The Characteristics Of Beowulf As Symbolized By His Swords

The Characteristics of Beowulf as Symbolized by His Swords In Beowulf, the unknown bard employs the use of swords as symbols to display the true nature of the epic hero. Throughout Beowulf, swords play a large role of simply a hero’s weapon of choice; however, the motif of swords are crucial to the development of many of the epic poem’s characters, especially Beowulf himself (Culbert 13). The reader is able to perceive Beowulf’s pride, loyalty, and strength all through the bond with his swords; accordingly, his blades can be seen just as weapons of war or as metaphors of his own personality. In Beowulf, the scop uses symbolism to display how Hrunting symbolizes the great Geat’s desire for prestige, Naegling as a symbol of his steadfast loyalty, and how all three main swords are a representation of the hero’s superhuman strength. Beowulf was a true hero, dedicated to helping others in need as illustrated by all of his incredible battles with seem ingly insurmountable opponents; however, if the epic protagonist had a flaw, it would be his pride. Although it did not directly lead to his downfall, Beowulf’s natural craving for more fame is evident when he forgoes the use of Hrunting in the battle with Grendel. The epic hero is given Hrunting as a gift and weapon of choice for coming to eradicate the barbaric descendent of Cain, Grendel (Beowulf 1455-1458). His gifted foil is described in the text as â€Å"a rare and ancient sword named Hrunting. / The iron blade with itsShow MoreRelatedCharacteristics Of Beowulf936 Words   |  4 Pagesand war. Often times the epics and traditional stories passed down are centered around battles where the hero represents strong leadership characteristics. The story of Beowulf was commonly used as a story to teach upcoming leaders powerful ways to lead. Common traits are shown in the story illustration common themes for leadership. Throughout the epic of Beowulf, an element of Anglo -Saxon culture is represented in the virtues of humility through actions, loyalty in the fighting, and the Code of ComitatusRead MoreEpic of Beowulf Essay1106 Words   |  5 Pagescentury epic poem Beowulf illustrates a loss of community, cultural values and tradition. On the other hand, an elegiac passing of an extraordinary hero and the relationship between the themes of mortality and heroism are well discussed in Beowulf. Beowulf’s character exemplifies the Germanic and the Anglo-Saxon ideals of the hero: strong, fearless, bold, loyal, and stoic in the acceptance of fate. Despite his lack of humility, Beowulf was the definition of a hero in his own time by his demonstrationRead MoreEssay on Good and Evil in Beowulf1042 Words   |  5 PagesThe story of Beowulf was probably composed in England sometime in the Eighth Century AD, and written down circa 1000 AD, by a literate scop (bard) or perhaps a Christian scribe who was possibly educated in a monastery. The poem was created in oral tradition and was transferred to writing over time. It had its roots in folk tales and traditional stories until some very talented poet put it in something very near to its current form. The poem was more than likely performed for audiences at courtRead MoreThe Ultimate Battle Of Good Vs Evil1987 Words   |  8 Pagesbattle of Good vs Evil in Beowulf The story of Beowulf involves a man who accomplishes many unbelievable feats. These feats help to save the Danes from evil beasts. The idea of good and evil opposing one another has been a topic for discussion since man’s existence. This idea is seen all around us in movies (Superheroes vs Villains), the world (ISIS), and religion (God is good, Satan is evil). The story of Beowulf is has the theme of good versus evil imbedded into it also. Beowulf is an Old English epicRead MoreEssay on Heroes of Celtic and Germanic Mythology3702 Words   |  15 Pagesarchetypical champions of Celtic and Germanic mythology exhibited similar characteristics regardless of whether or not they were Anglo-Saxon, Rhenish, or Irish. Indeed, there are many parallels between the behaviors demonstrated by the heroes of Beowulf, the Nibelungenlied, and the Tain Bo Cuailnge. Some of the most striking of these parallels are: the noble and divine lineage of the hero; the hero’s increased enduranc e and his exceptional combat abilities (including the use of powerful weapons andRead More The Use of Magic in Medieval Literature Essay2847 Words   |  12 Pagesmagic and magical creatures has been around for a long time, however, in the time period ranging from Beowulf to Malorys Arthur, there has been an evolution in attitudes and the consequent treatment of magic in medieval literature. The discussion of magic involves not only the disparity between Christian and pagan tradition but also of gender roles, most notably in the Arthurian mythos. Beowulf, Marie De Frances Bisclavret and Lanval, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and Sit Thomas Malorys Le Morte