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Gilgamesh Beowulf
are epitomized, as well as how they endure within their most supreme existence, Beowulf also displays various sociological and humanistic tendencies that are not often recognized in the traditional telling.
above. Everything is used to bring this about, particularly magical symbolism, but as it is set within the period. For example, Beowulf is the story of the "Spear-Danes" and the
pagan elements. The world pictured in Beowulf is dominated by warriors, men who placed their faith primarily in two things -- their leader (their "thane") and in "wyrd" (a
in defending his people. It is a story that has its origins in pagan culture, but it was recorded by a Christian scribe (Saupe 97). Therefore there are "overlays" that
also showing caution, at least at first, concerning Beowulf. The first excerpt to be examined shows Hrothgar speaking to Beowulf: "For fight defensive, Friend my Beowulf, to succor and save,
"Hrothgar O sovran Hrothgar, to seek thee here" possessed of his "nerve and...might" (VI). He tells Hrothgar that he will do whatever is necessary even if "if death must take
offers a rather broader depiction of the society of his time: society has become more diverse, since Chaucers pilgrims represent numerous different lifestyles and degrees of social standing. The warrior
chronicle their initial assessment of one another. The Queen also has her say on the matter. Historically speaking, what these sections serve to do is show the importance of
was the devil incarnate: "At the dawning, as day was breaking, / the might of Grendel to men was known; / then after wassail was wail uplifted, /
through numerous means, especially contrast and comparions. Grendel is shown to be totally without honor and is wild. "Grendel, who haunted the moors, the wild marshes, and made his
overall situation and conflict between the pagan and Christian religions which existed in England at that time. The heavy Christian influence in the poem however, is reflected in the Christian
inhabitants of England with the Christian influence that were undoubtedly added by the unknown poet who set the oral epic to paper. Nevertheless, despite the additions of Christian influence, the
is a woman so evil that she deserves death. Through the poem, Grendels mother is pictured as an "evil, masculine, monstrous woman" (Porter). The Beowulf poet uses the word
text, a supernatural force, and the celebration of the hero. Structurally speaking, an epic is "a long narrative poem on a great and serious subject" (Lucas). A primary epic
dragon; when the two halves of the poem are viewed in conjunction with one another, its mythic intent becomes apparent as it draws upon both Anglo-Saxon and Christian values to