The Natural Violence of Human Nature as Shown Through the Epic Beowulf

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The Natural Violence of Human Nature as Shown Through the Epic Beowulf Violence is the way of the game in the world of Beowulf. It is how things get done. It is what people care about. The songs in the Mead Hall are all sung of the great violent epics that took place in the times long gone. When there is no violence that can be perpetrated, these cultures tell stories of violence, so as to release this need for aggression that is somewhere deep with in them. This is in many ways like the world that we live in. Humans in this modern world are surrounded and fascinated by violence. Whether or not they are taking part in it, it does fascinate them. It can be found in television, movies, video games, music, books, and all other forms of cultural expression. Our fascinations have not changed that much in the last 1700 years, they have just gained more sophistication and technology. In the days of Beowulf, they sang songs and told epics of the battles and conquest long passed. That was there way of building a heroic nature to their famous warriors. The bards would go out and compose epic ballads in the memory of fallen soldiers and of the great conquerors. Now instead of court bards, we have men like Stephen Ambrose. Instead of the ballad of Sigmund and the dragon, we have D-day. As the men in the Heorot told great tales of battle, bravery and death, we make video games. Video games serve to purposes that both derive straight from our violent nature. They are entertainment and a way to release our natural aggression. Of course they sell so well with young adults. In our modern society violent action against one another is heavily regulated. It is hard for us to release our pent up aggression without invoking the l... ... middle of paper ... ...ommander of the Allied Expeditionary Force, architect of D-Day, and President, Arnold Schwarzenegger, the Govenator and even the current frontrunner for the Republican Presidential nomination, John McCain. We still find confidence in leaders who have proven themselves in combat. The legacy Beowulf leaves behind is that of a great and powerful warlord. Violence is what is seen and told in the stories of his greatness. It is barely mentioned that he was a great ruler for fifty years of peace. This is completely forgotten in the histories. What is remembered is his great battles, because human nature is fascinated with violence. It still is today. The top grossing video game is Halo 3, a game which?s entire game play is warfare. Of the top three grossing movies of all time, two are violent Epics. Violence has and probably will always fascinate human society.

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