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Beowulf: The Evolution of a King, 2002.
Looks at how the character of Beowulf boasts prior to each major battle, in the epic poem "Beowulf".
1,100 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at Beowulf's three boasts prior to fighting each major battle in the story. It shows how each speech shines light on Beowulf's character and how he matures during the poem. It examines how his character develops to become worthy of being a king.
From the Paper
"The story of Beowulf is one of heroism and bravery. It tells the story of a young man?s growth and development into the ruler of his kingdom. Much of the poem?s depth lies in the changes in the tone among Beowulf?s dialogues as he matures. The changes between the speeches that Beowulf makes prior to fighting each of his adversaries show his maturation into manhood and the effects that these changes have on his behavior."
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Beowulf vs. Arthur, 2002.
A paper which compares the heroic tendancies of the characters in "Beowulf" (author unknown) and King Arthur who is portrayed in various tales by several authors.
769 words (approx. 3.1 pages), 0 sources, $ 27.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses how the characters Beowulf and King Arthur who appear through literary history in various tales, both possess many of the same characteristics, characteristics found in great heroes. It shows that both of them had quests to protect innocent people from evil; both were blessed by God; both fought with great courage and pride. Although King Arthur had no supernatural powers as Beowulf did, he did possess several comparable traits-- they were both physically strong, morally right, and both shared a passion for what they did. The paper shows that using these qualities, they both protected mankind from evil, both rescued family and friends from evil circumstances, and both gained immortality.
From the Paper
"Every hero, as a general rule, desires to be remembered for more than one heroic tendency. Every hero in World Literature class has at least three common tendencies: to protect mankind from evil, to use his powers to rescue his family and friends from evil circumstances, and to earn immortality via his heroic tendencies. Beowulf, an Anglo-Saxon hero, has all three characteristics. His quest is to restore Herot, due to the mass destruction caused by the monster Grendel, the evilest of all evils. Grendel had been terrorizing the city, killing thousands of men in their sleep, depriving them the ability to fight back. King Hrothgar hired the brave knight Beowulf to defeat the creature of darkness. The knight boldly hunted Grendel and fought him with great might. At the end of that particular battle, Beowulf left with Grendel?s arm, his sign of triumph. Nevertheless, Grendel?s mother became furious over the death of her son, and decided that she needed to prolong her son?s rampage. She began the slaughter of innocent people in Herot. Beowulf commenced a brawl with her and soon had her head."
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Foreigners at Court, 2001.
An analysis of the attitude towards foreigners and strangers in the books "Beowulf" and "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" in the courts of King Hrothgar and King Arthur.
666 words (approx. 2.7 pages), 0 sources, MLA, $ 23.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how masterpieces of English Medieval literature help us understand the relationship between people and standards of behavior that were considered proper and ethical all those years ago. It shows how in particular from the books "Beowulf" and "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" we can learn how foreigners were accepted and of the customs at the courts by analysis of the arrival Beowulf and the Green Knight at the courts of Kings Hrothgar and Arthur.
From the Paper
"It is worth noticing that Beowulf did not reveal his name to the guard. Obviously at this point the information about his ?birth and breeding? is much more important than his name. After this ?passport control? Beowulf with his band are brought to the king?s herald who in his turn organized them a meeting with king Hrothgar. All these precautions indicate order, hierarchy and subordination at Hrothgar?s kingdom and court. At the court of King Arthur (as it is described in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight) the situation is quite opposite. The Green Knight appeared all of a sudden in the middle of the celebration of the Christmas in Camelot."
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James H. Morey's "The Fates of Men in Beowulf", 2008.
Explores the thesis presented by James H. Morey in "The Fates of Men in Beowulf" regarding the "Beowulf" poet's description of the deaths of the ruling kings.
770 words (approx. 3.1 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 27.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how James H. Morey's thesis, in "The Fates of Men in Beowulf", centers on how the Beowulf'- poet describes, or just as importantly, doesn't describe the deaths of the ruling kings in each of the three dynastic houses. In particular, the paper looks at Morey's contention that the Swedish and Geatish houses have most of their king's deaths related in a clear and convincing way and that the Danish house is the only one with a significant number of kings whose demises are ambiguous. Contrary to Morey's belief, the paper concludes that a close look at the specific examples of explicitly detailed deaths in both the Swedish and Geatish royals, makes it obvious that these two houses are guilty of the same kin-slaying that to Morey makes the Danes special.
From the Paper
"The Geatish house has an even more explicit depiction of kin-slaying in the example of Hrethel's eldest son Herebeald. The tale is related via Beowulf's speech before the dragon fight when he describes how the second eldest son of Hrethel, Haethcyn, hitting and killing his elder brother with an arrow. It is unclear whether or not this was a purposeful act, but the poet's description of it as "fyrenum gesyngad" paints it as deliberate, and malicious, act of violence."
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Heroism and Loyalty in "Beowulf", 2008.
An examination of the heroism and loyalty in the poem "Beowulf".
2,308 words (approx. 9.2 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 71.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the main theme of heroism and loyalty in the ancient literature "Beowulf" and cites examples from the story to illustrate this theme. The paper discusses the loyalty of Beowulf to the king, the people, his values and to the expectations of those around him. The paper also explains that Beowulf, the hero, needs the loyalty of the people while the people need the loyalty of their hero. In addition, the paper notes that Beowulf does not fight for the sake of fighting; he fights only for his people. The paper emphasizes that Beowulf places loyalty on a high pedestal and, as a result, he becomes a hero.
From the Paper
"Beowulf, as one of the oldest texts in literature, is interesting to read because the text reveals much about the society for which it was written. We know that Beowulf placed a high regard for heroism and loyalty. Sarah Lawall notes that Beowulf is "both a heroic poem of dark magnificence and the most vivid account left to us of the social world and life experiences of the Germanic and Scandinavian peoples" (Lawall 1057). She adds that the poem is also a "fairy-tale story of how the hero Beowulf conquered three monsters" (1057). In addition, she notes that the "most important fact about Germanic tribal society is its violence, which is why the poet describes that society by means of a narrative of monster-killing" (1057). From this notion, we can surmise that the hero was a hero because he did great things - namely he fought monsters."
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Beowulf and Achilles, 2008.
This paper compares and contrasts the hero figures of Beowulf from "Beowulf" and Achilles from "The Iliad".
789 words (approx. 3.2 pages), 0 sources, $ 28.95
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Abstract
The paper looks closely at the heroes in the poems "Beowulf" and "The Iliad" and shows how Beowulf fights and lives on a superior level than Achilles. The paper discusses how Beowulf, through his battles and his image, becomes a kind of mythological figure, while Achilles, despite the charisma he has with the troops and the way he does battle, remains to the end an ordinary human being. The paper shows how even in death he is killed by a mortal, while it takes another mythological being, a dragon, to kill Beowulf.
From the Paper
"Both Achilles and Beowulf are the centre hero-figures of the literary works they are presented in and the poems "Beowulf" and "The Iliad" are centered on their existence and evolution. However, while Beowulf's mythological struggle seems to bear an extraterrestrial projection, his success seemingly determined the outcome of mankind's faith, Achilles is the centre of a battle between individuals on Earth. Despite godly interventions, the Iliad remains a battle between the Greeks and the Trojans over the fate of Helen of Troy rather than a glorious combat of mythological perspective."
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Beowulf vs. Oedipus, 2003.
A comparative analysis of the main characters in the poem, "Beowulf", and the play, "Oedipus the King" by Sophocles.
1,289 words (approx. 5.2 pages), 0 sources, $ 43.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews the epic, "Beowulf", and Sophocles' play, "Oedipus the King", with an emphasis on the similarities and the differences between the two main characters. It looks at their character traits, cultural beliefs in their respective stories, and the flaws that might burden them, drawing on the fact that they are from different eras in time and locations on the globe. It shows how they have the same basic principles of honor, pride, and justice, and how Beowulf and Oedipus will do what they have to do to save their people, since they are good leaders of their people who fall, ironically, because of their strongest qualities.
From the Paper
"The biggest resemblance is how they come to power. In the pagan world of Beowulf vengeance and revenge is the backbone of the society. Beowulf?s battle with Grendel and his mother is ultimately what put him over the hump as a great leader. Grendel killed King Hrothgar?s men, so Beowulf must avenge their deaths. To complete the revenge and capture all of the glory he must then slay Grendel?s mother. After he has so valiantly done this, the poet has the son of Halfdane speak of Beowulf?s greatness, ?Beowulf, my friend, your fame has gone far and wide, you are known everywhere?(Beowulf 1703). Oedipus? also used violence and fighting to become king."
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Myth of King Arthur, 2005.
A brief summary of the myths surrounding King Arthur.
2,547 words (approx. 10.2 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 77.95
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Abstract
This paper tells the life story and myth of King Arthur. It looks at the period before his birth, the legends of his strength and power, and the impact he had on the region.
Outline
Before King Arthur?s Birth
Aurelius Ambrosius and Uther
Uther, the King
Uther?s Death
Arthur Became the King
The Round Table
The Death of King Arthur
King Arthur?s Childhood
The Sword in the Stone
Rebellion Against King Arthur
King Arthur Is Lied to
Evil Sir Mordred
The Death of King Arthur
From the Paper
"Aurelius Ambrosius and Uther did not let the murder of their brother, Constans, just passed by without revenge. When the two came to manhood, they started their revenge to Vortigern. They burned Vortigern?s palace. Along with it was Vortigern who was burned to death. The death of Vortigern paved the way for Aurelius to become the king. As the king, Aurelius fought the Saxons to drive them away of Logres. Horsa, one of the leaders of the Saxons, was killed in the battle while Hengist was captured and executed. Aurelius also fought with Octa, the son of Hengist, which led to Octa?s defeat. Aurelius? kingship brought about the re-establishment of Logres. He was soon poisoned by Paschent, Vortigern?s son. Aurelius was buried in a Stonehenge, a large circle which was built out of Merlin?s advice."
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"The Odyssey" and "Beowulf", 2006.
An analysis and comparison of the heroic characters in Homer's "The Odyssey" and in "Beowulf".
1,500 words (approx. 6.0 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 49.95
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Abstract
This paper studies the heroes of Odysseus in "The Odyssey" by Homer and Beowulf in "Beowulf", which are two of the greatest epics in Western literature. The similarities discussed by the paper include: both heroes undertake a great journey across water; both heroes descend into the underworld; both undergo trials and tribulations and must depend on the companionship of others; and both are uniquely grand men in their times. On the other hand, the paper demonstrates how despite these similarities, Beowulf and Odysseus are drastically different characters. Beowulf comes across as a noble and self-sacrificing knight, explains the paper, while Odysseus seems prone to adventuring for the sake of spoils, women and fame. Other differences include that Beowulf is literally seen as the hand of God in stamping out evil; Odysseus, on the other hand, struggles in opposition to the gods. The paper also demonstrates how Odysseus struggles against nature and his fellow man, while Beowulf struggles against demons.
From the Paper
"Beowulf and Odysseus have quite different approaches to heroism and its purposes. Beowulf is driven to act as he does based on the guidance of his wise men and religious leaders, who urge him to go "help the king who needed help."(1) At its core, Beowulf's purpose is to bring "relief from this evil." (1) Though eventually he will be rewarded by the Queen for his good deeds and his promise of friendship to her sons and given by her "the largest neck ring I have heard tell of on the earth," (6) still he does not respond either with pride or with hubris, but remains a "gentle, joyful one... mild in spirit, and faithful to his king." (6) Odysseus, on the other hand, does not approach adventures through some sort of over-weening altruism. When he battles monsters, it is because they stand between him and his goals (usually his way home). When he acts heroically, he generally does so in hope of gaining the monetary pleasure of kings. For example, Odysseus usually closely follows up his accounts of his own heroic adventures with a blatant request for tribute, as when -in the middle of accounting his trip to the Underworld, he says: "King Alcinous, if you were to bid me to stay here for a whole twelve months, and then speed me on my way, loaded with your noble gifts, I should obey you gladly..." (Book XI) This is quite different from Beowulf, who offers his loyalty and friendship without price."
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"Beowulf", 2007.
This paper analyzes "Beowulf" (anonymous), especially the role of the dragon.
1,325 words (approx. 5.3 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that "Beowulf", composed circa 800A.D. and written circa 1000 A.D., is a classic epic depicting kings, queens, knights, blood feuds, monsters and dragons. The author points out that, because Beowulf, the main character, has brain and brawn, which are highlighted throughout the tale, and is dignified, brave, wise and a superior warrior; only a commendable challenger is capable of defeating him. The paper relates that there are many monstrous beasts that Beowulf encounters and defeats; however, the dragon is not a monster but rather the most worthy adversary of any beast Beowulf encounters, whose death glorifies both the dragon himself and Beowulf. The paper includes several quotations as examples.
From the Paper
"Although the dragon was not trying to get his treasure back in a civilized manor, he can't be asked to; he is in-fact an animal. It is hard to imagine now, but in the time the poem was composed, a dragon was considered to be an animal. Similar to how people may view Lochness or Bigfoot today, an animal that may or may not exist. It is important to understand that people of the time thought of a dragon as an animal because by accepting he is one, in-turn accepts that he does not have a conscience of right and wrong. Animals may have emotions, such as happiness, fear, or rage, but they do not have a concept of good or evil."
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Le Morte d'Arthur, 2008.
A examination of the legend of King Arthur and the ideal of knighthood that were epitomized in "Le Morte d'Arthur" by Sir Thomas Mallory.
3,052 words (approx. 12.2 pages), 9 sources, MLA, $ 89.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the various sources on which Sir Thomas Mallory drew to create the version of the legend of King Arthur that is known today. The writer provides an overview of the historical background for the Arthurian legend and the evidence that exists for a historical Arthur. The writer explains the medieval traditions of courtly love and of chivalry that Mallory incorporated into his book and his legacy of the knightly ideal that was detailed by Chaucer in his "Canterbury Tales," and in the fourteenth-century poem "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight."
From the Paper
"The account that did the most to establish Arthur as a prominent historical figure was The History of the Kings of Britain written in 1135 by Geoffrey of Monmouth, a Welsh monk, and the book provides a history of the earliest kings of Britain, some 99 in all, including King Coel, known to us today from the nursery rhyme as Old King Cole. About one-fifth of the book is devoted to Arthur, and Geoffrey provides the first organized version of the story. Many of the elements that would be part of the later tradition were missing, however. Arthur's court is not at Camelot but at a place called Caerlon-on-Usk, or City of Legions. Geoffrey contributed at least three new elements to the existing histories of Arthur--he supplied Arthur with a family tree, told of Arthur's association with Merlin, and described his burial at Avalon."
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Christianity in "Beowulf", 2008.
An analysis of the theme of Christianity in the epic poem "Beowulf".
816 words (approx. 3.3 pages), 0 sources, MLA, $ 29.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how, in the ancient epic poem "Beowulf", we find a character named Beowulf, who, at first glance, appears to be very Christian. The paper relates that the character of Beowulf frequently praises God and gives thanks to Him, yet the reader gets the feeling that something is not quite right. It seems that Beowulf's Christianity runs only skin deep, because he is very violent and boastful. The paper then examines how the debate over this subject, as well as the identity of the author of Beowulf, has raged for countless years. The paper asserts that, though Beowulf was almost undoubtedly not a Christian, there is indisputable evidence that proves that the author of "Beowulf" was.
From the Paper
"Though the author does not mention Jesus Christ by name a single time throughout the entire poem, he clearly compares Beowulf to him indirectly in multiple instances during the tale. For starters, just as Jesus descends into hell to battle Satan, Beowulf descends into a sort of Hell lair to fight Grendel's Mother. Just as Beowulf was beaten by other Hell dwelling monsters during his fight with Grendel's mother, Jesus was spat upon and laughed at by crowds at his crucifiction. Jesus was sent to earth to complete a task that no one else could complete: To save humanity through his own sacrifice. Similarly, Beowulf comes to Heorot to complete a task which no one else could, namely defeating Grendel. "Now Holy God has, in His goodness, guided him here to the West-Danes, to defend us from Grendel" (Beowulf 382-4) This quote even alludes to Beowulf being some sort of God commisioned savior for Hrothgar, just as Jesus was for mankind. "
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King Arthur and the Round Table, 2002.
A paper which traces the history of written texts relating to King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.
850 words (approx. 3.4 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 30.95
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Abstract
The paper shows that if there was an historical King Arthur he would have existed centuries before the era of knighthood, probably sometime in the sixth century. It discusses how the historical reality of Arthur is much in doubt and remains a controversy, though Arthur has his champions who believe the stories of his reign began with a real personage and then were turned into myth and legend by various writers, each treating Arthur differently. The author traces the history of the stories relating to Arthur, and analyzes some of these works such as Sir Thomas Malory's "Le Morte D'Arthur" and "The History of the Kings of Britain" by Welsh monk Geoffrey of Monmouth in 1135.
From the Paper
" Many of the elements that would be part of the later tradition were missing, however. Arthur's court is not at Camelot but at a place called Caerlon-on-Usk, or City of Legions. Geoffrey contributed at least three new elements to the existing histories of Arthur--he supplied Arthur with a family tree, told of Arthur's association with Merlin, and described his burial at Avalon. Later chroniclers would use Geoffrey's account as a source and would develop more complex stories establishing Arthur as a king in the popular imagination."
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Beowulf and Christian Themes, 2002.
An interpretation of Chambers' ?Beowulf and the ?Historic Age? in England,? as an allegorical of salvation.
1,180 words (approx. 4.7 pages), 2 sources, APA, $ 40.95
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Abstract
The following paper critically analyzes 'Beowulf', a collection of heathen tales of the early Northland, put together and shaped by a Christian Anglo-Saxon poet in the era of Bede who was influenced by both Greek/Roman and Church sources. This paper examines the significant parallels apparent between Beowulf?s adventure and Christ?s death, decent into hell and resurrection. However heathen the original story was, the writer argues that it is reasonable to suppose that the account of Beowulf?s decent into the grim fen, his encounter with the demon-brood staining the water with blood and his triumphant emergence from it into joyous springtime is at least an allegory of baptism. The following paper gives ?Beowulf and the ?Historic Age? a far fuller historical meaning and even greater artistic value than the writer would have if it were only interpreted on a story level. The writer contends that if one were to start from scratch and invent a story whose every detail was to allegorize the story of salvation (which C.S. Lewis did in his ?Narnia? series, for example), one could not do much better than was done in Beowulf by using plot inherent in the ancient tales.
From the Paper
?A classic work of literature is one that endures past its own generation. One reason a work endures is because it can be read, enjoyed and promote thought not only for the author?s contemporaries, but for people who read it for years to come. In order to do that, it must contain universal themes that remain true across times and cultures.One thing that successive generations of readers do with a classic is relate its themes to their own lives and times. A classic may mean one thing to one person who reads it and another thing to another person. Quite often readers recognize a simple story as an allegory for something else. A recent example of this is how the ?Star Wars? saga has come to be ?adopted? by Christian readers because Christians realized that many of the main concepts could be metaphors for Christian ideals. ?The force? can be God or the Holy Spirit who helps the Jedi (those chosen to lead and defend the common people, or in the Christian tradition, the clergy or ministers or even ?everyman? Christians) to fight ?the dark side?.?
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King Arthur, 1986.
Attempts to separate truth from myth regarding King Arthur. Emphasis on creating a picture of Arthur and his court that is as historically accurate, while also exposing flaws in popular and common perceptions.
1,800 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 5 sources, $ 63.95
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From the Paper
"Western civilization has been entranced by the legend of King Arthur and his knights of the round table for almost a thousand years. Medieval and Victorian people alike were enthralled by the tale of a king and his men who fought for justice and created a golden period of peace and chivalry. An age that was destroyed by the personal betrayal of his wife, his best friend, and his illegitimate son. And yet the legend says he was borne away to Avalon, with the unspoken, but clearly implied promise that one day he would return, hence "the once and future king."
Searching for the truth behind the myth, one finds very few hard facts to tell the story. In searching through reliable records of the time, historians have found scarcely more than the bare bones of a story. By carefully arranging these bones and fleshing them out with what (...)"
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