Beowulf
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The Anglo-Saxons used numerous ways of illustrating Englands earliest culture, mostly with epic poems, such as Beowulf. Having been passed down through oral tradition, the stories and lives of the Germanic tribes will forever remain a part of history. The author exhibits the epic characteristics of a hero with superhuman powers, vast settings, and the use of alliteration.
Possessing superhuman powers, the main character, Beowulf, demonstrates the first epic characteristic. Known to be “fearless and gallant and great of heart,” Beowulf proves himself by defeating the beastly creature, Grendel, to save the Danes (Kennedy 133). He single-handedly tore off his arm – bone, muscle, and skin, leading Grendel to his death. Accomplishing something no other man can, Beowulf becomes a hero for the Danes. Not only does Beowulf exhibit the traits of a hero when killing Grendel, but also when he defeats Grendels mother. Regardless of the fact that she out sizes Beowulf by large amounts, she is unable to harm him. “Swift she grappled and grasped the warrior with horrid grip; but she could work no harm, no hurt to his body; the ring-locked byrny cloaked his life from her clutching claw; Now could she tear through the tempered mail with her savage fingers” (Kennedy 996). His courageous and daring persona cause the people of his time to look upon him. With two admirable defeats behind him, Beowulf accomplishes more than enough to earn the title of a hero.
With battles to be fought, and victories to celebrate, the settings throughout the epic appear to be distinctively different from one another. The location of the last battle, for example, takes places in a dark heated tower with rocky cliffs. When Beowulf enters this scene, the reader can immediately predict what is to come in the near the future; struggle and war are about to take place. This contrasts to the setting of the feast at the Mead Hall, a place with “splendid hangings with sheen of gold..a glorious sight” (Kennedy 731). Representing celebration, the author creates a joyful atmosphere to portray Beowulfs triumph as a victorious one.
Lastly, the Anglo-Saxons viewed alliterations, the repetition of initial constant sounds, as an essential component of their epics. Like rhyme, alliteration serves as a musical function, giving pleasure to ones ears. The coming of Beowulf displays an excellent example of this: “The ship sped on,