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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: 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", 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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'Beowulf', 2006.
A review of the epic poem, 'Beowulf'.
750 words (approx. 3.0 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 26.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews and discusses the German epic poem 'Beowulf'. The paper reports that 'Beowulf' is said to have been written sometime between the years circa 675 A.D. and circa 1000 A.D. According to the paper, the poem tells the story of a king, Beowulf, from his youth to old age, as he saves a neighboring people from the monster, Grendel.
From the Paper
"Copied down by monks, the poem is probably an originally mythological treatment of a real person who lived during the ages when men did not and could not write. Back then, people passed along stories by word of mouth, rather than printing it in a newspaper. Storytellers, called scops or bards, roamed the seas or countryside and for a hot meal and a bed, would entertain the townspeople with songs and tales of what had happened in neighboring kingdoms. The story of Beowulf includes a professional bard who accompanies himself on a harp and sings or chants traditional lays, who improvises a song about Beowulf's victory."
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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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Beowulf and Odysseus the Unlikeliest of Heroes, 2002.
A compare and contrast analysis of Beowulf and Odysseus - two heroes from different eras.
985 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 34.95
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Abstract
This paper considers the similarities and differences shown between the Greek Hero Odysseus in Homer's "Odyssey" and the Northern Hero Beowulf in the saga "Beowulf", discussing how either can be heroes and arguing in some ways that it is more than deeds that marks a hero, but also the way in which they behave and relate to others.
From the Paper
"In the Odyssey we see Odysseus as a complex character and in may way as contrast who is both similar and different to that of his counterpart Beowulf.. However we can argue that the way in which they were brought up had an impact on their characters, and that the absence of any real documented evidence of the truth we cannot have a clear precise detail of what may have influenced either at the time of the sagas being spoken or their deeds being carried out."
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Beowulf, 2003.
A review of the heroic old English poem, Beowulf.
1,237 words (approx. 4.9 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 42.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews one of the longest and most famous Anglo-Saxon heroic poems, Beowulf. According to the paper, Beowulf dates back to the late 10th century and the manuscript is perhaps the oldest considerable poem in any modern language.
From the Paper
"The moment Beowulf eventually overcomes them can be interpreted as the proof of his superiority over the human mortal side of the universe. Therefore, his character is stronger than any dangers and challenges the worldly universe may produce, thus an incompatibility arises which leads him in a state of solitude. At the same time, the poem has elements of pagan beliefs. One example is the burial celebrations which cannot be seen in any Christian rituals. "Geatish lord, and bear the bountiful breaker-of-rings to the funeral pyre. No fragments merely shall burn with the warrior. Wealth of jewels, gold untold and gained in terror, treasure at last with his life obtained, all of that booty the brands shall take, fire shall eat it (...) The fiery dragon, fearful fiend, with flame was scorched (...) Then fashioned for him the folk of Geats firm on the earth a funeral-pile, and hung it with helmets and harness of war and breastplates right, as the boon he asked; and they laid amid it the mighty chieftain, heroes mourning their master dear." (Beowulf, 2006). The pyre and the final services point out the universal union of Beowulf's spirit with that of the beast that brought his death. "
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"Beowulf", 2005.
This paper discusses the embedded narratives in "Beowulf", the "lone survivor" of a genre known as Old English long epics written anonymously sometime before the tenth century A.D..
1,210 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 41.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, despite its age, the poem "Beowulf " utilizes a complex method of storytelling called embedded narratives, which is essentially a story within a story; not only does this Old English epic have many embedded narratives within but also the narratives possess strong coherency with the current story at hand. The author analyzes five of these embedded narratives; the last one, found in the third epic of "Beowulf" is a story partly told to give the reader a brief history on the dragon that Beowulf must defeat and the treasure-horde it protects. The paper concludes embedded narratives throughout the epic poem of Beowulf seem to serve multiple purposes: A vehicle for foreshadowing, clarity in regards to character identification, comparing and contrasting and understanding, depiction and overall detail of the Anglo-Saxon period.
From the Paper
"The first embedded narrative in Beowulf, begins immediately after Grendal's death. Following the demise of the fiend was a celebration to honor the heroic feats of Beowulf, the protagonist of the adventure. At one point during the festivities, King Hrothgar's thane, a story teller, shares the story of Sigemund. The narrator indicates that Sigemund had received a "treasure-hoard" after defeating a dragon by piercing a sword through its scales. In addition to the treasure, Sigemund gained publicity and his "name was known everywhere" (51). This embedded narrative is significant since serves to foreshadow the victory of Beowulf against a dragon in the concluding portion of the poem. As any reader who has finished the epic poem may know, Beowulf is victorious in slaying a dragon in the Geatish-territory."
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'Beowulf', 2006.
A review of the epic poem 'Beowulf'.
782 words (approx. 3.1 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 27.95
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This paper reviews and discusses the Anglo-Saxon epic of 'Beowulf'. According to the paper, 'Beowulf' relies heavily on the use of good vs. evil. The paper goes on to discuss that it is not just the beauty and godliness that are celebrated in this epic, the great mead hall, Heorot, is also strong and sound in the face of adversity.
From the Paper
"However, it is not just the beauty and godliness that are celebrated in this epic. Heorot is also strong and sound in the face of adversity. Grendel has been a powerful enemy and has damaged Heorot at times by ripping off hinges. Yet, he cannot really damage the physical properties of the hall, nor can Grendel completely demolish the humane properties that have been established there. It is the battle for humanity that brings Beowulf to Denmark to fight with Grendel. Their only battle on the night of Beowulf's arrival tests the physical properties of the building"
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Good, Evil and Beowulf, 2008.
This paper examines the issues of good and evil in the modern translation of Beowulf by Alan Sullivan and Timothy Murphy.
1,217 words (approx. 4.9 pages), 1 source, $ 41.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses that the theme of good versus evil and the importance of community support are evident in Alan Sullivan and Timothy Murphy's modern day translation of Beowulf. The writer explains that Beowulf, who is an honorable, strong and courageous warrior, sets out to protect the people of Heorot from the evils of the world, which are Grendel, Grendel's mother, and a fierce Dragon. The people of Heorot are a society who value honor, loyalty, and courage in one another and believe that strong community support is needed for survival. Beowulf is dedicated to his fellow men and strives for the greater good of all, especially in times of war. The writer notes that although Beowulf was never motivated by greed or selfishness, it is the decline in society's honor and loyalty which resulted in his tragic death. The writer concludes that he will be remembered and respected as an honorable, loyal and courageous warrior who left behind a legacy for all.
From the Paper
"Beowulf is dedicated to his fellow men and strives for the greater good of all, especially in times of war. Beowulf also deals with the Christian views of greed, selfishness and human behavior, along with its negative consequences. Beowulf's dedication to the people of Heorot never ceases, he is only as strong as the community support surrounding him. Although Beowulf was never motivated by greed or selfishness, it is the decline in society's honor and loyalty which resulted in his tragic death."
"Beowulf's strength and honorable character is not only an example of his father's upbringing but also of inherited traits. Beowulf, who was raised by a father who was a highly respected warrior of his time, learned the importance of a supportive community from an early age."
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"Beowulf", 2002.
An analysis of the epic poem "Beowulf", providing a summary of the main theme in the poem.
1,300 words (approx. 5.2 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 43.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the poem "Beowulf" which tells the story of the hero Beowulf and his fight to save a community, which is not his own, first from the monster Grendel and then from Grendel's mother. Later in the poem, Beowulf also fights a dragon. It explains that these monsters fight from different motives, from the relatively petty pique of Grendel to the desire for vengeance from Grendel's mother and the desire for revenge against a wrong from the dragon. The writer shows how the attack produces a response from Beowulf that shows aspects of his character, makes it possible for him to show his prowess, and suggests the values that shape the society of his time.
From the Paper
"The monster Grendel attacks Hrothgar's army in Heorot, and the motivations given in the poem begin with the fact that the creature is simply unhappy and does not like to see human beings happy. The army celebrates because of its great victory in war and because Hrothgar has constructed Heorot, and Hrothgar now holds a feast where he gives out rings and treasure to his men. Grendel is described as a "fierce spirit" (3) who painfully endures hardship and "who dwelt in the darkness" (3), and the reason given for his pain is that "every day he heard loud mirth in the hall" (3). The warriors "lived in joy" (3), while Grendel is called a "grim spirit" and a "hellish enemy" (3). Grendel is also described as an "Unhappy creature" (3), and one of the reasons for this is that "he lived for a time in the home of the monsters' race" (3). This is a reference to the place to which Cain and his progeny were banished after Cain slew Abel. This aspect of the story is a likely addition from the Christian era, but the story as it now stands suggests that Grendel is seeking revenge for having been so banished and for having to live with "all the bad breeds, trolls and elves and monsters" (3) that were born to Cain and his descendants because of that banishment."
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Beowulf: The Archetypal Germanic Hero, 2002.
A discussion on how Beowulf can be considered as the "true" hero of his time.
1,058 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 0 sources, $ 37.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews the 8th century epic poem "Beowulf" and analyzes the qualities that make Beowulf a true Germanic hero. It examines how Beowulf?s character exemplifies the Germanic and the Anglo-Saxon ideals of the hero-- strong, fearless, bold, loyal and stoic in the acceptance of fate. It shows how despite his lack of humility, Beowulf was the definition of a hero in his own time by his demonstration of chivalry and his important roles in society.
From the Paper
"Beowulf?s leadership skills were just as impressive as his heroic characteristics. He was just as valiant and courageous as a king as he was a warrior. Beowulf was not only the archetypal hero, but also the ideal Germanic king. In order for one to understand what a good king was, Halfdane related an example of a bad king to Beowulf. Halfdane?s example of Heremond was that he was a horrible ruler because he was ?bloodthirsty?(1719), ?killed his own comrades?(1714) and at the end of his life, ?gave no more rings?(1719). In contrast, Beowulf as a king was compassionate towards his warriors and was a ?lavisher of rings?(3009). "
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Heroic and Elegiac Elements in "Beowulf", 2005.
A paper on heroism and elegy in "Beowulf."
905 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 32.95
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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."
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Restoration Vs. Translation of "Beowulf", 2002.
Compares and contrasts the translation of an epic Anglo-Saxon document, "Beowulf" with the digital restoration being done on the epic.
900 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 5 sources, $ 35.95
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Abstract
The review explores the work of Seamus Heaney (1999) in translating the epic Anglo-Saxon document, "Beowulf." This translation is compared to the digital restoration work being done with the original documents found in the British Library. Both Heaney and the Beowulf restoration group (at the University of Kentucky) are working with identical documents; however, Heamus has translated the text into a more accessible story, and restoration experts such as Keirnan (1984) have worked to preserve the original document for study. This paper evaluates whether Beowulf is a "story" or an artifact of Anglo-Saxon history, and the significance of the difference between translation and restoration.
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"Beowulf", 2004.
An analysis of the epic poem, "Beowulf", explaining how it symbolizes historical and social conditions of the time.
1,458 words (approx. 5.8 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 48.95
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This essay looks at the heroic code that is exemplified by Beowulf, as seen in his battles with Grendel, his fight with Grendel?s mother, and in his relationship with Hygelac. In the second part, the essay examines how Beowulf moves away from this heroic code in his final battle with the dragon. In the conclusion, the essay shows that Beowulf makes choices that hark back to his past courage and foreshadow his own bravery and death. This shows that his choice of the heroic life has implications not only for himself, but for his kingdom as well.
From the Paper
"Even before the hero?s appearance, the narrator already establishes the strong heroic code that dictates honorable conduct in Scandinavian kingdoms. This is depicted in the court of Hrothgar, ruler of the Scyldings. Early in the poem, the narrator shows how rulers like Hrothgar were very dependent on the allegiance of retained warriors, known as thanes. The heroic code stipulated that the thanes should serve their ruler with absolute loyalty and courage. This included courage in battle. In return, Hrothgar and other rulers were expected to provide their thanes with shelter, food and other basic needs (Sisson 1996). Hrothgar?s own mead-hall is named Heorot."
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