(I know Aeschere isn't one of the chosen characters but he seemed to be a good, small character to write this on)
Oh Lord! The celebrations after Beowulf's kill of Grendel were a bit over the top. I mean, we all knew he could probably do it in the first place, so why is it such a big deal? I guess I am forever grateful to him for saving our people, but how many times have I (in coalition with Hrothgar) saved our people? I can't count how many times I, Aeschere, Hrothgar's most trusted adviser, have told him to fight these people or take this land. And I never got a celebration like this! I guess I might feel better about it in the morning and I'll just get some rest...
*Snore*
*Wake up* "Huh? Did anyone hear that?" Somethings coming, I can feel it. Then suddenly the door of Herot flies off and hits the inner wall. Oh my God! What is that?! All I can see is a giant shadow of what looks to be Grendel, but much, much larger. And its coming straight for me. I try to run, don't turn back, but as I do, a giant claw seems to pick me up. Oh no, it has me! As I raise up stories and stories, the Danes seem to turn from people into ants. And then the wind hits my face. We're running now, out the door and through what seems to be a forest. It is still to dark to see the figure. It puts me down on the ground gently. Until *whack*
I must've been hit with something hard, a rock maybe? But i wake up in the day time again in some sort of cave. Looking around, the place looks very dismal and scary. But in the corner there appeared to be piles of gold and silver. Long lost weapons and treasures of the Earth lied every where. I grabbed a small golden knife, thinking that if I were to make it out of here alive, I would make it out a rich man.
I tip-toe towards the light outside but all of a sudden the "thing" jumps into the doorway. I quiver and shake in the corner of the room as it walks closer to me. And now that it's day time, I can see that 'it' is...is... Grendel? No, Grendel's wife? No couldn't be. Oh Lord, it must be Grendel's mom, the monster my grandparents always told horrific stories of when I was a child. Oh no. She dripped what appeared to be water off her body, but it was strange. As the water touched the ground it seemed to burn right through the rock as if it were some sort of acid.
But then she brings her hand down. A nice gesture perhaps? So I put my hand out as well. But strangely, instead of meeting my hand to shake it, she puts one of her claws near my neck. Her long nail resembles Beowulf's sword and it approaches my neck (a bit too close for comfort). And with one swipe she quickly swings the claw into my-------------------- (532)
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Beowulf: What a Man
The idea of strength is a common theme in Beowulf and it is regularly referred to as the deciding factor for stature. The reason Beowulf is considered a hero and is able to fight Grendel and his mother, is basically his ability to wield great power, with minimal skill. That is why at times, he finds no need for his sword, and instead uses solely the power of his hands.
Previously, Beowulf had become known for his abilities when he defeated sea monsters and swam great lengths to save many. For this very reason, after have being attacked over and over again, King Hrogthgar called upon Beowulf to fight off the monsters at Heorot. Unferth is very jealous of Beowulf’s strength, but it is what sets the two characters apart. Not only does his strength enable him to defeat these terrible monsters, it also allows Beowulf to summon great confidence and courage. Again and again, his strength is referenced. For instance, the poem makes a point to include the fact that Beowulf, alone, could only carry Grendel’s head, while four other men of Heorot could barely do it. Or when he fights Grendel, it is highlighted that only the grip of Beowulf’s arms was able to rip Grendel’s arm off. Also, when Beowulf is introduced, he is described as very, extremely powerful. The next passage is only a partial segment of the detail of Beowulf’s strength during his introduction.
This was heard of at his home by one of Hygelac's followers,
a good man among the Geats, Grendel's raidings
he was for main strength of all men foremost that trod the earth at that time of day;
build and blood matched.
Lines like “He was for main strength of all men foremost” that exaggerate the strength of a human make the poem extraordinary. And since the epic cannot be dissected for what is myth and what is history, if a person like Beowulf existed, then he is, obviously, greatly exaggerated in the poem.
He also makes his own strength very known. You could say that Beowulf brags a lot, but does so with good intentions and good reasons. Before fighting Grendel, he announces he will kill him with solely his hands. He also recounts many stories of his past, recalling himself as the “strongest swimmer.” He uses his strength to make known his power and therefore, in return, he receives many rewards. Although he has a big mouth, no one (such as Unferth) is able to speak up to him because no one has anything else to back themselves up. Beowulf is the strongest of all and uses it greatly to his advantage.
It is also his strength that greatly defines Beowulf as a typical hero. He stands for all that is good and just the basis of the book (the idea that he traveled great distances to unselfishly defeat a monster for the people’s good) exemplifies his courageous and honorable nature. And although he is not modest whatsoever, Beowulf, time and time again, saves innocent people from evil. (509)
Previously, Beowulf had become known for his abilities when he defeated sea monsters and swam great lengths to save many. For this very reason, after have being attacked over and over again, King Hrogthgar called upon Beowulf to fight off the monsters at Heorot. Unferth is very jealous of Beowulf’s strength, but it is what sets the two characters apart. Not only does his strength enable him to defeat these terrible monsters, it also allows Beowulf to summon great confidence and courage. Again and again, his strength is referenced. For instance, the poem makes a point to include the fact that Beowulf, alone, could only carry Grendel’s head, while four other men of Heorot could barely do it. Or when he fights Grendel, it is highlighted that only the grip of Beowulf’s arms was able to rip Grendel’s arm off. Also, when Beowulf is introduced, he is described as very, extremely powerful. The next passage is only a partial segment of the detail of Beowulf’s strength during his introduction.
This was heard of at his home by one of Hygelac's followers,
a good man among the Geats, Grendel's raidings
he was for main strength of all men foremost that trod the earth at that time of day;
build and blood matched.
Lines like “He was for main strength of all men foremost” that exaggerate the strength of a human make the poem extraordinary. And since the epic cannot be dissected for what is myth and what is history, if a person like Beowulf existed, then he is, obviously, greatly exaggerated in the poem.
He also makes his own strength very known. You could say that Beowulf brags a lot, but does so with good intentions and good reasons. Before fighting Grendel, he announces he will kill him with solely his hands. He also recounts many stories of his past, recalling himself as the “strongest swimmer.” He uses his strength to make known his power and therefore, in return, he receives many rewards. Although he has a big mouth, no one (such as Unferth) is able to speak up to him because no one has anything else to back themselves up. Beowulf is the strongest of all and uses it greatly to his advantage.
It is also his strength that greatly defines Beowulf as a typical hero. He stands for all that is good and just the basis of the book (the idea that he traveled great distances to unselfishly defeat a monster for the people’s good) exemplifies his courageous and honorable nature. And although he is not modest whatsoever, Beowulf, time and time again, saves innocent people from evil. (509)
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