opening sentence for beowulf essay

105 Beowulf Essay Topics & Examples

See tips on writing the Beowulf thesis statements and critical analysis of the poem. Also, our experts have prepared a list of ideas and prompts that allow you to explore the archetypal epic hero and more!

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Simplified beowulf essay guide: themes, topics, and examples.

By Evans Dec 02 2020

Beowulf is a piece of English literature depicting Beowulf's feats and life. He is a courageous legendary warrior who conquered beasts and helped people. Although the poem used alliteration as the literary device that creates rhythm and unity. Beowulf poem can be hard to interpret and understand right away. Fortunately, one of our expert writers has simplified by giving you a quick summary, plot and outlines, essay topics, examples, and themes.

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Summary of the Poem

In the poem, Beowulf encounters three beasts and defeats them. The section below discusses each of them as a different life milestone and performance as a great warrior and commander.

First Battle

Grendel, a monster, terrorizes Hrothgar together with his warriors. The monster cannot stand happiness and joy and punishes people for celebrating. Moreover, he feasts on Hrothgar's men every day.

A few years ago, Heorat saved Ecgtheow, Beowulf's father, from death. Immediately, Beowulf hears about the Heorot's trouble, together with fourteen men, he sets to leave his homeland and assist Hrothgar.

Hrothgar's men welcome Beowulf, and they feast. When everyone is sleeping, the monster comes to Heorot. He attacks the mead-hall and kills one of Beowulf's men. Then he attempts to kill and eat Beowulf but fails. Instead, Beowulf gets hold of his hand and rips it off his body from the shoulder. Severely injured, the monster flees. Men praise Beowulf, and, in the glory, Beowulf hangs Grendel's claw off the ceiling.

Second Battle

After defeating the ogre, people celebrate, play music, drink, and eat delicious food.   Additionally, Hrothgar and his wife award Beowulf a golden collar.

Everyone sleeps after the celebrations, and Grendel's mother, a water witch, interrupts their peace. She comes to seek vengeance against Beowulf. She takes her son's arm off the ceiling and kidnaps Aeschere while all people are sleeping.

The following day, Beowulf and his men leave in search of the water witch. While looking for the tracks, they notice Aeschere's head on a mountain and follow the lead. Beowulf gets into the cave and finds the witch. She drags him to the lake, and they start fighting. Her attacks do not overpower Beowulf. Thanks to his sword's power.

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Beowulf sees another sword in the cave and uses it to pierce her and cut her neck and spine. Her blood melts this sword and shines a ray of light, which illuminates the cave.

Third Battle

After the victory, Beowulf and his men return to their homeland. Hygelac and his son die in a battle, and Beowulf is crowned the king and reigns peacefully for fifty years.

One day, a dragon interrupts peace. The dragon is annoyed because a goblet it had guarded for ages had been stolen. The dragon burnt houses and killed innocent inhabitants.

Beowulf gathered 11 brave warriors and the thief who knew where the beast lived and prepared to battle it. The dragon looked terrified, and all the warriors ran away. Only Wiglaf, Beowulf's most loyal warrior, remained, and they defeated the beast.

Unfortunately, the king is severely injured and succumbs. On his sickbed, he leaves the kingdom to Wiglaf as a reward for standing with him.

Beowulf Essay Topics Guide

When asked to write an essay about Beowulf, it is worth noting that the essay is heroic and has changeable and universal topics . It is because this piece of literature draws convincing and new attention in the contemporary world. Perfect examples of essay topics include:

·          Is Beowulf a perfect king or hero? Is there anything that lacks in his character?

·          The role digressions play in the poem. What light do they shed on the action?

·          Importance of establishing an identity

·          Tensions between heroic code and other value systems

·          The difference between a good king and a good hero

Beowulf Themes

A theme is an overarching belief or idea that a writer expresses in their text. The recurring idea becomes essential when the reader interpret their understanding of the piece of literature to compare and apply various things or incidents. Themes in Beowulf, including the following, surpass races and cultures.

Heroic Code

Heroic code is one of the central Beowulf themes. The honourable manner and conduct dominate the Anglo-Saxon culture . The zeal to fight, courage, and bravery were the basic norms of the heroic code. Beowulf sticks to the standards when he meets the Danes. He fights Grendel and kills the monster after claiming that he will settle the result in one combat. This utterance resonates again when he meets with Grendel's mother. When he's older, he portrays bravery traits by killing the dragon at the expense of his life.

The theme of Loyalty in Beowulf essay

On a battlefield or during the war, all soldiers should be loyal to their comrades and country. Loyalty is evident through the conflict between Beowulf and Unferth. Unferth taunts Beowulf and is disloyal to the king until he knows the truth. Beowulf's loyalty to Hrothgar, on the other hand, is because of the help and refuge the king extended to his father. Finally, while other warriors fled in terror during the battle with the dragon, only Wiglaf stood with the king.

Although Beowulf comes to help Hrothgar, he wants to seek vengeance for the Danes that Grendel killed. Grendel kills Danes because their singing disturbed his peace. Additionally, Grendel's mother attacks when people are asleep because she is angry with her son's brutal death.

Beowulf also seeks vengeance against the dragon for its massive killings. The dragon's killings and conduct are revenge for its lost cup.

Blind revenge was a fundamental part of medieval culture.

The Responsibility of a Ruler

Any responsible ruler should protect his people and rule justly. Both Beowulf and King Hrothgar are popular among the people. KingHrothgar felt obligated to entertain his people and built the mead-hall where Danes could sing and enjoy.

Beowulf protects the Geat tribes for many years. The obligation costed his life when he fought the dragon.

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Essays About Beowulf: Top 5 Inspiring Examples Plus Prompts 

To write excellent essays about Beowulf , you first need to understand the poem more deeply; see our examples and prompts to help you with your essay writing.

The Old English epic Beowulf is one of the most famous stories. This iconic piece of Old English literature is believed to have been composed between 700 and 750. Many people in school or university study this poem for its structure and because many of Beowulf’s lessons are still relevant today. 

This guide will look at five example essays focused on the epic poem Beowulf, its characters, plot, and other literary elements. Consider using what you’ve read as inspiration for your Beowulf essays . 

1. Beowulf as a Representation of Mankind by Anonymous on GradesFixer

2. the women in beowulf by anonymous on papersowl, 3. essay on beowulf for students and children by prasanna.

• 4. What Is the Role of Treasure in Beowulf?  by Anonymous on SparkNotes

5. Beowulf Conclusion Essay by Anonymous on StudyDriver

1. what i learned from beowulf, 2. beowulf and its impact on modern life, 3. monsters in beowulf, 4. beowulf: good vs. evil, 5. reflection essay on beowulf, 6. beowulf’s best and worst character traits, 7. loyalty in beowulf, 8. what makes beowulf stand out among other old literature, 9. elements in beowulf, 10. qualities of a hero: beowulf vs. king arthur, 11. modern heroes and beowulf, 12. the trials of beowulf and how they strengthened him.

“It is no mistake that the giant sword is the only weapon that can slay the mother, nor is it a mistake that ordinary weapons cannot harm either Beowulf or Grendel’s mother, for in the greatest conflict man will ever face, the battle for the heart of another, a little out of the box thinking is required.”

This essay compares the story and characters in Beowulf with the biblical text and other symbolisms. It relates Grendel to Cain, the Heorot to the womb, and more. The author also likens Beowulf’s epic battles to man’s struggles in life.

“…In the epic poem Beowulf, the women presented are central to not only the story but also to society itself. They present voices that offer influence over the predominately male group and often are the voice of reason with their husbands. These women should not be taken lightly. 

The writer focuses on the female characters presented in the epic poem Beowulf. They discuss the different characteristics and symbolisms of these women and emphasize the essential roles of each female character. The essay also presents characters that didn’t meet the stereotype of women in the Anglo-Saxon period.

“He fears nothing, not even death, and possesses a unique physical strength; also, he is always prepared to sacrifice for his people’s welfare despite his old age as an ideal king.”

Prasanna wrote two essays: a long and a short one about Beowulf. In the extended essay, she talks about the epic’s impact on Anglo-Saxon literature. She also discusses the characters, themes, and lessons one can glean from analyzing the poem.

4. What Is the Role of Treasure in Beowulf?   by Anonymous on SparkNotes

“In Beowulf, however, the Danes, Geats, and Swedes’ collective reverence for treasure is not represented as a shortcoming or moral weakness. In fact, the poem often uses treasure as a symbol of the Scandinavian people’s most cherished cultural values.”

Many stories have used treasure as a tool to show the true character of their heroes and villains. This essay delves into how treasure symbolizes prosperity and stability in Beowulf instead of greed and corruption. It also mentions how other characters’ value is on par with the treasure.

“Beowulf is victorious in all of his battles; however, in doing this he lives in isolation; never marries and has no close friends.”

This essay summarizes the poem before critiquing its hero and his values. It also compares Beowulf with his enemies and considers the differences between the animated film and its source material.

For help with your essays, check out our round-up of the best essay checkers .

12 Creative Prompts On Essays About Beowulf

Take a look at our writing prompt to help you get started on your essay. If you don’t know which topic to focus on, consider the different essay prompts listed below.

Beowulf is more than a poem about a legendary warrior and their pursuits. Despite being one of the oldest stories in English literature, it holds many relevant lessons for modern audiences. Share what you learn from the epic poem. Did it affect your life?

Although Beowulf doesn’t have the same impact on the modern lifestyle as newer pieces of literature, it has applicable lessons, relatable characters, and challenging topics that many contemporary works don’t tackle anymore. In your essay, discuss how Beowulf can be used in modern times and how it can inspire people to lead a different way of life.

The epic poem Beowulf is rich with monsters like Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and a dragon. These monsters have different functions and symbolism. Write your essay discussing these monsters and what they stand for. You can also include what you think they represent in the poem; are they symbolizing something in real life? Delve into this question for a compelling essay.

Like most epics, the poem Beowulf portrays many battles where good wins against evil. In your essay, you can present the apparent good and evil in the poem, then share your thoughts on why they are labeled so.

How did Beowulf inspire or impact you while reading and analyzing the poem? Discuss your thoughts, feelings, and opinions about the literature with a reflective essay. Discuss your reaction to the characters’ actions, understanding their motives, and other similar topics.

The epic poem focuses on the hero Beowulf for many reasons. The king of the Danes has many great and inspiring traits. His actions and words also reflected some lacking or undesirable characteristics that made him a flawed character. Share your thoughts about these negative traits in your essay.

Ancient kings found power with the help of loyal subjects and warriors. In Beowulf, the Danish king had his group of dedicated warriors fighting alongside him in battle. Your essay about loyalty portrayed in Beowulf can focus on this and other portrayals of loyalty.

Beowulf is still discussed in schools and universities today because it has qualities that other works of literature don’t. It’s well-preserved, rich in ancient culture, depicts old practices, and more. Consider using this essay prompt to analyze the story’s uniqueness and why it remains a must-read piece today.

If technicalities are your specialty, consider this essay prompt. Here, you can write about the formal elements in the poem. Focus on technical aspects, like style and tone.

You can discuss Beowulf in comparison with another Old English classic. The stories of Beowulf and King Arthur have many similarities. But they also differ in the monsters they fight, the values they hold, and others. Use this prompt if you’ve already analyzed the story of King Arthur and Beowulf.

Today, superheroes, edgy yet quirky romantics, and secret agents make up the main characters in an array of literary genres. If you love keeping up to date on the latest literary heroes, you’ll also love this essay prompt. With it, you can compare Beowulf with contemporary protagonists like Katniss Everdeen or Harry Potter.

Everyone reacts to trials and hardships differently. Some come out stronger, while others develop negativity after surviving life challenges. If you are interested in people and how they react to difficult situations, you might enjoy writing this prompt. It also helps to compare Beowulf’s reactions to tests with some firsthand experiences you’ve witnessed.

Check out these essay writing tips for a stellar output!

Beowulf - List of Free Essay Examples And Topic Ideas

Beowulf, an epic poem from the early Middle Ages, is one of the most important works of Old English literature. Essays on Beowulf might explore the narrative structure, characters, themes of heroism, loyalty, and mortality. Additionally, discussions could delve into the historic and cultural context in which Beowulf was written, the Christian and pagan elements within the text, and the poem’s enduring legacy in the canon of English literature. Comparisons might also be drawn with other epic heroes and narratives, or the modern reinterpretations and adaptations of the Beowulf saga. A vast selection of complimentary essay illustrations pertaining to Beowulf you can find in Papersowl database. You can use our samples for inspiration to write your own essay, research paper, or just to explore a new topic for yourself.

Anglo Saxon Values in Beowulf

 In the longest epic poem of Old English, Beowulf, there are many symbols, allusions, and traditions weaved through out the historical piece. Anglo-Saxon tradition in Beowulf accurately illustrates and is effected by the traditions of Anglo-Saxon culture. By comparing and contrasting Anglo-Saxon values to the text of Beowulf, we are able to analyze how Beowulf was composed and influenced by the culture. We therefore, are able to dissect where the values or ideas of Anglo-Saxon culture may have been exaggerated […]

Beowulf Good Vs Evil

In the relationship between the individual and society, Beowulf is glorified as a hero and has a long tenure as king due to him following the warrior code of ethics. Set in the Anglo-Saxon society, people during this time lived in constant jeopardy as war was extremely rampant. These poor conditions only allowed men of great bravery and courage to be admired by the people. Characters in the poem take pride in ancestors who have acted courageously, and they attempt […]

Grendel is not Necessarily a Monster

The epic poem Beowulf portrays a story about a hero, Beowulf, fighting several monsters, including Grendel and his mother, and a dragon that eventually kills him. Grendel, a novel by John Gardner, describes situations that led Grendel to become who he is in Beowulf and helps readers understand the motives behind his behaviors. Some might argue that the monster is Grendel; however, after reading both texts, I argue that Grendel is not necessarily a monster. Instead, humans are the real […]

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Beowulf Character Analysis

In the legendary poem “Beowulf”, which was produced anonymously by an Anglo-Saxon poet, Beowulf is the great warrior of the Geats. Beowulf comes to the aid of Hrothgar who is the king of the Danes because Herot is being attacked by the great monster, Grendel. In short, Beowulf kills Grendel with his bare hands by ripping off his arm and his mother by sword. On the surface, one can interpret the poem as a great entertainer. Much like popular works […]

The Iliad and Beowulf

The Iliad and Beowulf are both epic poems. Poems have requirements to be considered an epic. The poems have a similarities and differences. Both of these poems have a heroic figure that determines the fate and destiny of nations, interact with supernatural beings, and have similar themes. In both poems, the actions of the hero determine the fate of their people. In Beowulf, Grendel must be stopped at all costs. Beowulf stabs him deep in the shoulder. So deep in […]

Grendel’s Mother Illustrates

There are three very complex monsters in the poem. Grendel's mother is the symbol of Cain from the Bible. Grendel symbolizes man's sin and greed. Grendel is the monster from Hell. God condemned him because of Cain and Abel. Grendel has the kindom under his control. Grendel appreance is odd looking. Beowulf then rescues the kingdom from Grendel, and therefore from their actions of their gluttony. The dragon represents evil. The dragon is represents the seperent and could be thught […]

Beowulf Christianity Vs Paganism

 Fate and allusions play big role in the telling of the epic poem “Beowulf”, translation by Seamus Heaney. But the most prevalent, and most important is the Christian allusions. Unlike books, and poems today “Beowulf” contains many Biblical references, for example that any success, power, wealth is a gift from Gods grace or that Gods protection must be earned, that shapes the way the epic poem is told by instilling Christian beliefs into the characters un-Christian behaviors. Throughout the story, […]

Beowulf and Grendel Comparison

Beowulf is a heroic epic poem written by an anonymous Anglo-Saxon poet, circa 1000 A.D, making it one of the oldest surviving literary works in Old English Literature. Beowulf follows the story of a young Geatish warrior who uses his strength, courage, and bravery to slay a monster named Grendel, who terrorizes the kingdom of Hrothgar, the King of the Danes. In Beowulf, Grendel is depicted as a man-eating monster who represents evil and is a descendant of Cain, the […]

Many Epic Heroes Throughout the Course of History

There have been many epic heroes throughout the course of history. Some of these heroes include Odysseus, King Arthur, and Siegfried. Epic heroes are legendary, having their stories passed down through generations. These heroes each experienced trials and hardships, eventually being able to overcome their obstacles in various ways. They were forces of good, fighting evil noted in their legends. Beowulf can be seen as a fellow epic hero by sharing characteristics of the heroic heroes. These characteristics allow them […]

Beowulf Poem Vs Movie

The poem Beowulf describes his continued quest for glory; with a moral directed at young adults and teens warning them of the emptiness caused by putting their career before family and friends. During his life he made a singular commitment not to have a family in order that he may prevail when challenged in combat. He gave no thought to being married and baring heirs, in lieu of living a solitary life. His military training taught him to travel at […]

The Hero’s Journey in Beowulf

Beowulf is an old English epic, if not the oldest. In which he aids Hrothgar, the king of the Danes, because his Heorot hall is in danger due to Grendel. The Heorot hall is very significant because Hrothgar created it. Grendel is a reckless and violent monster who has been unhappy ever since he was born. Beowulf is not only able to kill Grendel when he goes to attack the Heorot, but also Grendel's mother. Beowulf is a hero who […]

Translated by Burton Raffel

Beowulf, translated by Burton Raffel is a story that fits perfectly into the epic hero genre. Beowulf, the main protagonist, is a Geat with superhuman abilities that takes down the evil within the Danish land. He is the definition of a hero. He is a courageous leader who takes down evil and brings peace to the people he is protecting. Throughout the story Beowulf is faced with many challenges, but at the end he is able to overcome them no […]

The Story of Beowulf

The story of Beowulf has been passed down from generation to generation. Beowulf has all the ideal characteristics of an Anglo-Saxon hero. The story tells about a brave fighter with inhuman strength that defeats and kills two descendants of Cain. In old age the warrior even manages to kill a dragon, which eventually would lead to his death. Beowulf's author is unknown, but the character Beowulf represents how the Anglo-Saxons imagined their glory seeking heroes' to be because he is […]

Hubris Leaders in the Odyssey and Beowulf

Margaret MacMillan once said, “Hubris is interesting, because you get people who are often very clever, very powerful, have achieved great things, and then something goes wrong––they just don't know when to stop.” This quote is evident in both epic poems Beowulf, by an unknown author, translated by Seamus Heaney and The Odyssey, by Homer. These works tell the tales in which two separate leaders fight the unimaginable fight; however, they both struggle to find a balance between confidence and […]

The Battles Amongst Beowulf

In the Old English poem Beowulf, the interpretation of monsters is revealed by the relation between the hero Beowulf and the monsters Grendel, Grendel's mother and the dragon. These strange creatures including the humanoid monster Grendel and his mother and the fire-breathing dragon whose breath bursts from the rock' (l. 2557) commit catastrophic acts towards human. Yet, each of the monsters possess their own reasons regarding to their evil deeds. Whereas, Grendel is displeasured with the peoples of the Danes […]

The Women in Beowulf

There are three very complex monsters in the short story. Grendel’s mother is the symbol of Cain from the Bible. Grendel symbolizes man’s sin and greed. Grendel is the monster from Hell. God condemned him because of Cain and Abel. Grendel has the kingdom under his control. Grendel appearance is odd looking. Beowulf then rescues the kingdom from Grendel, and therefore from their actions of their gluttony. The dragon represents evil. The dragon is represents the serpent and could be […]

Good Works Without Hoping

Is it possible to do good works without hoping for something in return? In Beowulf, an epic poem that was written at the end of the tenth century, the protagonist Beowulf performs many great deeds. However, it is not clear whether he did them for Hygelac and the good of the Danes or for his own pride. An examination of Beowulf's speeches and stated motivations can help answer this question. Ultimately, although Beowulf seems to be a loyal subject of […]

Heorot in Beowulf Epic Poem

In English literature, an epic poem is a continuous long journey that a hero takes in order to overcome great boundaries and dangers. Epic poems were the first forms of literature to be told orally. In the early ages, epic poems would emphasize cultural values and traditions. Beowulf is the story of a man who becomes a hero when desperate help is needed at the Heorot by Hrothgar, King of Danes. There are multiple examples that resemble the journey Beowulf […]

Beowulf Story Began in Modern Time

Beowulf story began in modern time. The story Beowulf was design in many different styles. The story was written in the time of 449 A.D. when the Anglo-Saxons invasion began. During this time multiple colonies were invading England to colonies. This was important because of how much the colonies were similar in warrior culture. While the England was changing from Christian to and paganism culture. The changing of their religion played a major role on some of the events that […]

Beowulf is One of the most Highly Favored

Beowulf is one of the most highly favored Anglo-Saxon epic poems of the Anglo-Saxon period. The only thing known for sure is that Beowulf is a poem of narration of 3,182 lines and that it was converted to manuscript somewhere between tenth and twelfth centuries. The logistics behind Beowulf are unknown. The answers to the questions who wrote it, when did they write it, where was it written, or what was the purpose of writing it are all uncertain (Anglo-Saxon […]

Beowulf: between Myth and History

Beowulf was bound to get praise from different sectors of the world where some revered him as a hero because of the exploits which he had in defeating his enemies and creatures which had come to terrorize his people. The narrative that the author brings to focus is the role which people have come to understand Beowulf with and where the history of that tale came to have an origin. The myth and history section that I have chosen is […]

An Epic Hero is a Brave

An epic hero is a brave and noble character in an epic poem, admired for great achievements or affected by grand events. Beowulf was a perfect example of an epic hero because he was very loyal, brave, and hard-working. He was very good at everything and had many characteristics that made him an epic hero. Everyone looked up to Beowulf because he protected them. Everyone knew they could trust in Beowulf's word because he was very trustworthy. Beowulf was loyal […]

The Elements of Christianity in Beowulf

Beowulf introduces a number of religious aspects the entire way through the story such as continuously particularize stating that God is his protector and his savior. For example when Beowulf relates his hard fought and long vital battle with Grendel’s Mother, he states that “the fight would have ended straight away if God had not guarded (protecting) me” this showed that God had helped him through the fight against Grendel’s mother a much stronger being than Beowulf. Then later on […]

The Epic Beowulf is a Story

The epic Beowulf is a story of a supernatural hero purging supernatural enemies from the world. This standard concept alone is simple enough, however, the symbolism is hidden in many ways. One of the major under-the-surface reflections of the story is that Hrothgar and Beowulf are written to be the same person, only as two split personalities that contrast from each other. Writers and storytellers tend to position themselves within the tales they pass on. As egotistical as it is, […]

Beowulf and Sir Gawain: Compare and Contrast

Beowulf and Sir Gawain are very noble and honorable warriors. But, they are both very different. In both the epic poems they relate back to heroes that are “legendary” and have “awe-inspiring lore”, having the protagonists undergo strenuous journeys and fulfilling their deeds of good riches. Creating the image of their struggles and how they overcame it in their society. To start they are both heros, A hero is the main character in a story who is noble and courageous, […]

Beowulf as a Hero and Leader

Hero's is a person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities. Beowulf was Epic poem about Beowulf fighting three monsters and defeating two of them. The epic poem Beowulf describes the most heroic man of the Anglo-Saxon times. Beowulf is the hero He shows that he is a great man by always doing brave things, he is a leader and courageous. He shows all of the qualities and traits that a true hero possesses. Throughout […]

The Mead Hall

The Mead Hall can be seen as the heart of a Hrothgar's kingdom in the epic Beowulf', the reason behind this is it offers coziness and warmth to the warriors and the villagers. Because of this, the merit of the mead halls were ineffable. Often, the Mead Hall's would be embellished in all kinds of gold and different forms of jewelry, since it is the most important building in the Anglo Saxon Culture. Heorot is the palatial mead hall in […]

Beowulf Epic Hero

A hero can be defined in many different ways. Some of the characteristics heroes often possess include bravery, strength, persistence, and loyalty. In the poem Beowulf, the main character, Beowulf, is a Scandinavian prince who embodies many of these heroic qualities. Beowulf is a poem that was written anonymously between the 8th and the early 11th centuries; this was a time when the Anglo-Saxons ruled most of Northern Europe. Beowulf is about a man who sails to Denmark to fight […]

Beowulf Vs Hercules Comparison

The origins of the two heroes, Beowulf and Hercules, are associated with divine heroes. They were honorary and royal servants of their country and communities, they lead their communities to heroic events and battles. In most of their stories, the two warriors usually have a successful ending. These two concerns were of similar European origins. To be more specific, these two concerns have inspired two different generations in German history ("Compare and contrast Beowulf and Hercules"). Hercules came before Beowulf. […]

Beowulf and Judith Comparison

According to the book, The Norton Anthology, English Literature, “Beowulf is the oldest of the great long poems written in English more than twelve hundred years ago. It is now widely believed that Beowulf is the work of a single poet who was a Christian and that his poem reflects well-established Christian tradition.” The Norton Anthology, English Literature book states, “One of the biblical books from which Elfric drew material was the Book of Judith. We do not know the […]

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How To Write an Essay About Beowulf

Understanding the epic of 'beowulf'.

Before embarking on writing an essay about 'Beowulf,' it's imperative to have a thorough understanding of the epic poem. 'Beowulf' is one of the earliest known works in English literature, an epic tale that recounts the heroic deeds of its eponymous protagonist. Begin your essay by exploring the historical and literary context of 'Beowulf'. This includes understanding the Anglo-Saxon culture, the poem's oral tradition, and its themes such as heroism, loyalty, and the struggle between good and evil. Having a solid grasp of these elements will provide a strong foundation for your essay.

Developing a Thesis Statement

Your essay should be guided by a clear, concise thesis statement. This statement will determine the focus of your essay and should offer a unique perspective on 'Beowulf'. Your thesis could address a wide range of topics, from the exploration of its thematic elements to its significance in Anglo-Saxon literature, or even a character analysis of Beowulf himself. Ensure that your thesis is specific and debatable, setting the stage for a compelling argument.

Analyzing the Text

A critical part of your essay will be the analysis of the text. Use specific examples from 'Beowulf' to support your thesis. This might include analyzing key scenes, discussing the development of characters, or exploring the use of symbols and motifs. Pay attention to the poem's language, style, and structure. Your analysis should go beyond summarizing the plot and delve into a deeper examination of how these elements contribute to the overall meaning of the poem.

Addressing Critical Perspectives

In addition to your own analysis, consider incorporating critical perspectives on 'Beowulf' from scholarly sources. This might include academic articles, literary critiques, or historical analyses. Discussing these perspectives can provide a broader understanding of the poem's significance and its reception over time. Be sure to critically evaluate these sources and integrate them effectively into your argument.

Concluding Your Essay

Conclude your essay by summarizing your main points and restating your thesis in light of the analysis you have provided. Your conclusion should tie together your analysis and critical perspectives, offering a final insight into the poem's significance or its impact on literature. A strong conclusion will leave your reader with a deeper understanding of 'Beowulf' and the reasons for its enduring value in the literary canon.

Review and Edit

Finally, review and edit your essay for clarity, coherence, and grammatical accuracy. Ensure that your arguments are well-organized and your evidence is clearly presented. Consider seeking feedback from peers or instructors to further refine your essay. A well-written and meticulously edited essay will effectively convey your insights on 'Beowulf' and demonstrate your understanding of this seminal work in English literature.

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A Summary and Analysis of Beowulf

By Dr Oliver Tearle (Loughborough University)

What happens in Beowulf , the jewel in the crown of Anglo-Saxon poetry? The title of the poem is probably the most famous thing about it – that, and the fact that a monster named Grendel features at some point. But because the specific details of the story are not widely known, numerous misconceptions about the poem abound. When was Beowulf  written?

This is a matter of some conjecture, with guesses ranging anywhere between the eighth century and the first half of the eleventh century. Critics can’t even agree on what the first line of the poem means . In the following post, we offer a short summary of  Beowulf , and an introduction to its main themes.

Plot Summary

We’ll start with a brief summary of  Beowulf  before proceeding to some textual analysis and critical reading.  Beowulf is a classic ‘overcoming the monster’ story. Most people know that the poem documents the struggle of the title character in vanquishing a monster named Grendel.

But what is less well known is that Beowulf has to slay not one big monster, but three: after he has taken care of Grendel, the dead monster’s mother shows up, and she proves even more of a challenge for our hero (though ultimately Beowulf triumphs and wins the day).

The poem then ends with Beowulf, now in his twilight years, slaying a third monster (this time, a dragon), although this encounter proves his undoing, as he is fatally wounded in the battle. The poem ends with his subsequent death and ‘burial’ at sea.

But the poem doesn’t begin with Beowulf. It opens with an account of a Danish king named Hrothgar, who was the one responsible for building a great hall (named Heorot), a hall which is now being terrorised by the monstrous Grendel. Beowulf hears that Grendel is killing Hrothgar’s men at Heorot and so our hero departs from home to go and help rid Heorot of this monster.

Beowulf is from a different kingdom – the nearby Geatland, in modern-day Sweden – so we have one of the classic tropes of adventure narratives, that of the hero leaving home to go and vanquish some foe in a foreign land. Think of Bilbo Baggins leaving the Shire, or Frodo for that matter, in  The Hobbit  and  The Lord of the Rings (and, indeed, we’ll return to Tolkien shortly).

Beowulf and his men spend the night at Heorot and wait for Grendel to turn up. When the monster appears, Beowulf and his men attack the troll-like monster with their swords.

But the monster – which is described as resembling a troll – cannot be killed with a blade, as Beowulf soon realises. So he does what lesser men would fear to do: he wrestles the monster with his bare hands, eventually tearing off one of its arms. Grendel flees, eventually dying of his wound.

The next night, Grendel’s mother – angered by the attack on her son – turns up to wreak vengeance, and once again Beowulf finds himself having to roll up his sleeves and engage in fierce combat, which this time takes place in the underwater lair of the monster deep beneath the surface of a lake.

Although he has been given a strong sword (named Hrunting) by Unferth (a man who had previously doubted Beowulf – the sword is given as a token of friendship), Beowulf finds this sword useless against Grendel’s mother. (Immunity to swords evidently runs in the family.) But this time, hand-to-hand fighting, which had proved handy against Grendel, is equally useless.

Beowulf only succeeds in vanquishing the monster when he grabs a magic sword from the pile of treasure lying in the monster’s lair, and is able to behead the monster with the weapon.

Travelling deeper into the monster’s lair, Beowulf comes across the dying Grendel, and – armed with his new magic sword – decides to lop off the son’s head as well, for good measure. Both monsters have now been slain, and Beowulf is a hero.

Following his victory over the two monsters, Beowulf then returns to the water’s surface (at ‘noon’ – which, interestingly, when the poem was written, was actually three o’clock in the afternoon, or the ninth hour after dawn) before rejoining his men and journeying back to the hall for mead and rejoicing.

The poem then moves forward fifty years to Beowulf’s last fight, his run-in with the dragon (which has been angered by the theft of some of its treasure – shades of The Hobbit once more?). This fight results in one last victory for our great hero, followed by his own death from the mortal would inflicted by the poisoned horn of the beast (though presumably Beowulf was rather advanced in years by this point anyway).

The poem ends with Beowulf’s burial at sea, which is described in much detail – why this might be is discussed below. But this much constitutes a reasonably complete summary of the plot of  Beowulf . So, what about the context for the poem?

Facts about  Beowulf

Although it is celebrated nowadays as an important work of Anglo-Saxon – indeed, ‘English’ – literature, Beowulf was virtually unknown and forgotten about, amazingly, for nearly a thousand years. It was only rescued from obscurity in 1815, when an Icelandic-Danish scholar named Thorkelin printed an edition of the poem.

And although it is seen as the starting-point of great English literature – at many universities, it is still the earliest literary text studied as part of the literary canon – it is very different from other medieval poetry, such as that by Chaucer or Langland, who were writing many centuries later.

It is set in Denmark, has a Swedish hero, and – when read in the original Anglo-Saxon – seems almost more German than ‘English’. This is, of course, because Anglo-Saxon (i.e. the language of the Angles and Saxons from north Germany)  was  Old English (the two terms are used synonymously), and at the very latest the poem was written down some time in the early eleventh century, before 1066 and the Norman invasion, which would bring many French words into English and would pave the way for Middle English (or the English of the Middle Ages).

In ending with the tale of a dragon attempting to defend a mound of treasure, the poem prefigures not only the works of J. R. R. Tolkien (who, as well as being the author of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings , was also an influential Anglo-Saxon scholar who translated Beowulf   and wrote an important article on it   – of which more below) but also, more surprisingly, other poems like Lewis Carroll’s nonsense masterpiece, ‘Jabberwocky’ . It also looks back to Greek and Roman epics like Homer’s Odyssey and Virgil’s Aeneid .

Indeed, during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries many scholars endeavoured to show that the author of Beowulf had been influenced by these classical works, but, in summary, the truth appears to be far more interesting. Rather than directly drawing on the work of Homer and Virgil, the Beowulf poet simply seems to have hit upon the idea of using similar plot devices and character types.

This suggests that different cultures, in these old days of oral storytelling, utilised the same methods in very different works of literature, without having direct knowledge of each other. We can compare Beowulf , too, with the legend of King Arthur (which began to appear in written sources around the same time), specifically in terms of the magic sword which the hero of both stories uses in order to fulfil his quest.

These aspects seem to be hard-wired within us and to be integral parts of human nature: for instance, ideas of bravery and of triumphing over an evil, superhuman force.

This plot, as our brief summary of Beowulf above suggests, shares many of the typical elements of heroic narratives. Although the analogy might seem a little crude, the mechanics of the plot are not so far removed from, say, a James Bond or Indiana Jones film, or a fast-paced fantasy novel or superhero comic strip. The hero takes it upon himself to save the kingdom at immense personal risk to himself.

The foe he faces is no ordinary foe, and conventional weapons are powerless against it. Despite the odds being stacked against him, he manages to ‘overcome the monster’, to borrow Christopher Booker’s phrase for this type of narrative . But this action has consequences, and is in fact merely the prologue to a bigger conflict that must take place: that between Beowulf and Grendel’s mother.

This is why it is odd that the story of the poem is generally thought of as ‘Beowulf versus Grendel’. But this next conflict will prove even more difficult: as well as swords being useless, the strong sword (Hrunting) given to Beowulf by Unferth will also be powerless against Grendel’s mother. But hand-to-hand combat – which was deployed successfully in the vanquishing of Grendel – is also of no use now.

The odds continue to be stacked against our hero, the difficulties multiplying, the tension raised to an almost unbearable pitch. Can he still save the day, when everything he tries seems to be of no avail? Well, yes – though for a while the chances of Beowulf triumphing are looking less and less likely.

The final encounter, with the dragon years later, will prove the most difficult of all – and although he is successful and overcomes the monster, he will pay the ultimate price: victory will come at the cost of his own life.

This patterning of three – three monsters, each of which proves successively more of a challenge to the hero – is found in numerous adventure plots. To a greater or lesser extent, it can be seen in much modern fantasy fiction – such as that by Tolkien.

One thing that the basic overarching story or plot summary of  Beowulf makes clear is just how formative and archetypal it is, not just in heroic ‘English’ literature, but in fantasy literature, too.

Interpretations of  Beowulf

Talking of Tolkien, it was his influential 1936 essay, ‘Beowulf: The Monsters and the Critics’, which was really responsible for a shift in the way that people read Beowulf.  Rather than viewing it as a historical document, Tolkien urged, we should be reading and appreciating it as a work of poetry.   Tolkien also argued that the poem is not an ‘epic’ but an  elegy , ending as it does with the moving account of its hero’s funeral.

Tolkien also argues that Beowulf’s death following his combat with the dragon represents a fitting and more ‘elemental’ end for the hero, who had successfully vanquished the monster Grendel and Grendel’s mother (who, although not human, were nevertheless closer to man than a dragon).

The story is about overcoming an evil foe, only to have to give way to death at the end: even heroes must accept that they will not live forever, even if their names will. ‘Men must endure their going hence’, as Shakespeare has it in  King Lear (a line borrowed for C. S. Lewis’s tombstone).

But Beowulf’s life has been a life well lived because he stood up to evil and was victorious. And Grendel and his mother are ‘evil’ in the Christian sense of the word: the author of  Beowulf tells us that they were spawned from Cain (the first murderer in the Bible) when he was cast out of Eden. Grendel and his mother, then, are similarly outcasts, something that has been rejected by mainstream society and whose violence must be overcome. (For more on Tolkien, have a read of our five fascinating facts about him .)

Beowulf’s name, by the way, was long thought to mean ‘bee-wolf’, as in the two animals. The ‘bee’ theory appears unlikely, however – as does the idea that it is from the same root as our word ‘bear’, suggesting bearlike strength.

No, it turns out that the first part of Beowulf’s name is more probably related to a pre-Christian god named ‘Beow’. Beowulf has an almost divine strength, but also something primal and temporal, but just as valuable: the courage of a wolf.

If you enjoyed this brief summary of, and introduction to,  Beowulf , then you can learn more about the poem here  at the British Library website.

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26 thoughts on “A Summary and Analysis of Beowulf”

Beowulf is indeed a fascinating work and I always look forward to introducing my students to this foundation of hero motifs. Beowulf, despite his tendency to boast a bit (isn’t that where we get kennings?), he was pretty much the perfect hero–intregrity, strong, clever, self-sacrificing.

Reblogged this on Willow's Corner and commented: We read a snippet of Beowulf in Jr. High School (the dragon part) and I’ve always found the story fascinating. I can’t quite read the Old English, but I love to read the different translations. And anyone who’s a Tolkien fan should read his essay.

I would argue that Grendel’s mother (who is interestingly only ever referred to as “the mother”) commits her acts of revenge out of grief, as well as anger. Also, Beowulf is most commonly described as an epic poem; the label makes its main character, Beowulf, an epic-hero. By virtue of being a hero, Beowulf is set-apart from the society presented in the heroic epic. However, in order to be recognized as heroic hero, Beowulf must participate in society in some meaningful way. Thus the character’s role is split and this binary role is portrayed in different ways depending on the translation of Beowulf. There are more than 85 translations of Beowulf, and each one is slightly biased in its interpretation. Nobel Laureate Seamus Heaney’s translation in particular equates Beowulf with the dragon, another “other” figure, in a way that is not replicated by the other translators to emphasize Beowulf’s role as a distinct hero. Since translation is a form of interpretation, I believe Heaney’s translation is particularly biased in thinking about Beowulf in the ancient Ango-Saxon tale and makes Beowulf a more complex character than the original tale describes, torn by his glorious role as epic hero and his duty to his people within a carefully constructed social structure. As the author of this post writes, the morals, tropes, and figures create a bases for understanding many other English works that were to follow, so it’s interesting to see how relatively young Britain works with this tale and interprets its own history.

Tolkien was also heavily influenced by the old Norse (Norwegian/Icelandic) prose Edda and Voluspa; this was where he found the names of his dwarves. In addition, the poem Havamal also speaks of how everyone must die, except a man’s reputation.

Reblogged this on F.T. McKinstry and commented: Some interesting thoughts here on a classic, with references to J.R.R. Tolkien’s take on it.

Reblogged this on Mistrz i Małgorzata .

Fantastic article, it was education and entertaining all at once. I definitely want to go read Tolkien’s essay.

I have often wondered why the Beowulf story was lost for so long. The Arthurian story was passed down for generations, but Beowulf and his bravery forgotten. I think it is because people could relate to, and thus embrace, the faults of Arthur over the heroism in Beowulf.

Reblogged this on Storey on a Story Blog and commented: This is a great commentary on the story of Beowulf. I wanted to share it with you all.

The poem actually begins with Scyld Sheffing’s funeral, and it ends with Beowulf’s. This is deliberate. The central section is the killing of the monsters. The pattern is the establishment of the house of the Geats, the rescue of the house of Heorot by destroyng the house of Grendel, and the end of the house of the Geats with Beowulf.

How utterly fascinating! I have a copy of Beowolf which I confess to my shame I’ve never read despite it being on my shelf for more than 30 years. I must make amends!

Interesting post (!) and it struck a chord (!) funnily enough with a podcast i was listening to yesterday made by a music blogger, who did a 20 minute podcast on the 12 bar blues https://goodmusicspeaks.wordpress.com/good-music-speaks-podcast-3/ . Which of course is heavily dependent on the rule of 3 – line A; repeat line A; variation/resolution. And funnily enough, listening to a Mozart piano concerto, the same pattern was in the phrases, with the third line, the variation, leading of course to a musical resolution /transformation which enables the lead on the the complete next stage – so, in this, there is Beowulf triumphs, Beowulf triumphs again, Beowulf triumphs but in this third phrase his ‘phrase’ resolves with transformation/death.

I guess the ‘rule of three’ is viscerally satisfying!

There’s an excellent film called ‘The Thirteenth Warrior’, in which an exiled Islamic poet joins a band of Vikings to defeat what appears to be a Beowulfian monster attacking a hall. The producers showed some respect for scholarship by including authentic details, for instance the rituals surrounding the ship burial of a Viking chief.

The film being referenced in the comment above by poetmcgonagall, is a film adaptation of Michael Crighton’s excellent ‘Eaters of the Dead’ which gives a facinating take on the Beowulf/Grendel legend. Pay particular attention to his treatment of the Dragon which is all the more horrifying for not being a giant lizard.

I’ve read Beowulf many times over the years (was introduced to the Old-English version back in High School) and you’ve provided an excellent summary.

“not so far removed from, say, a James Bond or Indiana Jones film, or a fast-paced fantasy novel or superhero comic strip” Yes–but also, surely, the Western? What this tells us, I think, is how deep-rooted is the human need for the idea of the stranger who rides (all right, comes by boat) into town, deals with the monster/fear/rich landowner/evil bandit who is terrorising the townfolk and rides out again. No?

Reblogged this on Blogging Beowulf and commented: A great post on one of my favorite works.

• Pingback: What Happens in Beowulf? An Interesting Summary | the shadows illuminated

Reblogged this on cjheries and commented: If, in my first year at Reading University in 1964/65, we had studied Beowulf instead of extracts from the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle (so dull!) maybe I should have stuck with reading English instead of switching to Philosophy and obtained a better class of degree than the Gentleman’s I ended up woth (a pass, just like T S Eliot).

I’ve just startd reading Seamus Heaney’s translation and I must say it’s easy to follow so far!

I’ve had the Heaney translation on my shelves for years, but your post has piqued my interest. It will be moved to my TBR pile. Thank you!

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Reblogged this on beocorgi and commented: Very Interesting. I never thought of Jabberwocky like that but now that its pointed out I can definitely see it

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75 Beowulf Essay Topics

Beowulf, penned at the dawn of the 11th century, stands as a cornerstone of Old English literature. This epic poem, extending over 3,000 lines and unfolding across the war-torn landscapes of ancient Scandinavia, offers a rich tapestry of themes and stylistic nuances that continue to fascinate scholars and students alike. When tasked with an essay on Beowulf, selecting an engaging topic is paramount. This article delves into potential subjects for your paper and provides guidance on choosing one that resonates with you.

Table of Contents

Tips for Choosing an Optimal Beowulf Essay Topic

Opting for a topic that genuinely piques your interest rather than a seemingly easy one can significantly enhance the quality of your research and writing. Here’s how you can make an informed choice:

• Personal Interest: Engage with topics that intrigue you, encouraging deeper thought and thorough research.
• Uniqueness: While you don’t have to select an obscure subject, strive for a fresh perspective in your discussion, ensuring your essay stands out.
• Scope: Narrow down broad topics to specific aspects, providing a clear direction for your essay and making it more manageable.

Inspiring Beowulf Essay Topics

Consider exploring various dimensions of the poem through topics such as:

• The societal roles of women in Beowulf.
• The effect of digression in enhancing the narrative.
• The relationship between warriors and lordship.
• The portrayal of traditional society within the epic.
• Character development throughout the poem.
• Lessons derived from the tales of Siegmund and Finn.
• The theme of male dominance in Beowulf.
• The significance of Hrothgar’s sermon in understanding the author’s viewpoint.
• The central role of the mead hall in the community.
• An in-depth analysis of Grendel’s character.
• Beowulf’s virtues and flaws.
• A detailed review of the epic battle between Beowulf and Grendel.
• Major themes and moral lessons in the story.
• The eternal clash of good vs. evil as depicted in the poem.
• An evaluation of Beowulf’s heroism.
• Parallels between Beowulf and the biblical Cain.
• The influence of religion in Beowulf’s world.
• The importance of lineage and ancestry in one’s self-esteem.
• Beowulf’s leadership qualities or lack thereof.
• Perspectives on treasure and material wealth within the poem.

Symbolism and Motifs in Beowulf

• The role of dragons in ancient literature and Beowulf.
• The significance of the mead hall and community bonding.
• Water’s symbolic role in Beowulf’s challenges and battles.
• The representation of light and darkness in the poem.
• The importance of armor and shields in the poem.

Historical and Cultural Context

• Beowulf’s relationship with historical Scandinavian events.
• How Beowulf reflects Anglo-Saxon values and beliefs.
• Paganism vs. Christianity in Beowulf.
• The societal structure and its influence on the narrative.
• The depiction of funeral rites and their significance.

Character Analyses

• Unferth’s role and contrast with Beowulf.
• The depiction of women: Wealhtheow and Grendel’s mother.
• King Hrothgar’s leadership vs. Beowulf’s heroism.
• The significance of Wiglaf and the idea of loyalty.
• Analyzing Aeschere’s importance to Hrothgar and the story.

Narrative Techniques and Literary Devices

• The role of the scop (bard) in Beowulf.
• The use of kennings and their impact on imagery.
• Alliteration and its rhythmic role in Beowulf.
• The function of epic similes in the poem.
• The influence of oral tradition on the narrative style.

Themes and Philosophies

• The concept of fate (wyrd) in Beowulf.
• The price of pride and its consequences.
• The exploration of mortality and legacy.
• The balance between courage and recklessness.
• Revenge as a driving force in Beowulf.

Comparative Analyses

• Beowulf and modern superheroes: parallels and contrasts.
• Comparing Beowulf to other epics like “The Iliad” or “Gilgamesh”.
• Beowulf and the Norse sagas: similarities and differences.
• The idea of the monstrous in Beowulf vs. other literature.
• Beowulf’s influence on Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings”.

Broader Perspectives

• Beowulf’s relevance in the 21st century.
• The challenges and merits of translating Beowulf.
• How adaptations (like movies or novels) have interpreted Beowulf.
• The depiction of heroism in Beowulf vs. modern culture.
• The ethics and values presented in Beowulf and their applicability today.

In-depth Explorations

• The importance of loyalty and kinship in the poem.
• The nature of evil: Analyzing Grendel and his lineage.
• The concept of legacy in Beowulf’s final act.
• The depiction of aging and its impact on heroism.
• The influence of external forces, like God or fate, on characters’ decisions.

Beowulf’s Battles

• A detailed look into Beowulf’s battle with the dragon.
• Strategy and might: The takedown of Grendel.
• Psychological warfare: Beowulf vs. Grendel’s mother.
• The consequences and aftermath of each of Beowulf’s battles.
• The role of supernatural vs. human strength in Beowulf’s combat scenes.

Creative Angles for Your Beowulf Essay

Dive into the poem’s depths by examining:

• The symbolism of gold and its reflection on societal values.
• The heroic ideals embodied by characters.
• The significance of weaponry and its portrayal of strength and honor.
• Gender roles and equality in Beowulf’s era.
• The portrayal of leadership and its impact on society.
• Beowulf’s enduring strength and prowess in his later years.
• The cultural and societal norms depicted in the poem.
• The integration and importance of religious motifs.
• A critique of the society within Beowulf, highlighting admirable and disdainful attributes.
• The exploration of fictional elements within the historical context of the poem.

Concluding Thoughts on Beowulf Essay Topics

Whether you encounter Beowulf in high school or college, crafting an essay on this epic can seem daunting. However, with a topic that strikes a chord with you and a unique angle, your essay can resonate deeply and intellectually. Should you find yourself struggling, remember that professional help is just a click away. Submit an order form, and receive a top-notch, plagiarism-free essay, complete with proper citations and adherence to your guidelines.

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What is Beowulf ?

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Beowulf is a heroic poem, considered the highest achievement of Old English literature and the earliest European vernacular epic. It deals with events of the early 6th century CE and is believed to have been composed between 700 and 750. Although originally untitled, it was later named after the Scandinavian hero Beowulf, whose exploits and character provide its connecting theme.

Where does Beowulf take place?

Beowulf takes place in early 6th-century Scandinavia , primarily in what is known today as Denmark and Sweden .

Who was Beowulf written by?

The author of Beowulf is unknown. It is possible that the poem was composed by and transmitted between several different poets before it was preserved in a single manuscript that dates to about 1000.

What does Beowulf present to Hrothgar?

Upon his return to Heorot, Beowulf presents to King Hrothgar Grendel ’s decapitated head and the jeweled hilt of the sword he used to kill Grendel’s mother.

Was Beowulf real?

There is no evidence of a historical Beowulf, but other characters, sites, and events in the poem can be historically verified. For example, the poem’s Danish King Hrothgar and his nephew Hrothulf are generally believed to have been based on historical figures.

Beowulf , heroic poem, the highest achievement of Old English literature and the earliest European vernacular epic . The work deals with events of the early 6th century, and, while the date of its composition is uncertain, some scholars believe that it was written in the 8th century. Although originally untitled, the poem was later named after the Scandinavian hero Beowulf, whose exploits and character provide its connecting theme. There is no evidence of a historical Beowulf, but some characters, sites, and events in the poem can be historically verified. The poem did not appear in print until 1815. It is preserved in a single manuscript that dates to circa 1000 and is known as the Beowulf manuscript (Cotton MS Vitellius A XV) .

Beowulf falls into two parts. It opens in Denmark, where King Hrothgar has a splendid mead hall known as Heorot, a place of celebration and much merriment. However, the joyous noise angers Grendel , an evil monster living in a nearby swamp. For 12 years the creature terrorizes Heorot with nightly visits in which he carries off Hrothgar’s warriors and devours them.

After learning of the Danes’ trouble, young Beowulf, a prince of the Geats in what is now southern Sweden, arrives with a small band of retainers and offers to rid Heorot of its monster. Hrothgar is astonished at the little-known hero’s daring but welcomes him. After an evening of feasting, much courtesy, and some discourtesy—at one point, one of Hrothgar’s men insults Beowulf—the king retires, leaving Beowulf in charge. During the night, Grendel comes from the moors , rips open the heavy doors, and devours one of the sleeping Geats. He then grapples with Beowulf, who refuses to use a weapon. Beowulf grips one of Grendel’s hands with such force that the monster finally wrenches himself free only when his arm is torn off at the shoulder. Mortally wounded, Grendel returns to his swamp and dies. Beowulf then displays the monster’s arm in Heorot for all to see.

The next day is one of rejoicing in Heorot, and a feast is thrown in Beowulf’s honour. However, as the warriors sleep that night, Grendel’s mother, another swamp monster, comes to avenge her son’s death, and she kills one of Hrothgar’s men. In the morning Beowulf dives into her mere (lake) to search for her, and she attacks him. They struggle in her dry cave at the mere’s bottom, and Beowulf finally kills her with a sword. In the cave, Beowulf discovers Grendel’s corpse, whose head he cuts off and takes back to Heorot. The Danes rejoice once more. Hrothgar makes a farewell speech about the character of the true hero, and Beowulf, enriched with honours and princely gifts, returns home to King Hygelac of the Geats.

The second part passes rapidly over Hygelac’s subsequent death in a battle (of historical record), the death of his son, and Beowulf’s succession to the kingship and his peaceful rule of 50 years. However, the tranquility ends when a fire-breathing dragon becomes enraged after a man steals from its treasure-filled lair. The creature begins ravaging Geatland, and the brave but aging Beowulf decides to engage it, despite knowing that he will likely die. The fight is long and terrible—a painful contrast to the battles of his youth. Painful too is the desertion of all his retainers except for his young kinsman Wiglaf, who comes to his aid. They ultimately kill the venomous dragon, but Beowulf is mortally wounded from a bite in the neck. Before he dies, he names Wiglaf his successor. Beowulf is cremated on a funeral pyre, and his remains are buried in a barrow built by the sea. As his people mourn his death, they also express the fear that, without Beowulf, Geatland will be invaded by nearby tribes.

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Overconfidence in Beowulf

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Published: Aug 1, 2024

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Hook For Beowulf Essay

Beowulf is an Old English epic poem that was composed somewhere between the 8th and 11th century. Beowulf follows a great hero who comes to the aid of Hroðgar, the king of the Danes, whose mead hall in Heorot has been under attack by a man-eating creature known as Grendel. Beowulf kills Grendel and, too mortally wounded to survive, Beowulf goes on to kill Grendel’s mother as well before returning home.

Beowulf is one of the most important works in English literature. It has had a profound effect on the literary world, inspiring writers from William Shakespeare to J.R.R Tolkien with its powerful narrative of sacrifice and redemption during times of war, chaos, and loss. Beowulf was first translated into English by renowned poet Seamus Heaney in 1999 for the British Council after Burton Raffel’s translation won them over with its modern language that still kept true to Beowulf ‘s original prose. Now considered by many scholars as the definitive work on Beowulf, Beowulf is read by thousands of students every year.

Beowulf was composed in Old English sometime between the 8th and 11th century. Beowulf follows Beowulf, a great hero who comes to the aid of Hroðgar, the king of the Danes, whose mead hall in Heorot has been under attack by Grendel. Beowulf kills Grendel and goes on to kill his mother as well before returning home.

Beowulf is an Old English heroic epic in 3,182 lines of alliterative verse. Beowulf was composed in England in the early 650’s by an anonymous Anglo-Saxon poet. It has three main characters: Beowulf, King Hrothgar, and Grendel. Beowulf comes to aid his fellow Danes when Beowulf was just a teen from Geatland, Beowulf slays Grendel. Beowulf kills Grendel’s mother in order to return home to Beowulf’s

King Hrothgar’s halls in Heorot and Beowulf becomes King of the Geats. Beowulf becomes king of the Geats after his father dies at sea and Beowulf leads Geatish warriors into an epic battle with a dragon. The Beowulf poet did not provide many details of Beowulf’s life; however, he does mention that Beowulf had Swedish relatives through his mother (lines 536-539).

Hook sentence(s): Growing up in the heroic path, Beowulf was divided in such different ways of one’s point of view. Beowulf the hero fighting against Grendel and Grendel’s mother reaped Beowulf distinctively enough for Beowulf to gain the fame that would come in handy in Beowulf’s middle age. Beowulf was also known for his inclination towards greediness when he took the throne from King Hrothgar, usurping Beowulf’s own uncle in Beowulf’s homeland. However, Beowulf would come to his senses at the end of Beowulf’s life, when Beowulf offered Beowulf kingdom to Beowulf last remaining relative named Wiglaf when Beowulf was old and ridden with illness.

Beowulf is known for Beowulf heroic stature, but it did not mean that Beowulf was without flaws. Beowulf grew up in the heroic path, became king by usurping Beowulf’s own uncle even though he had kept growing power relatively low during Beowulf’s reign so far. Yet, this act was seen as Beowlver’s way of letting go of youthfulness. When confronted with Beowulf’s mortality Beowlver lets go of Beowulf’s greediness and allowed Beowulf’s own family to take Beowulf’s kingdom when Beowulf was old and ridden with illness.

Beowulf is one of those works that you will either love or hate and there’s not much in between. Some people would say it’s an epic poem. Some would call it a long story with special meaning behind it – indeed, Beowulf has been the subject of doctoral dissertations and books written about its inner meaning. The Beowulf poet remains anonymous to this day. Beowulf is one of the best-known works in Old English literature, Beowulf has an interesting opening sentence that sets up the mood for the entire story.

The script opens with Beowulf speaking directly to the audience/reader about a man who was so powerful he could speak with animals, and Beowulf promises to tell this story because it’s a part of his heritage.

The tale starts out in an ice age where everything ices over, Beowulf is born but he will grow up to become the strongest man among his people. Beowulf talks about growing up in a time where all the creatures of nightmares were real, Beowulf thanks God for protecting him from ever having to face anything like that. Beowulf is a hero and a warrior who will go on many great quests, Beowuful seems upset by something he can’t control instead of being glad that he wasn’t born into a time when it was dangerous everywhere. Beowulf says there were no heroes back then so Beowolf has to travel far away to find someone worthy of emulation.

Beowulf’s father dies. Beowulf returns home from an adventure met with the news that his father died from grief because he Beowulf so much. Beowulf is the only one strong enough to kill a monster named Grendel, Beowulf decides to hunt down Grendel because it’s his way of preventing future grief.

Beowulf travels to Denmark and arrives at Heorot. Beowulf hears that people have been unable to sleep peacefully in Heorot for twelve years due to a man-eating monster who raids Heorot every night. Beowulf fights with Grendel and kills him by ripping off his arm, Beowulf hangs up Grendel’s hand as a trophy outside of Heorot. Beowulf returns home after many adventures and everyone praises Beowolf but he insists he did little or nothing very worthwhile. Beowulf is Beowulf’s nephew’s guardian because Beowulf has no children. Beowulf invites Beowulf to stay with him in his kingdom but Beowolf declines the offer, Beowulf makes a good decision by not putting himself into an awkward position where he might have to fight Beowlph for leadership of his own tribe.

Beowulf returns home and saves Hygelac from a dragon that had come to take Beowulf’s land, Beowulf dies from being burned alive by the dragon. The story ends with BeoWulph being mourned as a great hero even though it seemed as though he was too busy playing hero elsewhere to be bothered by grief at home.

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