Beowulf Quotes

Beowulf quotes

Do not grieve, wise warrior! It is better for each man That he avenge his friend than to mourn him much. Each of us must accept the end of life here in this world—so we must work while we can to earn fame before death.

How is Beowulf loyal quote?

Loyalty & Honor And I shall fulfill that purpose, prove myself with a proud deed or meet my death here in the mead-hall. ' Beowulf makes it clear that his loyalty is with the king and the people and he is willing to die in the process of trying to save them.

What quotes show that Beowulf is brave?

In the poem, Beowulf displays courage. “Now, I mean to be a match for Grendel, settle the outcome in single combat” (Heaney 425-426). This quote shows courage because he's telling them that he can fight Grendel and wants to weather he wins or loses.

What lines show that Beowulf is a hero?

Lines 371-389 and 399-440 show that Beowulf is a hero through Hrothgar's speech about him in this section. Lines 745-789 show Beowulf's heroism through his fight with Grendel. Finally, lines 1383-1396 show Beowulf's own thoughts on the topic of being a hero through his speech about the hero code.

What are Beowulf's last words?

'After they burn my body, tell my warriors to build a great burial mound on the cliffs that stick out into the sea. The sailors steering their ships on the gloomy waters will see it and call it Beowulf's barrow, and my people will remember me. ' These were the last words from the thoughts of the old man's heart.

What is the first line of Beowulf?

Beowulf's first line: 'Listen! we have heard of the might of the kings' should in fact, says Dr Walkden, be read as 'How we have heard of the might of the kings'.

What is the moral lesson in Beowulf?

Especially seen through the characters of Beowulf and Wiglaf, the poem Beowulf illustrates three important morals of its time: bravery, honor, and loyalty. Beowulf, the hero of the poem, exhibits great bravery in everything he does.

Who kills Beowulf?

Sensing his own death approaching, Beowulf goes to fight the dragon. With the aid of Wiglaf, he succeeds in killing the beast, but at a heavy cost. The dragon bites Beowulf in the neck, and its fiery venom kills him moments after their encounter.

What is Beowulf's weakness?

Nevertheless, we will see below that one of the weaknesses in Beowulf''s character may ironically be his incapacity to control the effects of his own force. Bravery in battle is also a central quality of the hero. ““I will show the courage of a hero”” (p. 52) or other words to the same effect.

How did Beowulf show courage?

Courage in Action Beowulf is already known for his physical strength, but also displays uncommon courage in several degrees and instances. First, he makes the hazardous journey by sea to Heorot, then offers to fight Grendel, and finally wrestles with and kills the creature without the benefit of a weapon.

What is a famous quote about courage?

Nelson Mandela: "Courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear." Oliver Wendell Holmes: "Have the courage to act instead of react." Ovid: "Courage conquers all things: it even gives strength to the body."

How does Beowulf show kindness?

He does not fight Grendel purely out of generosity, but neither is he required to do it; he does want to help protect Heorot even if he also wants to be rewarded for his good work. He is also generous toward Unferth, befriending him even though their relationship starts off quite badly.

What are 3 themes in Beowulf?

There are three main themes found in Beowulf. These themes are the importance of establishing identity, tensions between the heroic code and other value systems, and the difference between a good warrior and a good king.

Is Beowulf a hero or a villain?

For those that have read “Beowulf”, the distinction between hero and villain is likely obvious. Beowulf is the hero that conquers not one, but three monsters in order to protect the clans.

What is Beowulf's code of honor?

Much of Beowulf is devoted to articulating and illustrating the Germanic heroic code, which values strength, courage, and loyalty in warriors; hospitality, generosity, and political skill in kings; ceremoniousness in women; and good reputation in all people.

What is Beowulf's full name?

The AD 1031 Liber Vitae records the name Biuuuwulf. The name is attested to a monk from Durham and means bee wolf in the Old Northumbrian dialect. The 11th century English Domesday Book contains a recorded instance of the name Beulf.

What killed Beowulf in the end?

They ultimately kill the venomous dragon, but Beowulf is mortally wounded from a bite in the neck. Before he dies, he names Wiglaf his successor. Beowulf is cremated on a funeral pyre, and his remains are buried in a barrow built by the sea.

What does Beowulf ask before death?

Beowulf orders Wiglaf to go into the barrow, look at the treasure, and bring back some of it for him to see before he dies. Wiglaf obeys Beowulf's dying wish and goes down into the barrow, where he finds amazing piles of treasure, all of it rusting and decaying.

What was Beowulf's speech?

I have come so far, Oh shelterer of warriors and your people's loved friend, That this one favor you should not refuse me- That I, alone and with the help of my men, May purge all evil from this hall. I have heard, Too, that the monster's scorn of men Is so great that he needs no weapons and fears none. Now will I.

Is Beowulf easy to read?

As a story, Beowulf is deeply perplexing. As stated above, it's very easy to summarize and it's a very brisk read at only about 100 pages. It's not an easy story, though.