Wait a second!
More handpicked essays just for you.
More handpicked essays just for you.
Beowulf the medieval heroes
Beowulf an overview
Beowulf the medieval heroes
Don’t take our word for it - see why 10 million students trust us with their essay needs.
Recommended: Beowulf the medieval heroes
What is a Ring-giver?
Those who’ve been asked for the definition of a ring-giver have answered with a dumbfounded facial expression, “Does it have anything to do with the movie Lord of the Rings?" Or others might simply think that the word "ring-giver" basically means a person who gives out rings. This word can be considered a vague term because it might sound like it has one implication, but in fact, it actually has a deeper meaning. During the Anglo-Saxon period, the word "ring-giver" is also labeled as a kenning, which is an extended metaphor. It simply turns ‘ring’ into a metaphorical term.
The word “ring-giver” really means the king or overlord. However, there is more to the definition. The soldiers, or men who returned home from fighting for their king or land, would receive valuable charms from the king or overlord, such as arm-rings or neck-rings. In this case, the king is known as the ‘ring-giver’ because he distributes priceless gold only to those bold men. In other words, ring-givers distribute wealth for special purposes. The arm-rings and neck-rings distributed by the ring-giver are a reward for warriors’ enormous courage and strength. The brave heroes, who show off their arm-rings and neck-rings in public, eventually make the others jealous of their courage and values. Therefore, the heroes guard these precious jewels with their life.
In Beowulf, edited by Joseph E. Tuso, the epic begins with a depiction of the good king -- Scyld. Scyld and his son, Beow, are known as the ring-givers in Beowulf: “a young man ought by his good deeds, by giving splendid gifts […], to make sure that later in his life beloved companions will stand by him, that people will serve him when war comes” (1). As the epic continues, we note that when Scyld dies, he is sent out to his death to his burial by water, in a “ring-prowed ship” (Tuso 1). He is provided with many great treasures in his voyage into the sea. In other words, Scyld’s death, his going down into the horizon, will be countered by the repeated pattern, which means that his son, Beow, will take over for him and live again in recognition. Beow brings people close to him, ready to tell his story, by his gifts, especially the gifts of the rings.
Scyld and Beow are not the only two ring-givers in Beowulf.
In “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring,” we see countless examples of how Frodo fights against the mystical force of the One Ring. A case in point is how the One Ring bestows a great amount of power to whomever is wearing in the moment. On the other hand at the same time, the One Ring restores an immeasurable amount of pressure on it wearer. Thus, corrupting him of her. It acts as a force that is uncontrollable when worn. In spite of the wearer’s initial purposes, whether it be good or evil, the One Ring’s supernatural control overturns the wearer to
“Then Scyld departed at the destined hour, that powerful man sought the Lord’s protection. His own close companions carried him down to the sea, as he, lord of the Danes, had asked while he could still speak'; (BEO 26-30). This is the exact sequence of events which happens to Beowulf, his “destined hour'; being the fatal wound inflicted by the dragon.
“One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them, One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them,” (55). The One Ring controls Gollum, Bilbo, Boromir, and Frodo in attempts to return to Sauron, Its Creator, the Lord of the Rings, and the utmost evil present in J.R.R. Tolkien’s novels. But the Ring never achieves Its goal because each character possesses a unique set of skills which resist the evil temptations of the Ring. Gollum is the first victim of the Ring, with no knowledge of Its powers or guidance away from Its control. Bilbo is the second ring bearer, with an almost complete knowledge of the Ring’s power still has difficulty resisting the Ring’s temptation. Gandalf guides Bilbo to constantly resist the evil of the Ring. Boromir never gets his hands on the Ring but craves Its power thinking he can use it for good, ignoring the guidance offered to him at the Council of Elrond. Frodo has the most knowledge and guidance of all the characters but also seems to have the strongest temptations. J.R.R. Tolkien uses characterization in the Fellowship of the Ring to prove that people without a longing for power resist temptation through knowledge, good habits, and guidance.
In the folk epic Beowulf written by an unknown writer, it was common for a tribe to be ruled by a chieftin, also known as a king, who was expected to maintain the well being of his people. Shield Sheafson was the first example of a chieftin in the poem. Beowulf eventually lived up to him. “A foundling to start with, he would flourish later on as his powers waxed and his worth was proved.” Sheafson flourished at the height of his power and just like an ideal king was suppose to be, he was buried with treasures. The king surrounded himself with blood kindred retainers and many household members. Also the king led his men in battles and was rewarded with spoils. Royal generosity was also an important aspect of the Anglo Saxon culture and in this
Throughout the epic Beowulf attempts to introduce himself as someone worthy of glory by boasting of his skills and deeds. These boasts show Beowulf’s glory seeking tendencies. One of these boasts
Kingship in J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Ringsand Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings." Tolkien Studies 6.1 (2009): 71-90. Project MUSE. Web. 30 Nov. 2013. .
In “Beowulf,” trust and bondage is cornerstone in any relationship. Bondage is formed in many ways, including the giving of gifts or aiding of people. Gifts and treasure are also given as a status piece; revealing the superficial nature of Scandinavian culture. Beowulf maintains a straight path of responsibility even after being showered with gifts, an example that carries into modern societies. Gift giving is discovered throughout the epic to show appreciation, bondage, and a look into 10th century culture.
Cults are becoming more and more of an issue for Jews every day. Many cults are beginning to target Jews. They say you can believe in Jesus yet remain a Jew, or many other things like that. It is important for people to educate themselves of these cults and their recruiting techniques so that they will not be taken advantage of by these cults. Cults now are very different than they were in ancient times though. The Jews, rather than being targeted by cults, were themselves a cult. In fact they were one of the first documented cults.
The myth of the Ring of Gyges has transcended hundred of years, thusly making it a ‘tale as old as time’. Modern adaptations of this myth include JRR Tolkien’s, “Lord of the Ring” series as an example. Through this legend and others, like the myth of metals, Plato is able to demonstrate what one ought to do if one is set owner of the infamous Ring of Gyges, ergo the argumentation of why one ought to act justly. If I had a magic ring such as the Ring of Gyges I would be inclined to act mischievously, but would wind up acting as though I did not have the ring. To fully understand my position, if I had a magic ring, can only be fully comprehended once the purpose of the ring, pertaining to morality is understood. I feel as though the Socrates of The Apology and of The Republic would answer in a consistent way. Namely, that regardless of possession of the ring or not, one should act justly.
Beowulf is honored after Grendel and his mother’s defeat for his morality and willingness to help the king with his problem. He put aside the life he had at home and gave up everything so they were protected. Upon his return, everyone was praising him and lifting up the wondrous works and all that’d he’d done to protect them. Because of his respectable actions, Beowulf was rewarded for his true heroism. He becomes king over his people and ruled for the next fifty years.
There have been many horrible crimes that have been committed by members of some cults, including crime cases such as murder, kidnapping, assault, and sexual-assault. There have been terrorist attacks against certain cults that made death threats in the past. (Richardson).
Beowulf possesses each of these qualities as a young prince and an older king. He was spawned and raised by nobility and several of his qualities come from his noble background. The epic hero, Beowulf, displays honor in every act. Beowulf accepts the challenge of fighting the monster, Grendel, for the honor of helping the Geats and to honor his noble father. Beowulf is always there for his people in their time of need. Following his death, Beowulf is honored by his people. Beowulf is buried on a cliff, overlooking the sea. Buried along with Beowulf is the dragon’s treasure. But even in death, Beowulf protects his people; he is sparing them from a curse tied to the treasures. The funeral Beowulf receives pays honor to his heroic
In “Organized Sports Can Benefit Children,” David Brooks argues that sports are healthy for children, helping them build character and showing them leadership skills. David points out that sports can teach a kid responsibility in a variety of ways. For example, it’s easy to slack off in a classroom full of kids who don’t have much care for their own grades. Some students find disrespecting teachers and talking back to their parents cool and amusing. Teachers don’t take action into this bad behavior and assume its okay because of their young age. “You rarely see a teacher tell a kid to tuck in his shirt or have pride in his appearance, but coaches do it all the time” (Brooks). Coaches expect different from their players. They expect their players to keep a passing grade point average. If their grade point average doesn’t meet the requirements, they are not allowed to play. They want the players to show nothing but respect towards them. Any form of talking back or disrespect can lead to some kind of punishment, like running laps or push-ups. This teaches the players discipline and to treat others with respect.
Cults are different from other groups. According to the American Journal of Psychotherapy, two factors distinguish how cults are different from other social groups. First, the ...
During Shakespeare's time, the wedding and engagement rings indicated commitment. The rings Portia and Nerissa gave to Bassanio and Gratiano, that they were never to remove, were just that. "I give them with this ring, Which when you part from, lose, or give away, Let it presage the ruin of your love And be my vantage to exclaim on you" (3.2.171-4). The rings stood for the man's commitment to his wife just as rings Bassanio and Gratiano would give to Portia and Nerissa at their weddings would stand for the wives' commitment.