he also has a good heart and truly embodies the Germanic code of Heroism. This also shows the maturity that Beowulf has now and that he is indeed