Beowulf LRJ #3

In the final battle with the fire breathing dragon, many values are exhibited. For example, Beowulf accepts that fighting the monster is part of his destiny, which manifests the value of accepting death as a part of life, "After many trials, he was destined to face the end of his days in this mortal world." (Heany 2341). This shows that Beowulf does not fear death, but rather sees it as just another event in his assumedly immortal life. Another value that is shown is one of pride. As Wiglaf comes to help Beowulf, he ponders on what it truly means to be a hero, "I would rather my body were robed of the same burning blaze as my gold-giver's body than go back home bearing arms." (2651). Wiglaf would rather die a gruesome death alongside his master and leader than come home knowing that he was a coward. This type of pride is very evident in many sections of Beowulf.

Although there are numerous similarities between this section and the other Beowulf readings, there are also many differences. For example, this is the first instance in which Beowulf insists on fighting alone, "'Men at arms, remain here on the barrow, safe in your armor...This fight is not yours.'" (2529). In Beowulf's previous adventures he traveled with a contingent of warriors at his side, but in his final battle he cannot bring himself to put any others in danger. Also, this section is different than the others because it is the first time Beowulf is drastically hurt at the hands of a foe, "Beowulf's body ran wet with his life-blood." (2692). Indeed, this is the first time that Beowulf is portrayed as even mildly helpless, the first time he has truly required the help of others, as exhibited in Wiglaf's speech, "Now the day has come when this lord we serve needs sound men to give him their support." (2646).

Although tragic, Beowulf's death was a very honorable one. As Beowulf begins to fall ill from his wounds, the narrator explains the nobility of Beowulf's final actions, "So every man should act, be at hand when needed." (2708). This dictates that Beowulf died as he had lived: a hero to the people, aiding them when they needed him most. As Beowulf lays dying, he does not lament over his passing, but is reassured that his actions will protect him in the after life, "Because of my right ways' the Ruler of mankind need never blame me when the breath leaves my body." (2741). This shows that even though Beowulf has died, his spirit will live on in virtuous memory.

Beowulf LRJ#1

During Beowulf's confrontation with the great beast Grendel, many Anglo Saxon values are expressed. One such value is loyalty to your superiors. As Beowulf fights with Grendel, all the warriors that he commands assemble in order to protect their leader, "Beowulf's warriors brandished many a sword, inheritances from the ancient days, trying to protect their chief" (Breeden, 132)*. This shows that as soldiers under Beowulf, they are responsible for doing everything in their power to protect him, even at a risk of their own mortality. This value is also shown when the narrator makes a keen effort not to give an unfair representation to the king Hrothgar, "They, however, never found fault with the gracious Hrothgar--he was a good king."(208). This shows that even though Hrothgar did not fulfill his duties and protect his people, he is still considered a good leader.

One of the most common literary devices used in Beowulf is alliteration. It is found in practically every line of the epic, but it's purposes are often different. There are many examples of this in the fight with Grendel. "the wine-hall withstood the battle, that the beautiful building did not fall to the ground." (98). In this passage, the sound of the letter 'B' is used to express to magnitude and importance of the battle, and also the strength of the mead hall. Another example of alliteration is found after Grendel cries oust in pain. "The din rose louder, the Danes stood in dreadful terror" (115). Here, the repetition of the letter 'D' is used to express the fear of the townsfolk.

Kennings are small, metaphorical phrases that can be used in place of nouns. They appear very often in Beowulf, such as when the narrator refers to a warrior's breaking joints as "bone-locks" (60). By doing this, the author gives us a more literal interpretation of Grendel's body, which makes his demise much more graphic. Also, the narrator refers to fog as "cloud murk" (22). By doing this, the author expresses the tone of the passage in a noun, without having to add any more adjectives or adverbs.

*All line numbers are from online translation from the Wiki.

Beowulf LRJ#2

Many values and traditions of Anglo Saxon society can be seen in the behavior of Beowulf, a powerful soldier and this story's protagonist. One such value is avenging the death of those close to you. As Beowulf addresses his men, he tells them not to grieve for their fallen comrade, but rather to seek vengeance on Grendel's mother. "It is always better to avenge dear ones than to indulge in mourning." (1384). By saying this, Beowulf implies that to take time to be sad over a loved one's death is to waste time, where as taking revenge would properly resolve the issue. Another value shown in the text is one of glory, especially in taking a physical trophy from your victories. Beowulf expresses this after he decapitates Grendel, "His courage was proven, his glory was secure. Grendel's head was hauled." (1646). This quote shows the connection Beowulf sees between his courageous actions and his lasting glory. As if being the victor wasn't enough, he also feels the need to bring home a souvenir: Grendel's disembodied head. He needs a constant reminder of his actions.

There are several unrealistic aspects of this story, but the vast majority of them are found in Beowulf. He is capable of superhuman abilities that could never exist in real life. For example, he was able to hold his breath underwater for several hours, "He dived into the heaving depths of the lake. It was the best part of a day before he could see the bottom." (1494). Also, Beowulf has incredible strength. He can easily carry Grendel's head on his own, but when he passes it on to his men it takes 4 people to lift it, "It was a task for four to hoist Grendel's head on a spear and bear it under strain" (1637). Such exaggerations of human capabilities are used to enhance Beowulf's persona as a magnificent hero. By shocking the reader with such improbable situations, we better understand the power and importance of Beowulf.

Although Beowulf is filled with interesting syntax and imagery, there were a few quotes that I really enjoyed. My favorite use of figurative language was when Beowulf's magical sword melts after he beheads Grendel, "Meanwhile; the sword began to wilt into gory icicles, to slather and thaw. It was a wonderful thing, the way it all melted as ice melts." (1605). The use of imagery and simile in this passage is very effective in creating a mystical atmosphere. My other favorite quote was the last quote in the passage, when Grendel's head was hauled across the floor of the mead hall, "Grendel's head was hauled by the hair, dragged across the floor where the people were drinking, a horror for both the queen and company to behold." (1647). How cool is Beowulf? So cool that he just drags Grendel's head through the mead hall like it was no big deal. What a cool guy. I really like this quote because it portrays Beowulf as somewhat of a rebel.