Beowulf
In reading the epic Beowulf, one finds the changing ideals of the pagan belief andthe Christian belief of good triumphing over evil. At the time when Beowulf was written,stories were told in narrative poems through oral tradition. By oral tradition it was retoldto audiences throughout the years and finally written down by monks. Beowulf displays the heroic qualities of an epic hero through his loyalty, strength, and courage. In the beginning, Beowulf "heard how Grendel filled nights with horror and quickly commanded a boat fitted out, proclaiming that he'd go to that famous king" (43). This shows he has loyalty to his duty because he left when he was needed, though not in search of treasure. When he comes home he is welcomed by the king, "and later becomes king himself when Higlac and his son have died... ruling Geatland for fifty years
During the fight with Grendel's mother he saw a sword hanging on the wall, it was "the best of all weapons but so massive that no ordinary man could lift its carved and decorated length. Beowulf still stayed and fought Grendel until his death. Another quality is his strength, which he shows in his battle with Grendel. It touches some basic life principles. This shows his loyalty to the king and takes responsibility over the country. When the dragon comes into his kingdom, "Although he is an old man, Beowulf determines to slay the beast" (54). Some of these principals are to not hold yourself back from something you want to do, strive to accomplish life's struggles, do not desire everything for just pleasure and riches, and acquire more out of life than what is expected. This proves his loyalty to his people in that even though he can barely fight he still does, to protect the kingdom. "[Grendel] twisted in pain and the bleeding sinews deep in his shoulder snapped, muscle and bone split and broke. Beowulf had been granted new glory.
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