Beowulf Summary

Beowulf Quotes

2006-01-31T07:59:00.001-08:00

"A soldier should know the difference between words and deeds, and keep that knowledge clear in his brain." (p. 45) In the end when Beowulf was suffering, his soldiers were not by his side.
"I've never known fear, as a youth I fought in endless battles. I am old, now, but I will fight again, seek fame still, if the dragon hiding in his tower dares to face me." (p. 54-55) Even though he has aged, he still fights to be the ultimate hero.
"Then he said farewell to his followers, each in his turn, for the last time." (p. 55) He has so many people who look up to him because of his bravery.

Beowulf Quotes

2006-01-31T07:59:00.000-08:00

"A soldier should know the difference between words and deeds, and keep that knowledge clear in his brain." (p. 45) In the end when Beowulf was suffering, his soldiers were not by his side.
"I've never known fear, as a youth I fought in endless battles. I am old, now, but I will fight again, seek fame still, if the dragon hiding in his tower dares to face me." (p. 54-55) Even though he has aged, he still fights to be the ultimate hero.
"Then he said farewell to his followers, each in his turn, for the last time." (p. 55) He has so many people who look up to him because of his bravery.

Beowulf Pictures

2006-01-31T07:35:00.000-08:00

http://www.hectorcasanova.net/comix/grendel.jpg

http://homepage.mac.com/mseffie/assignments/beowulf/beowulf.html

http://ew2.lysator.liu.se/pic/art/b/i/bilderback/grendels_mother.jpg

http://guilds.outpost10f.com/~poetry/poetry/images/fight.jpg

Thoughts on Beowulf

2006-01-30T07:10:00.000-08:00

Summary
Beowulf is an epic poem about the problems a hero faces when trying to defeat evil. It is also the longest poem of the Anglo-Saxon time period. It is a story that holds both pagan and Christian beliefs. Grendel and the other monsters reflect pagan legends. The good conquering evil reflects the Christian ideas of the time period.
In a treacherous time, the people at Herot were being haunted by Grendal. After the haunting, Grendal slaughtered thirty warriors as they were sleeping. Beowulf hears of the wrath of Grendal and wants to defeat the evil being and become the ultimate hero. When he reaches Herot, he looks to slay Grendal with his own strength, not a weapon. Beowulf finds Grendal and uses his power to rip his enemy's body to bits. He is not satisfied with just one defeat and he strives to be the greatest hero.
Beowulf resolves to slaughter Grendal's mother. She has never been seen by the people of the land. Beowulf had intended to defeat this monster using no weapons. When faced with the monster he must use a sword because he finds his power is simply not enough. The sword does the trick and she is killed.
Because of Beowulf's brave nature he becomes king of Geatland for fifty years. He is appointed king after the death of King Higlac. He decides to be brave and face the dragon. When he encounters the dragon his strength is little compared to the fierce dragon with his relentless fire. His men had always promised to stand by his side when the time came, but when faced with reality they feared the dragon too much to stay and help Beowulf. The only man that kept his promise was the good soldier, Wiglaf. Together, Wiglaf and Beowulf slane the dragon.
However, Beowulf's triumph over evil had finally come to an end when the dragon forced suffering upon him. After Beowulf's suffering he dies with Wiglaf by his side. His followers mourned his death and remembered his astonishing accomplishments.