Epic of Beowulf Essay - Noble and Cowardly Behavior :: Epic of Beowulf Essay

Beowulf may serve well as a reflection of the life of Germanic aristocracy of old times. The primary epic, by definition dealing with heroic deeds and extraordinary figures, often uses equality and contrast to differentiate good qualities and faults and make them more explicit. Throughout the poesy we acknowledge the idealisation of Beowulf both as a warrior and a king. The main(prenominal) features which contribute to Beowulfs greatness are courage, martial skills, honour, responsibility, generosity and hobby of fame. The mentioning of Scyld, the legendary Danish hero, and of Beowulf the Dane at the beginning of the poem serve as an implicit comparison with the forthcoming Beowulf the Geat. Similarities between the warrior and the heroic predecessors expose Beowulfs qualities. Beowulf shows respect for king Hrothgar and he discloses his responsibility when asking the king to show care of his men in case of his finis in the play off with Grendel. Unlike Unferth the peace spoi ler, he hadnt slain his kinsmen, nor had he boasted about his courage while the plain facts proved the opposite for if Unferth was so digest, Grendel would not have been alive anymore. The negative image of a participator which Unferth represents is boosted by the fact that he gave his sword to Beowulf, whereas a virtuous warrior never parts with his sword. An example of an ignoble behaviour is also represented in the shape of the cowardly warriors of king Beowulfs retinue, who, except for Wiglaf, leave him unattended in the fight with the Dragon. They are a total opposition of the brave hero. As a king, Beowulf resembles wise Hrothgar and Hygelac. Generous to his thanes, he drives his land to prosperity. For his quite a little he sacrifices his life, unlike Heremot, the avaricious former Danish king, who brought carnage and death to his kindred, slew his comrades and fled, and whose reign brought torment to his people. Beowulf shared the fate of heroic Sigemund the dragon-slaye r, who gained pry for his subordinates but whose life had a bitter end.