Beowulf

Beowulf

Defined as, a narrative poem in elevated language celebrating the adventures and achievements of a legendary hero, an epic is fully represented through Beowulf's adventures. Epic poetry acclimates people with the hero's of the past. These heroes have specific beliefs, values and characteristics that set them apart from all other people. The story, Beowulf has a hero who possess god-like qualities, battles between good and evil, and values that control all behavior for every citizen.

Beowulf is Geatish hero who fights the monster Grendel, Grendel's mother, and a fire-breathing dragon. Beowulf's encounters with these monsters reveal him to be the strongest, most able warrior of the time. In his youth, he personifies all of the most important values of this culture. "And a young prince must be prudent like that, giving freely while his father lives so that afterwards in age when fighting starts steadfast companions will stand by him and hold the line. Behavior that's admired is the path to power among people everywhere," (20-25). The culture of the time had set rules and regulations about everyone's conduct, this impacts how Beowulf spoke, reacted and what he believed.

At the time the most important value was the virtue of magnanimity this stated that all talents are given by god, talents are used to help others, and when one is successful the credit is given to god.

"O flower of warriors, beware of that trap. eternal rewards. Do not give way to pride. For a brief while your strength is in bloom but it fades quickly; and soon there will follow illness or the sword to lay you low, or a sudden fire or surge of water or jabbing blade or javelin from the air or repellent age. Your piercing eye will dim and darken; and death will arrive, dear warrior, to sweep you away, (1758-1768).

In this culture when a warrior is prideful they are punished but god because their talents and achievements are not accomplished solely by themselves, as stated by the virtue of magnanimity. The virtues that were believed by the people and followed fully. Most of Beowulf is devoted to demonstrating the society's heroic code, which values strength, courage, and loyalty, hospitality, and good reputation in all people. This code is vital to warrior societies as a way of knowing difference between the good and evil. All of the characters'