literary analysis of beowulf

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Beowulf | Summary, Poem, Characters, Monster, Analysis

Beowulf, an iconic piece of Old English literature, transcends time with its gripping narrative and profound themes. Journey through the legendary tale as we dissect its summary, explore its characters, and delve deep into its analysis.

Table of Contents

The Epic Saga Unveiled

A hero’s journey.

Beowulf | Summary, Poem, Characters, Monster, Analysis begins with the valiant hero Beowulf, who sets out on a perilous journey to rid the Danish kingdom of the menacing monster Grendel.

The Arrival of Beowulf

In this gripping chapter of Beowulf | Summary, Poem, Characters, Monster, Analysis, we witness Beowulf’s arrival in Denmark and his bold proclamation to King Hrothgar.

Exploring the Poem’s Depths

Rich symbolism.

Within Beowulf | Summary, Poem, Characters, Monster, Analysis lies a tapestry of rich symbolism, woven through its poetic verses. Explore the depths of its allegorical significance and unravel its hidden meanings.

Themes of Good vs. Evil

Delve into the heart of Beowulf | Summary, Poem, Characters, Monster, Analysis as we dissect the timeless battle between good and evil depicted in its verses.

Characters: Heroes and Villains

Beowulf: the heroic protagonist.

Meet Beowulf, the epitome of heroism and valor. Explore his character arc and delve into the depths of his noble deeds in Beowulf | Summary, Poem, Characters, Monster, Analysis.

Grendel: The Malevolent Menace

In this chapter of Beowulf | Summary, Poem, Characters, Monster, Analysis, we encounter the nefarious Grendel, a formidable foe who terrorizes the Danish kingdom.

Confronting the Monstrous Challenge

Battle with grendel.

Experience the adrenaline-pumping encounter between Beowulf and Grendel as we dissect this pivotal moment in Beowulf | Summary, Poem, Characters, Monster, Analysis.

The Wrath of Grendel’s Mother

In this thrilling segment of Beowulf | Summary, Poem, Characters, Monster, Analysis, witness Beowulf’s epic confrontation with the vengeful Grendel’s mother.

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Analyzing the Epic Tale

Literary analysis.

Embark on a journey of literary exploration as we analyze the themes, motifs, and stylistic elements of Beowulf | Summary, Poem, Characters, Monster, Analysis.

Historical Context

Delve into the historical backdrop of Beowulf | Summary, Poem, Characters, Monster, Analysis, and gain insights into its significance in the context of Old English literature.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is the central theme of beowulf.

The central theme of Beowulf revolves around the timeless battle between good and evil, valor, and heroism.

Who is the author of Beowulf?

The authorship of Beowulf remains a subject of scholarly debate, with no definitive answer.

What role does Grendel play in Beowulf?

Grendel serves as the primary antagonist in Beowulf, symbolizing the embodiment of evil and chaos.

Is Beowulf based on true events?

While Beowulf is a work of fiction, it is believed to be inspired by historical events and figures.

What is the significance of Beowulf in literature?

Beowulf holds immense significance in the realm of literature, serving as a cornerstone of Old English poetry and a timeless exploration of heroism and valor.

How does Beowulf reflect Anglo-Saxon culture?

Beowulf reflects various aspects of Anglo-Saxon culture, including its emphasis on bravery, loyalty, and the heroic code.

In conclusion, Beowulf | Summary, Poem, Characters, Monster, Analysis stands as a timeless masterpiece, captivating readers with its epic narrative and profound themes. Dive into this legendary tale, unravel its mysteries, and discover the essence of heroism and valor.

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A Summary and Analysis of Beowulf

By Dr Oliver Tearle (Loughborough University)

What happens in Beowulf , the jewel in the crown of Anglo-Saxon poetry? The title of the poem is probably the most famous thing about it – that, and the fact that a monster named Grendel features at some point. But because the specific details of the story are not widely known, numerous misconceptions about the poem abound. When was Beowulf  written?

This is a matter of some conjecture, with guesses ranging anywhere between the eighth century and the first half of the eleventh century. Critics can’t even agree on what the first line of the poem means . In the following post, we offer a short summary of  Beowulf , and an introduction to its main themes.

Plot Summary

We’ll start with a brief summary of  Beowulf  before proceeding to some textual analysis and critical reading.  Beowulf is a classic ‘overcoming the monster’ story. Most people know that the poem documents the struggle of the title character in vanquishing a monster named Grendel.

But what is less well known is that Beowulf has to slay not one big monster, but three: after he has taken care of Grendel, the dead monster’s mother shows up, and she proves even more of a challenge for our hero (though ultimately Beowulf triumphs and wins the day).

The poem then ends with Beowulf, now in his twilight years, slaying a third monster (this time, a dragon), although this encounter proves his undoing, as he is fatally wounded in the battle. The poem ends with his subsequent death and ‘burial’ at sea.

But the poem doesn’t begin with Beowulf. It opens with an account of a Danish king named Hrothgar, who was the one responsible for building a great hall (named Heorot), a hall which is now being terrorised by the monstrous Grendel. Beowulf hears that Grendel is killing Hrothgar’s men at Heorot and so our hero departs from home to go and help rid Heorot of this monster.

Beowulf is from a different kingdom – the nearby Geatland, in modern-day Sweden – so we have one of the classic tropes of adventure narratives, that of the hero leaving home to go and vanquish some foe in a foreign land. Think of Bilbo Baggins leaving the Shire, or Frodo for that matter, in  The Hobbit  and  The Lord of the Rings (and, indeed, we’ll return to Tolkien shortly).

Beowulf and his men spend the night at Heorot and wait for Grendel to turn up. When the monster appears, Beowulf and his men attack the troll-like monster with their swords.

But the monster – which is described as resembling a troll – cannot be killed with a blade, as Beowulf soon realises. So he does what lesser men would fear to do: he wrestles the monster with his bare hands, eventually tearing off one of its arms. Grendel flees, eventually dying of his wound.

The next night, Grendel’s mother – angered by the attack on her son – turns up to wreak vengeance, and once again Beowulf finds himself having to roll up his sleeves and engage in fierce combat, which this time takes place in the underwater lair of the monster deep beneath the surface of a lake.

Although he has been given a strong sword (named Hrunting) by Unferth (a man who had previously doubted Beowulf – the sword is given as a token of friendship), Beowulf finds this sword useless against Grendel’s mother. (Immunity to swords evidently runs in the family.) But this time, hand-to-hand fighting, which had proved handy against Grendel, is equally useless.

Beowulf only succeeds in vanquishing the monster when he grabs a magic sword from the pile of treasure lying in the monster’s lair, and is able to behead the monster with the weapon.

Travelling deeper into the monster’s lair, Beowulf comes across the dying Grendel, and – armed with his new magic sword – decides to lop off the son’s head as well, for good measure. Both monsters have now been slain, and Beowulf is a hero.

Following his victory over the two monsters, Beowulf then returns to the water’s surface (at ‘noon’ – which, interestingly, when the poem was written, was actually three o’clock in the afternoon, or the ninth hour after dawn) before rejoining his men and journeying back to the hall for mead and rejoicing.

The poem then moves forward fifty years to Beowulf’s last fight, his run-in with the dragon (which has been angered by the theft of some of its treasure – shades of The Hobbit once more?). This fight results in one last victory for our great hero, followed by his own death from the mortal would inflicted by the poisoned horn of the beast (though presumably Beowulf was rather advanced in years by this point anyway).

The poem ends with Beowulf’s burial at sea, which is described in much detail – why this might be is discussed below. But this much constitutes a reasonably complete summary of the plot of  Beowulf . So, what about the context for the poem?

Facts about  Beowulf

Although it is celebrated nowadays as an important work of Anglo-Saxon – indeed, ‘English’ – literature, Beowulf was virtually unknown and forgotten about, amazingly, for nearly a thousand years. It was only rescued from obscurity in 1815, when an Icelandic-Danish scholar named Thorkelin printed an edition of the poem.

And although it is seen as the starting-point of great English literature – at many universities, it is still the earliest literary text studied as part of the literary canon – it is very different from other medieval poetry, such as that by Chaucer or Langland, who were writing many centuries later.

It is set in Denmark, has a Swedish hero, and – when read in the original Anglo-Saxon – seems almost more German than ‘English’. This is, of course, because Anglo-Saxon (i.e. the language of the Angles and Saxons from north Germany)  was  Old English (the two terms are used synonymously), and at the very latest the poem was written down some time in the early eleventh century, before 1066 and the Norman invasion, which would bring many French words into English and would pave the way for Middle English (or the English of the Middle Ages).

In ending with the tale of a dragon attempting to defend a mound of treasure, the poem prefigures not only the works of J. R. R. Tolkien (who, as well as being the author of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings , was also an influential Anglo-Saxon scholar who translated Beowulf   and wrote an important article on it   – of which more below) but also, more surprisingly, other poems like Lewis Carroll’s nonsense masterpiece, ‘Jabberwocky’ . It also looks back to Greek and Roman epics like Homer’s Odyssey and Virgil’s Aeneid .

Indeed, during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries many scholars endeavoured to show that the author of Beowulf had been influenced by these classical works, but, in summary, the truth appears to be far more interesting. Rather than directly drawing on the work of Homer and Virgil, the Beowulf poet simply seems to have hit upon the idea of using similar plot devices and character types.

This suggests that different cultures, in these old days of oral storytelling, utilised the same methods in very different works of literature, without having direct knowledge of each other. We can compare Beowulf , too, with the legend of King Arthur (which began to appear in written sources around the same time), specifically in terms of the magic sword which the hero of both stories uses in order to fulfil his quest.

These aspects seem to be hard-wired within us and to be integral parts of human nature: for instance, ideas of bravery and of triumphing over an evil, superhuman force.

This plot, as our brief summary of Beowulf above suggests, shares many of the typical elements of heroic narratives. Although the analogy might seem a little crude, the mechanics of the plot are not so far removed from, say, a James Bond or Indiana Jones film, or a fast-paced fantasy novel or superhero comic strip. The hero takes it upon himself to save the kingdom at immense personal risk to himself.

The foe he faces is no ordinary foe, and conventional weapons are powerless against it. Despite the odds being stacked against him, he manages to ‘overcome the monster’, to borrow Christopher Booker’s phrase for this type of narrative . But this action has consequences, and is in fact merely the prologue to a bigger conflict that must take place: that between Beowulf and Grendel’s mother.

This is why it is odd that the story of the poem is generally thought of as ‘Beowulf versus Grendel’. But this next conflict will prove even more difficult: as well as swords being useless, the strong sword (Hrunting) given to Beowulf by Unferth will also be powerless against Grendel’s mother. But hand-to-hand combat – which was deployed successfully in the vanquishing of Grendel – is also of no use now.

The odds continue to be stacked against our hero, the difficulties multiplying, the tension raised to an almost unbearable pitch. Can he still save the day, when everything he tries seems to be of no avail? Well, yes – though for a while the chances of Beowulf triumphing are looking less and less likely.

The final encounter, with the dragon years later, will prove the most difficult of all – and although he is successful and overcomes the monster, he will pay the ultimate price: victory will come at the cost of his own life.

This patterning of three – three monsters, each of which proves successively more of a challenge to the hero – is found in numerous adventure plots. To a greater or lesser extent, it can be seen in much modern fantasy fiction – such as that by Tolkien.

One thing that the basic overarching story or plot summary of  Beowulf makes clear is just how formative and archetypal it is, not just in heroic ‘English’ literature, but in fantasy literature, too.

Interpretations of  Beowulf

Talking of Tolkien, it was his influential 1936 essay, ‘Beowulf: The Monsters and the Critics’, which was really responsible for a shift in the way that people read Beowulf.  Rather than viewing it as a historical document, Tolkien urged, we should be reading and appreciating it as a work of poetry.   Tolkien also argued that the poem is not an ‘epic’ but an  elegy , ending as it does with the moving account of its hero’s funeral.

Tolkien also argues that Beowulf’s death following his combat with the dragon represents a fitting and more ‘elemental’ end for the hero, who had successfully vanquished the monster Grendel and Grendel’s mother (who, although not human, were nevertheless closer to man than a dragon).

The story is about overcoming an evil foe, only to have to give way to death at the end: even heroes must accept that they will not live forever, even if their names will. ‘Men must endure their going hence’, as Shakespeare has it in  King Lear (a line borrowed for C. S. Lewis’s tombstone).

But Beowulf’s life has been a life well lived because he stood up to evil and was victorious. And Grendel and his mother are ‘evil’ in the Christian sense of the word: the author of  Beowulf tells us that they were spawned from Cain (the first murderer in the Bible) when he was cast out of Eden. Grendel and his mother, then, are similarly outcasts, something that has been rejected by mainstream society and whose violence must be overcome. (For more on Tolkien, have a read of our five fascinating facts about him .)

Beowulf’s name, by the way, was long thought to mean ‘bee-wolf’, as in the two animals. The ‘bee’ theory appears unlikely, however – as does the idea that it is from the same root as our word ‘bear’, suggesting bearlike strength.

No, it turns out that the first part of Beowulf’s name is more probably related to a pre-Christian god named ‘Beow’. Beowulf has an almost divine strength, but also something primal and temporal, but just as valuable: the courage of a wolf.

If you enjoyed this brief summary of, and introduction to,  Beowulf , then you can learn more about the poem here  at the British Library website.

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26 thoughts on “A Summary and Analysis of Beowulf”

Beowulf is indeed a fascinating work and I always look forward to introducing my students to this foundation of hero motifs. Beowulf, despite his tendency to boast a bit (isn’t that where we get kennings?), he was pretty much the perfect hero–intregrity, strong, clever, self-sacrificing.

Reblogged this on Willow's Corner and commented: We read a snippet of Beowulf in Jr. High School (the dragon part) and I’ve always found the story fascinating. I can’t quite read the Old English, but I love to read the different translations. And anyone who’s a Tolkien fan should read his essay.

I would argue that Grendel’s mother (who is interestingly only ever referred to as “the mother”) commits her acts of revenge out of grief, as well as anger. Also, Beowulf is most commonly described as an epic poem; the label makes its main character, Beowulf, an epic-hero. By virtue of being a hero, Beowulf is set-apart from the society presented in the heroic epic. However, in order to be recognized as heroic hero, Beowulf must participate in society in some meaningful way. Thus the character’s role is split and this binary role is portrayed in different ways depending on the translation of Beowulf. There are more than 85 translations of Beowulf, and each one is slightly biased in its interpretation. Nobel Laureate Seamus Heaney’s translation in particular equates Beowulf with the dragon, another “other” figure, in a way that is not replicated by the other translators to emphasize Beowulf’s role as a distinct hero. Since translation is a form of interpretation, I believe Heaney’s translation is particularly biased in thinking about Beowulf in the ancient Ango-Saxon tale and makes Beowulf a more complex character than the original tale describes, torn by his glorious role as epic hero and his duty to his people within a carefully constructed social structure. As the author of this post writes, the morals, tropes, and figures create a bases for understanding many other English works that were to follow, so it’s interesting to see how relatively young Britain works with this tale and interprets its own history.

Tolkien was also heavily influenced by the old Norse (Norwegian/Icelandic) prose Edda and Voluspa; this was where he found the names of his dwarves. In addition, the poem Havamal also speaks of how everyone must die, except a man’s reputation.

Reblogged this on F.T. McKinstry and commented: Some interesting thoughts here on a classic, with references to J.R.R. Tolkien’s take on it.

Reblogged this on Mistrz i Małgorzata .

Fantastic article, it was education and entertaining all at once. I definitely want to go read Tolkien’s essay.

I have often wondered why the Beowulf story was lost for so long. The Arthurian story was passed down for generations, but Beowulf and his bravery forgotten. I think it is because people could relate to, and thus embrace, the faults of Arthur over the heroism in Beowulf.

Reblogged this on Storey on a Story Blog and commented: This is a great commentary on the story of Beowulf. I wanted to share it with you all.

The poem actually begins with Scyld Sheffing’s funeral, and it ends with Beowulf’s. This is deliberate. The central section is the killing of the monsters. The pattern is the establishment of the house of the Geats, the rescue of the house of Heorot by destroyng the house of Grendel, and the end of the house of the Geats with Beowulf.

How utterly fascinating! I have a copy of Beowolf which I confess to my shame I’ve never read despite it being on my shelf for more than 30 years. I must make amends!

Interesting post (!) and it struck a chord (!) funnily enough with a podcast i was listening to yesterday made by a music blogger, who did a 20 minute podcast on the 12 bar blues https://goodmusicspeaks.wordpress.com/good-music-speaks-podcast-3/ . Which of course is heavily dependent on the rule of 3 – line A; repeat line A; variation/resolution. And funnily enough, listening to a Mozart piano concerto, the same pattern was in the phrases, with the third line, the variation, leading of course to a musical resolution /transformation which enables the lead on the the complete next stage – so, in this, there is Beowulf triumphs, Beowulf triumphs again, Beowulf triumphs but in this third phrase his ‘phrase’ resolves with transformation/death.

I guess the ‘rule of three’ is viscerally satisfying!

There’s an excellent film called ‘The Thirteenth Warrior’, in which an exiled Islamic poet joins a band of Vikings to defeat what appears to be a Beowulfian monster attacking a hall. The producers showed some respect for scholarship by including authentic details, for instance the rituals surrounding the ship burial of a Viking chief.

The film being referenced in the comment above by poetmcgonagall, is a film adaptation of Michael Crighton’s excellent ‘Eaters of the Dead’ which gives a facinating take on the Beowulf/Grendel legend. Pay particular attention to his treatment of the Dragon which is all the more horrifying for not being a giant lizard.

I’ve read Beowulf many times over the years (was introduced to the Old-English version back in High School) and you’ve provided an excellent summary.

“not so far removed from, say, a James Bond or Indiana Jones film, or a fast-paced fantasy novel or superhero comic strip” Yes–but also, surely, the Western? What this tells us, I think, is how deep-rooted is the human need for the idea of the stranger who rides (all right, comes by boat) into town, deals with the monster/fear/rich landowner/evil bandit who is terrorising the townfolk and rides out again. No?

Reblogged this on Blogging Beowulf and commented: A great post on one of my favorite works.

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Reblogged this on cjheries and commented: If, in my first year at Reading University in 1964/65, we had studied Beowulf instead of extracts from the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle (so dull!) maybe I should have stuck with reading English instead of switching to Philosophy and obtained a better class of degree than the Gentleman’s I ended up woth (a pass, just like T S Eliot).

I’ve just startd reading Seamus Heaney’s translation and I must say it’s easy to follow so far!

I’ve had the Heaney translation on my shelves for years, but your post has piqued my interest. It will be moved to my TBR pile. Thank you!

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Reblogged this on beocorgi and commented: Very Interesting. I never thought of Jabberwocky like that but now that its pointed out I can definitely see it

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Exploring the Heroism and Cultural Significance of Beowulf: A Literary Analysis

Beowulf is an epic poem that has captured the imagination of readers for centuries. Written in Old English, the poem tells the story of a mighty warrior named Beowulf who battles monsters and dragons to save his people from destruction. But beyond the thrilling adventure and epic battles, Beowulf is also a work of literature that explores deep themes and ideas about heroism and the human condition.

In this blog, we will be conducting a literary analysis of Beowulf, focusing on the themes of heroism and the concept of the hero’s journey. We will examine how the character of Beowulf embodies the ideals of a hero in Anglo-Saxon culture and how the poem reflects the values and beliefs of the society in which it was written. Additionally, we will explore the historical and cultural context of the poem and how it has been interpreted and adapted over time. By delving into the deeper meaning of Beowulf, we can better understand the epic poem and its continued relevance today.

Beowulf is considered one of the most important works of Anglo-Saxon literature and is still studied in different fields, such as literature, history, and culture. The poem is a window into the culture and beliefs of Anglo-Saxon society. It reveals how they viewed the world, their beliefs, and the role of the hero in their society. Furthermore, it’s a great example of storytelling and its importance in the oral tradition. This blog aims to explore the different layers of meaning in the poem and how it continues to resonate with audiences today.

The Heroism of Beowulf

The Heroism of Beowulf is a central theme in the epic poem. Beowulf is presented as a great warrior with the qualities of strength, courage, and self-sacrifice typical of a hero in the Anglo-Saxon culture. Throughout the poem, Beowulf demonstrates these qualities in his battles against monsters and dragons and his interactions with other characters.

One of the prominent examples of Beowulf’s heroism is his battle against Grendel, a terrifying monster that has been terrorizing the people of Heorot for years. Beowulf, driven by his desire for fame and glory, volunteers to fight Grendel without using weapons. He defeats Grendel with his bare hands, proving his strength and courage. This bravery earns him the admiration and respect of the people of Heorot and cements his status as a hero.

Another example of Beowulf’s heroism is his battle against the dragon. Even though he is an older man and knows that the dragon is too mighty for him, he still fights it. He fights it not only for the treasure but also to save his people. He sacrifices himself to save his people and dies in the end.

Beowulf’s heroism is also evident in his interactions with other characters. He demonstrates loyalty and generosity towards his people and his fellow warriors. He is humble and modest, never boasting about his achievements or seeking recognition for his deeds.

Beowulf’s heroism can be compared to the heroic ideals of other cultures, such as the Greeks and Romans. Both cultures have a similar concept of the hero, a person willing to risk his own life to protect and defend his community.

The Cultural Significance of Beowulf

The Cultural Significance of Beowulf is another crucial aspect of the epic poem. The poem reflects the values and beliefs of Anglo-Saxon culture and provides insight into the society in which it was written. By examining specific examples from the poem, we can better understand the cultural significance of Beowulf.

Read: Uncovering the Obscurity in T.S. Eliot’s Poetry: A Deep Dive

One of the most prominent examples of the cultural significance of Beowulf is the emphasis on honor and loyalty. Throughout the poem, characters constantly strive to earn integrity and respect by demonstrating their bravery, strength, and dedication. Beowulf, for example, is driven by his desire for fame and glory, and he fights monsters and dragons to earn the admiration and respect of his people. Similarly, the other warriors in the poem seek to honor through their deeds. This emphasis on integrity and loyalty reflects the values of Anglo-Saxon society, in which reputation and standing in the community were of great importance.

Another example of cultural significance in Beowulf is the importance of boasting and storytelling. In the poem, characters often engage in boasting, or “flyting,” to demonstrate their prowess and earn respect. Beowulf boasts of his heroic deeds before his fight with Grendel and later with the dragon. Storytelling is also an essential aspect of the poem, as it is through the telling of stories that characters can gain fame and honor. This emphasis on boasting and storytelling reflects the oral tradition of the Anglo-Saxon society, in which stories were passed down from generation to generation.

The poem also depicts the warrior culture of Anglo-Saxon society. The society is presented as a warrior culture, where strength and courage are highly valued and the ability to fight and defend the community is essential. Beowulf is the embodiment of this warrior culture, and his deeds and battles reflect the importance of this aspect of Anglo-Saxon society.

The Adaptation and Reception of Beowulf

The Adaptation and Reception of Beowulf is a fascinating topic that highlights the enduring appeal of the epic poem. Throughout the centuries, the poem has been adapted and reinterpreted in various forms, and its reception has been shaped by the cultural and historical context of the time. By examining specific examples of adaptations and receptions, we can better understand how the poem has been interpreted and how it continues to resonate with audiences today.

One of the most notable examples of the adaptation of Beowulf is J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings.” In his famous novel, Tolkien was heavily influenced by the epic poem, and many elements of Beowulf can be found in his work. For example, the character of Beowulf is echoed by Aragorn, a warrior who embodies the ideals of heroism and self-sacrifice. Similarly, the dragon Smaug in The Hobbit also shares many similarities with the dragon in Beowulf.

Another example of adaptation is Robert Zemeckis’s “Beowulf,” an animated film released in 2007. The film retells the epic poem set in a fantasy world. The film presents a more modern interpretation of the poem and uses computer animation to create a vivid and immersive experience. The film received mixed reviews, but it was a box-office success.

Beowulf has also been adapted for the stage, with productions of the poem being performed in various theaters around the world. These stage adaptations bring a new dimension to the poem, allowing audiences to see the poem come to life in a new way.

The reception of Beowulf has also been shaped by the cultural and historical context of the time. In the Middle Ages, the poem was primarily studied by scholars interested in the poem’s historical and linguistic aspects. In the 19th century, the poem was rediscovered and began to be appreciated for its literary merit. Today, poetry is studied in various fields, such as literature, history, and culture, and it continues to be a famous and widely read work.

In conclusion, Beowulf is a complex and multi-layered epic poem that has captured the imagination of readers for centuries. The poem explores the themes of heroism and the concept of the hero’s journey while also reflecting the values and beliefs of Anglo-Saxon culture. Through a literary analysis of the poem, we can gain a deeper understanding of the character of Beowulf and how he embodies the ideals of a hero in the Anglo-Saxon culture. We also can explore how the poem reflects the cultural significance of the society in which it was written, the emphasis on honor and loyalty, the importance of boasting and storytelling, and the depiction of the warrior culture.

Additionally, the adaptation and reception of Beowulf highlight the enduring appeal of the poem, which has been adapted and reinterpreted in various forms, and its reception has been shaped by the cultural and historical context of the time.

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Beowulf Characters

In a work of fiction , a writer uses different characters to evolve a story and convey his idea through their personality.  Without characters and their development, the story cannot progress. Beowulf ’s characters have life-affirming values that readers can take away while reading this epic story. Some of its memorable characters have been analyzed below. The quotations used in character analysis are borrowed from the translation Beowulf by Seamus Heaney.

Characters in Beowulf

Character #1.

Beowulf is the protagonist of the epic poem and demonstrates traits of heroism and extreme physical strength. He fights the demon, Grendel, then kills his mother and finally fights the dragon. Beowulf also displays other character traits such as fearlessness when he attacks Grendel. He also shows his pride and courtesy when he speaks to King Danes and other courtiers. He is loyal to Hygelac’s son when he faces the choice. In the third battle with the dragon, he once again displays his extreme courage and bravery and fights it until his death. He then hands over the kingdom of Geats to his comrade Wiglaf, advising him to care for the kingdom and people.

Character #2

King Hrothgar

King Hrothgar is the second major character, living in peace after uniting the tribes which were at war with his ancestors. He is the second son of the King Healfdene and younger brother of Heorogar, who ruled Denmark after his father. King Hrothgar is brave, generous and honest and has won battles to bring peace in his land. When Grendel appears and terrorizes his people, Beowulf extends his help to Hrothgar. In the epic poem, he is most famous for building the popular hall, Heorot where Grendel, the monster, killed the Danes.

Character #3

Grendel is the third most important character and one of three antagonists. Grendel is a monster and descendant of Cain, from the Bible. He is capable of thinking and acting like a human being. He first appears in Hrothgar’s hall of Heorot and kills several Danes merely for singing. Beowulf then comes to Denmark and offers to help Hrothgar to get rid of Grendel. Grendel is surprised to face stiff resistance from Beowulf, who also tears his arm, mortally wounding him. Grendel then flees, and his corpse is later found in the swamp where Beowulf severs his head and ends his terror.

Character #4

Mother of Grendel

Grendel’s mother is a second antagonist in the epic story. She doesn’t have a name but is commonly addressed as a monster and Grendel’s mother. She attacks Heorot hall to exact revenge for her son’s murder. Beowulf is again assigned to find her. He discovers that she lives in a cave under the lake and is stuck a nine-hours fierce battle with Grendel’s mother. After knowing that his sword, Hrunting, cannot kill Grendel’s mother, Beowulf finds an ancient sword that he uses to kill her. Despite her importance, it is very interesting that she has not been named by the anonymous author of this epic poem.

Character #5

The dragon is the last antagonist in the epic, Beowulf, who becomes the reason for Beowulf’s death and almost destroys the Geats race. He appears when Beowulf is older and had been ruling the Geats for several years. He has brought peace and happiness to his people. However, one day, a slave enters the lair of the dragon and steals its cup. The dragon wakes up and starts burning homes, killing everyone in the path while searching for the thief. Beowulf takes his thanes and starts his search for the dragon. Finally, he finds it in its lair and fights him with his young companion, Wiglaf. Beowulf is fatally wounded after killing the dragon and dies.

Character #6

Scyld Scefing

Although a minor character, Scyld Scefing (pronounced as Shield Sheffing) opens this old English epic and leaves it in the middle when he is followed by the king and caring princes and his progeny. As the founding father of the Danes, he conquered other surrounding tribes in battles. He was also very caring and loving towards his people, providing them everything abundantly. His tribe mourns his death and hands his casket over to the waves of the sea with treasures to pay him high respect.

Character #7

Although Unferth is a minor character, he proves to be a good foil to Beowulf. He is the son of Ecglaf and follows Hrothgar after him. Not only is he a poor warrior, but also lacks various chivalrous codes of that time. In the beginning, he appears to be jealous of Beowulf for upholding moral values and demonstrating extreme boldness. Beowulf later accuses him of killing his brother after facing his taunts about losing the swimming match against Breca. However, Beowulf gives an exact account of that swimming adventure . He also tries to teach him a lesson and indirectly making Unferth realize his mistake. Later, Unferth shows his generosity by awarding his family sword to Beowulf.

Character #8

Although Wiglaf is a minor character as compared to various other characters. He wins significance for his role of standing beside Beowulf during his final battle with the dragon. He is from the kingdom of the Geats and relative of Beowulf and follows him until his death. Later, as advised by Beowulf, he rules the Geats justly for many years. However, the kingdom is destined to witness their end during his time.

Character #9

Ecgtheow is a minor character, and yet very important, as he is Beowulf’s father. He was involved in tribal feuds for killing people from the enemy tribes. He sought refuge with Hrothgar and pay indemnity. Beowulf later serves Hrothgar to show gratitude and to repay the kindness shown by Hrothgar and for helping his father. Beowulf also praises him and feels proud to be his son.

Character #10

Cain’s character is only discussed in the epic story and is very important. Grendel and his mother are said to be Cain’s descendant. Cain is also the brother of Abel whom he kills. Beowulf states him as an “outlawed / condemned as outcasts,” for the Lord had cursed Cain as a penalty for killing Abel.

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