Beowulf, the Oldest and Best Poetic Epic

780 Words2 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Descriptive writing essay beowulf

Poetry is the oldest literary genre written in verse. It has the purpose of producing an illusion on the imagination of the reader, it uses different figures of speech and takes different poems forms. An epic is one of this poem forms and it is “an extended narrative poem recounting actions, travels, adventures, and heroic episodes where the action, often in battle, reveals the more-than-human strength of the heroes as they engage in acts of courage” and they embody the set of values of their nations. In this paper I am going to show that Beowul, the oldest English poem whose author is unknown, is an exceptional example of an epic since it displays three of the typical features of this genre: it is long, there is an embodiment of nation´s values, the main character is a superhuman hero.

To start with, Beowulf is characterized for being an extremely long narrative poem since it consists of the account of the sequence of events written in 3,182 lines. Each line has two main beats and each half-line is joined to the other by alliteration, that is , “two or more word beginning with the same sound”, for example when it says:

“...grim and greedy, he grasperd betimes...” line (121)

This repetition of sounds and its fixed rhythm helped the author narrates this long poem. The fact that there are some framed stories within Beowulf is important too, because they make the epic longer, these are: the story of Breca and the framing story of Beowulf´s battles . Another feature of this epic is that it is full of descriptions: mainly of the mead-hall and banquets, which may sound repetitive to the reader, but it is one of the most important characteristics of the genre, that make it extensive.

The story clearly reveals the m...

... middle of paper ...

... It is also demostrated when he fought against the monstersa and save the nation from them. He did it because he loved Denmark and the Danish loved and honor him and it is explicit in the story when he says:

“...we here have found

hosts to our heart: thou hast harbored us well

If ever on earth I am able to win me

more of thy love, oh lord of men,

aught anew, that I now have done,

for work of war I am willing still!....”lines (814-819)

The honorable man said that he was willing to fight for the nation when it was necessary. He said so because he was the one who represented Denmark´s values.

Beowulf is a perfect example of an epic since within the story we can clearly recognize some of the typical characteristics of the genre: it is lengthy, the main character is characterized for having a superhuman strength and for emboding the nation´s values.

Show More
Related

  • Epic of Beowulf

    1466 Words  | 3 Pages

    It is common opinion that Beowulf was written by a Christian poet. This was probably true because at the time when it was written, most of the few people who knew how to read and write were in the clergy. There are various references within the poem to elements of the Christian religion. However, the story is about Pagan people and certain aspects of their culture are even glorified. The ambiguity of Beowulf’s religious content has caused confusion as to what significance religion had in inspiring the author and in what manner the author meant to inspire or influence his audience. I do not think that Beowulf is a Christian allegory because Beowulf had very little in common with the Biblical figure of Jesus Christ. I think that religion was not the primary thematic concern of the writer. Although there are discrepancies between the two styles of thinking, Beowulf seems to praise values which were considered moral and good among all humanity, both Christian and Pagan.

    Read More

  • BioPure case

    1609 Words  | 4 Pages

    Although blood transfusions in the veterinary market are infrequent and the market scope is limited, Oxyglobin has the potential to become a lucrative investment for Biopure. Based on the approximate 355,000 blood transfusions (please see Exhibit 1 for the calculations behind this estimate) performed on animals in 1995, a definite opportunity exists for Oxyglobin within the veterinary blood market. Since the number of blood transfusions conducted in 1995 represented on average only 2.5% of animals suffering from acute blood loss, increased availability of animal blood could possibly stimulate the market.

    Read More

  • Epic of Beowulf

    810 Words  | 2 Pages

    Scyld Scefing often deprived his enemies, many tribes of men, of their mead-benches. He terrified his foes; yet he, as a boy, had been found a waif; fate made amends for that. He prospered under heaven, won praise and honor, until the men of every neighboring tribe, across the whale’s way, were obliged to obey him and pay him tribute. He was a noble king! (BEO 4-11).

    Read More

  • Epic of Beowulf

    620 Words  | 2 Pages

    As the welcoming celebration for Beowulf goes on, Unferth begins to ridicule Beowulf about his swimming competition with Breca. Unferth is jealous and feels threatened by Beowulf " for he would not allow that any other man of middle-earth should ever achieve more glory under the heavens than himself." (Norton p. 33) Unferth is a very peculiar character. Although he has committed the horrific crime of killing his brother(s), he is privileged enough to sit at the feet of the king, a very respected position. His sin,an enormous violation of the comitatus, suggests that there is something wrong in Hrothgar's kingdom and perhaps helps to foreshadow its destruction. Ultimately, it will be destroyed, as the text says, by a fire after " sword-hate between son-in-law and father-in-law to awaken after murderous rage." (Norton p. 28).

    Read More

  • Epic of Beowulf

    1716 Words  | 4 Pages

    There was a huge influence of both paganism and christianity that can be noticed in Old English Poetry. To better understand these two values, let us explain what paganism and christianity mean. Christianity is a monotheistic religion centered on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth. As presented in New Thestament, Christians believe Jesus to be the Son of God and the Messiah prophesied in The Old Testament. Christianity began in the 1st century AD as a Jewish sect, and shares many religious texts with Judaism, specifically the Hebrew Bible, known to Christians as the Old Testament. The name Christian means belonging to Christ or partisan of Christ. As far as Paganism is concerned, the word comes from latin paganus and means a country dweller, rustic. It is a term which has come to connote a broad set of spiritual or cultic practises or beliefs of any folk religion a nd of historical and contemprorary polytheism religious in particular. (...) Characteristic of pagan traditions in the anscence of proselytisation and presence of a living mythology which explains religious practice. The term Pagan is a Christian adaptation of the goy of Judaism.

    Read More

  • Taking a Look at Genetically Modified Organisms

    1564 Words  | 4 Pages

    If you read the paper or watch the news, you’re undoubtedly aware of the debate raging over genetically modified food. Is it bad or is it good? Between the feuding sides, you might find yourself a little lost and wondering which side is right. Answers to seemingly simple questions have been blurred or exaggerated by both sides. On one side genetically modified food is more sustainable, safe, cheaper, easier to grow and has the potential of creating disease-fighting foods. Although this is positive and good intentioned, there may be unintended consequences that we have been quick to overlook. Those opposing genetically modified food clam that it is dangerous, harms the environment, increases health risks, and causes infertility and weight gain. Even things like the declining bee population may have closer ties to modified food than previously thought. We must look to science for answers. By studying genetically modified organisms (GMOs) we can guide our decision about whether we want to be consuming them.

    Read More

  • Beowulf The Epic Hero

    1321 Words  | 3 Pages

    What does it mean to be a hero? Like anything else in this world, the definition of the word hero can be argued. Some may say that a hero can be passive, that is if he or she refrains from doing a certain action it makes them heroic. Others would argue that to be truly heroic the character must never turn tail and always face the obstacle head on even though he or she may die in the process. So is Beowulf a hero? Yes, Beowulf is a great epic hero, but his greatness comes only from his sword and not from his mind.

    Read More

  • Biotechnology and Genetically Modified Foods

    1029 Words  | 3 Pages

    Are genetically modified foods safe? Genetically modified foods are crop plants created for human or animal consumption using molecular biological techniques. These plants have been modified to enhance certain traits like increased resistance to herbicides or improve nutritional content. This process traditionally has been done through breeding, but is not very accurate. Scientists have been using biotechnology to implant the gene that makes the plants act the way they want them to. Genetically modified foods have advantages and disadvantages on the environment and advantages and disadvantages on society. We have to weigh the positives and negatives to see if genetically modified foods are healthy for us and if we really need them.

    Read More

  • Revenge: A Theme in Beowulf

    650 Words  | 2 Pages

    The Danes seem to have disputes with everyone, some ending with them basking in glory and others ending, well, with not so much glory involved. In the Hall of Frisia the King, Finn, was attacked by the Danes. In this battle the Danes leader was killed, as well as Finn’s only heir. The Danes, leaderless, were then lead by Hengest who forced a treaty with the and Finn, so they were taken under the care of Finn. “Finn, son of Focwald, should honor the Danes, bestow with an even hand to Hengest and Hengest’s men the wrought-gold rings (1089-1092)”. The Danes were maddened by this and began to be resentful towards the Frisians and at the coming of Spring they renewed the fight and killed Finn, and robbed him thoroughly. “Thus blood was spilled, the gallant Finn slain in his home…..Finn was cut down, the queen bought away and everything the Shieldings could find (1146-47; 1152-1154). Finn tried to make peace, but the desire to avenge their leaders murderer was greater, They also looted his stronghold and took back his wife. Considering his wife was a Dane, they must have also had a desire to avenge something else when the Dani...

    Read More

  • Epic of Beowulf Essay - An Epic Poem

    1672 Words  | 4 Pages

    To qualify as an epic poem, Beowulf reflects the values of the culture in which it was created. The Anglo-Saxon culture and the poem share many of the same values. They shared a heroic ideal that included loyalty, strength, courage, courtesy, and generosity. Like all epic poems Beowulf is a long narrative work that tells the adventures of a great hero and also reflects the values of the society in which it was written. Both Beowulf and the Anglo-Saxons believed in those qualities as an individual.

    Read More

  • The Genetically Modified Foods Controversy

    1350 Words  | 3 Pages

    Sheldon, Ian. “Food Principles: Regulating Genetically Modified Crops After The 2006 WTO Ruling.” Brown Journal Of World Affairs 14.1 (2007): 121-134.Academic Search Premier. Web. 2 Nov. 2011.

    Read More

  • Genetically Modified Foods

    878 Words  | 2 Pages

    "Genetically Modified Food." Opposing Viewpoints Online Collection. Detroit: Gale, 2013. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 3 May 2014.

    Read More

  • Biometrics

    2159 Words  | 5 Pages

    Biometrics has really been a captivating part of watching new age movies and futuristic stars bring in the 21st century. Yet, most regular people don’t even know what is behind these alluring “tricks”, and what really classifies as a part of the Biometrics field. Something as simple as a pin number you use for an ATM machine would qualify as part of this realm. Other behavioral characteristics can be things such as a voice print, or a signature. Biometrics can also become so technologically advanced that they can use video surveillance to scan who goes in and out of an area...

    Read More

  • Beowulf, Element Of Epics

    1217 Words  | 3 Pages

    According to most dictionaries, an epic is an extended narrative poem in elevated or dignified language, celebrating the feats of a legendary or traditional hero. While this is true, the epic Beowulf contains more than those two requirements. This story contains five elements which make it an epic. There is an epic hero, action of an immense scale, an elevated writing style, long speeches meant to inspire or instruct, and also the descent into the underworld.

    Read More

  • Beowulf as an epic

    683 Words  | 2 Pages

    To be considered and epic, a piece of literature must exhibit quite a few specific, literary techniques. Some of the main criteria points include being a long, narrative poem, having an epic hero, and containing rhythm, alliteration, and imagery. Beowulf can be considered an epic because it contains all of this criteria.

    Read More

More about Beowulf, the Oldest and Best Poetic Epic

Open Document