Epic of Beowulf Essays -- Epic of Beowulf Essays

Beowulfs Three FightsIn the epic poem Beowulf, the character Beowulf is seen to have three contests. The first battle is against Grendel, the second is against Grendels mum, and the final battle is against the dragon. In each of these battles Beowulf is portrayed as a great hero (well he should be since its a characteristic of an epic poem to glorify the hero) and is always seen to be brave and fearless. The first battle he fights is versus Grendel. It takes place in Hrothgars Hall of the hart where Grendel has been plaguing them for twelve years. Beowulf comes because he is told by people from Geatland to help the Scyldings. To get ready for the battle the hero takes off all his armor and sets aside all of his weapons. He plans to beat the demon grim in a fair fight. The coil of sin doesnt use any weapons besides those that are of his body and wears no armor but the enchantment, which repels attacks from weapons. So the hero is all ready for Grendel and everyone goes to sleep, th ough Beowulf does not. Grendel bursts into the hall and savagely kills a thane while Beowulf watches and sees how the monster works. The evil spirit thus comes to kill the great thane but Beowulf grabs the fiendish demons wrist with the strength of thirty men. Grendel tries to flee but Beowulf holds on and continues to apply pressure to Grendels arm. Beowulf then tears the stealthy demons arm off and Grendel runs away. He flees to his cave where he is later fou...