Quest In Beowulf

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This is an excerpt from Beowulf translated by Seamus Heaney (lines 244-251), in which a Danish guard identifies Beowulf as a hero merely by looking at him. In this sempiternal tale, our protagonist encounters many a foe, from the unholy descents of Cain to a mighty dragon. The primordial Anglo-Saxon icon Beowulf epitomizes numerous qualities attributed to the quintessential “epic hero.” Beowulf embarks on all manner of variegated quests, making use of his superior abilities and invariably risking his life in the pursuance of glory. Like many epic heroes, Beowulf undertakes countless missions throughout his story. For instance, upon receiving news of Grendel and his gruesome deeds, Beowulf forthwith sets off to meet with Hrothgar, King of the Danes, and to offer help (lines 109-124). After his battle with Grendel in Herot, Beowulf had to seek out …show more content…

While fighting Grendel, Beowulf not only matches the demon’s fortitude, but overcomes it, forcing Grendel back and ripping his arm off (lines 271-284). There was a moment during the battle with Grendel’s mother in which things looked hopeless for Beowulf, but he summoned his gallant strength and was able to throw her to the ground, then grabbed a sword that was forged by giants and finally killed her (lines 513-523). Upon arriving at the tower in which the dragon resides, Beowulf stoutheartedly challenges it. During the ensuing fight, his shield began to melt and his sword broke (lines 62-67) but he still fought, despite knowing that it was a losing battle. The dragon virulently wounded Beowulf but even in spite of this, the old King fought with all of the vigor he had left. His loyal follower Wiglaf stepped in, and together they were able to slay the beast. Each of these moments in Beowulf’s life were only possible due to his remarkable

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