Beowulf Essay, Research Paper

Beowulf Writing Assignment

Through the use of the conflict between good and evil throughout Beowulf, it was shown that two opposites could not peacefully coexist. Beowulf, with fourteen of his finest men, crossed the sea to help Hrothgar. Upon hearing of the Danes? horror, the hero decided to come to their aid. Beowulf appealed to Hrothgar for the right to battle Grendel. Hrothgar, being hopeful, allowed Beowulf to engage the monster. Beowulf single-handedly defeated Grendel. The monster was no match for the awesome power of the hero. The good overcame the evil, and Danes were grateful.

After the defeat of the evil monster, it was thought that the affliction was over. Grendel?s mother takes revenge on the Danes. She kills Hrothgar?s closest friend. The Danes for a second time solicit the help of Beowulf. He agrees to again assist them. Beowulf and his men trek to the lake where Grendel?s mother lives. Beowulf appoints Hrothgar as the leader of his men after they arrive at their destination. The Danes thought that they had finally rid themselves of the evil, but they were mistaken.

Beowulf now clashed with Grendel?s mother while in the lake. Beowulf swung his sword, but did not harm her. He was unable to inflict damage upon her with it. Then, Beowulf discovered a magic sword, which no ordinary man could lift. Beowulf struck her in the neck and destroyed her. Beowulf took Grendel?s head as a form of final revenge. He proudly displayed the trophy to both the Geats and the Danes. Again the good had been victorious over the evil, Beowulf had won.

The popular hero, Beowulf, became king of Geatland after returning home. A dragon now begins to threaten the land of the Geats. Beowulf again commits to a battle, this time being much older. Beowulf is unable to conquer the monster, failing his own people, Beowulf died. At that point, fate was against Beowulf, being older and weaker than the before. Before dying, Beowulf made Wiglaf the leader of the Geats. As the king, Wiglaf erected a monument in Beowulf?s name. This time, both good and evil won, in different ways; although Beowulf died, the people were given another strong ruler.