Abstract
The paper sets out to prove that the poem "Beowulf" contains the features of an epic poem. To highlight the classic features of an epic poem, the paper uses "The Iliad" by Homer. It then goes on to list the characteristics of an epic poem that can be found in the poem "Beowulf" .

From the Paper
"The definition of an epic poem encompasses several factors. Firstly, an epic poem is a narrative poem on a large scale. Secondly, an epic poem is a story of an adventure, usually involving a hero on a quest. Thirdly, the epic contains myth, legend or mystery and is usually set in the past and in a heroic age. Finally, battles and perilous journeys play a large part, with scenes often set in the Underworld or Heaven and with magic, the supernatural and gods playing a part."

Tags:epic, poem, Homer, Iliad, feature, characteristics

Abstract
This paper presents an analysis of "Beowulf" by first discussing the good characteristics and attributes possessed by Beowulf. The paper continues its analysis by then looking at the three monsters in the epic that depict the attributes of evil.

From the Paper
"The poem, it is believed, was written in England however the events it describes all take place in Scandinavian region and when they took place is not known. The author assumes we are familiar with the date of occurrence of these events and therefore chooses not to pay attention to those details. For this reason, we are in the dark both about the date of these events and their reality/authenticity. Whether these events actually occurred is one question that critics and readers have pondered for a long time with no concrete answer. However some are of the view that even if these battles never took place or are symbolic in nature, they must have been inspired by some real events. Many critics also believe that the poem must have existed as an oral tale before it was written down. But since the source of inspiration is missing or unknown, modern critics have started focusing more on the content and language of the poem to learn something about the true intent and purpose of the epic and also about the date of its origin."

Tags:old, english, anglo, saxon, great, woman, beloved, death, hero, gallantry, courage

Abstract
The paper examines the themes of reputation and loyalty, and their impact on the hero and the monster, in the epic poem "Beowulf". The paper highlights how these two characteristics were important values of the Anglo-Saxon culture. This paper contains an annotated bibliography.

From the Paper
"While the epic poem Beowulf can certainly be read as a heroic poem that tells the tale of a worthy fighter against his disgusting adversary, it is more than just another amusing tale. Instead, Bewoulf allows readers to peer at the goings on of a culture as if they are staring at it through a peephole or from far above. Readers feel almost like Voyeurs, glimpsing another time, and enjoying every line of it! Thus, while Bewoulf is traditionally heralded as a story of a great hero in the style of Odysseus, Achilles, or Agamemnon, it can also be discussed as a cultural work, allowing readers to grasp what values are important to the Anglo-Saxon culture through the themes that are presented throughout the poem."

Tags:monster, hero, Anglo-Saxons

Abstract
According to Seamus Heaney's translation of "Beowulf," one of the most significant characteristics one can possess is that of loyalty. The paper shows, in fact, that from Beowulf's tale, we see how many of the other codes of the warrior stem from loyalty. One must be loyal to oneself, one's country, and one's beliefs in order to be a good and mighty warrior. The paper also examines loyalty through the manner in which some of the other characters in the poem relate to Beowulf. It shows that Beowulf observes many of the codes that warriors were expected to live by and exhibits a severe loyalty that is almost unmatched.

From the Paper
"Beowulf states that he "will not shift a foot" (2524) because he cannot break his word. Wiglaf understands this loyalty to one's reputation and how it is linked to being a warrior. Later in the tale, he confirms this sentiment when he says, "A warrior will sooner/die than live a life of shame" (2890-1). In a final act of loyalty, Beowulf hands Wiglaf his collar of gold, his war shirt, and his helmet and tells him to use them well."

Tags:Heremod, Wiglaf, dragon

Abstract
This paper discusses the manner in which Milton developed the characters of God and Satan in John Milton's "Paradise Lost". It examines how it often seems as though Milton is subtly encouraging the reader to empathize with Satan's struggle against Heaven and how he possesses many of the characteristics of an epic hero-- his stature, nobility, and epic feats. Many of his characteristics are compared to those of another hero, Beowulf. In contrast, it shows how God exhibits many evil traits but at the end it is good that triumphs over evil and Satan degenerates into his demonic self and we see him for what he is.

From the Paper
"While Satan possesses these heroic traits, they might not be enough to win our sympathy if Milton had not given the demon psychological depth. Far from being inherently evil, Satan undergoes a transformation, wrestling with fear and guilt. Milton summarizes: "Satan now in prospect of Eden, and nigh the place where he must now attempt the bold enterprise which he undertook alone against God and Man, falls into many doubts with himself, and many passions, fear, envy, and despair; but at length confirms himself in evil" (p. 317). To achieve his goal of revenge, Satan stifles his humanity but that means that he does have some humanity to stifle. "

Tags:antagonist, hero, beowulf, good, evil, man, heaven

Abstract
The general idea of the paper is to compare Beowulf to Jesus. A fairly difficult topic, this paper does an excellent job at pointing out how Jesus and Beowulf have many parallels, evident because the narrator telling the story had recently converted from paganism to Christianity. Grendel, his mother, and other characters help form the body of this paper.

From the Paper
"Existing as the oldest example of English literature in the form of an epic poem, Beowulf is an ancient pagan story involving two Scandinavian tribes, the Danes and the Geats. As the two tribes converted to Christianity, what was once an old pagan tale came to be greatly influenced by Christian morals, ideals, and traits. Since the Christian scop, or narrator of the story, tries to superimpose Christian beliefs onto a pagan story and as a result, the hero of Beowulf can be compared to Jesus Christ in a number of ways."

Tags:beowulf, christ, compare, contrast, danes, epic, geats, grendel, jesus, poem, scandinavian

Abstract
The paper details how Beowulf's followers revere him and follow him without fail when his strength is at its apogee, but desert him when he is confronted with his deadliest test near the end of his long reign as King of the Geats. The paper suggests that Beowulf's loyalty to others is astounding and fueled, in large measure, by a profound sense of honor, while his warriors, lacking his courage and sense of honor, are occasionally weak-willed and turn away from him when he needs them most. Nonetheless, the paper asserts that the poem is a celebration of Beowulf's fidelity to the Geats - even after they mocked and dismissed him as a child - and a testament to the extraordinary faithfulness of Beowulf in others and in the warrior's code by which he lives and, ultimately, dies.

From the Paper
"The following paper will look at loyalty in Beowulf, one of the great epic poems in all English. The paper will detail how Beowulf's followers revere him and follow him without fail when his strength is at its apogee, but desert him when he is confronted with his deadliest test near the end of his long reign as King of the Geats - the grim dragon tormenting his people and land. In the end, only Wiglaf stays behind to offer any sort of assistance to Beowulf in the final, desperate moments of his life. The paper will suggest that Beowulf's loyalty to others is astounding and fueled, in large measure, by a profound sense of honor. At the same time,..."

Tags:loyalty, beowulf, unfaithfulness

Abstract
Using "Beowulf" as a basis, the paper discusses how and why great civilizations rise and then fall. The civilizations cited in the epic poem are the Spear-Danes and the Geats and why they were doomed to collapse.

From the Paper
"The civilizations of the Spear-Danes and the Geats, both of which are fully described in the epic narrative poem "Beowulf", were a warlike people who placed enormous value on physical prowess, victory in battle and successful conclusions to long-term feuds. The poem makes it clear that these two seemingly great civilizations were doomed to collapse largely because of the fact that they were far too focused on these exact characteristics. It will be argued herein that the very characteristics which made the..."

Tags:Beowulf, literature, kepic, Spear-Danes, Geats, civilizations

Abstract
This paper identifies the heroic and elegiac elements in "Beowulf," and compares the two. The author gives many examples of the poem referring to "Beowulf" as a hero, and then shows several examples of the sad, elegiac mood of the story of "Beowulf."

From the Paper
"With detailed celebrations of weaponry, the praising of heroism and prowess in battle, eloquent speech, and an emphasis on vengeance, "Beowulf" is an epic poem of clear heroic capacity. Considered the first post-classical English epic, "Beowulf" also has many elegiac elements, including imagery of suffering and a sense of sorrow for the passing of worldly things. These elements are developed in the characters' longing for a better past, the value ascribed to treasure, and the importance of fame as the only lasting thing in a decaying world."

Tags:beowulf, elegaic, elements, heroic, term

Abstract
This essay analyzes many of the biblical references made in the epic poem of "Beowulf". These biblical references are then compared to the context of the Old Testament. The paper seeks to determine whether or not "Beowulf" was originally told with Christian tone or if Christian elements were added during the influential time period that the Danes were going through at the time it was written down.

From the Paper
The latest version of Beowulf was translated from Old English and written by Seamus Heaney. It is the oldest known epic poem and takes place around 500CE in Denmark and Geatland, which is now southern Sweden. Beowulf is believed to have been first composed orally around 700CE and then written around 1000CE by monks of Anglo-Saxon decent. The British Isles were in rough shape after the conquests of the Romans, Germanic tribes, and the Vikings. The Anglo-Saxon's needed a heroic man of faith that represented strength, decency, and bravery and could also protect the Danes from evil. This man was known as Beowulf. Beowulf seemed to be the good, called upon by god to protect the Danes. There were frequent biblical references made throughout the context of Beowulf. Did these biblical references prove that the Anglo-Saxon's believed in a monotheistic god and had faith in Christianity or were these religious aspects added later in time?

Tags:beowulf, christian, christianity, heaney, influence, seamus