The Purpose of Lines 1 through 18 of Beowulf :: Epic of Beowulf Essays

The Purpose of Lines 1 18 of BeowulfAugust 31, 2005Beowulf begins the British literature. As a classic heroic epic, it outlines the tribal history of the Jutes, providing a great insight into the Anglo-Saxons epoch. In the poem Beowulf, we get hold of the most heroic piece in the time of the Anglo-Saxons a man with all the extraordinary characteristics necessitated to being a true hero. Beowulf was his name. He slaughters the giant star Grendel, a descendent of Cain, Grendels mother and a dragon. By including the pure first eighteen lines of the section The Coming of Grendel in the poem Beowulf, the nameless author successfully reflects the various customs of the Anglo-Saxons, the magnanimity of world-beater Hrothgar and the determine of the Anglo-Saxons. It is perhaps the most suitable opening for a work of estimable heroism revealing grandiose, powerful and gloriousness of the Anglo-Saxons period. Anglo-Saxons lived in times when people believed struggle was essential for survival whether it was against man, or a ferocious creature. Through such conditions developed the battle customs of the Anglo-Saxons. The battle customs of the Anglo-Saxons, fetching into broadside that Jutes are always victorious, seems to be the division the spoils among everyone, old and young.(9) With King Hrothgar taking the throne, it was impossible for the Jutes to face defeat. Drinking a cup of mead, they celebrate their conquest in the mead-hall. For his comrades and kinsmen King Hrothgar opens a banquet for every victory, and the Jutes eat, drink and sing in Herot, a place considered peaceful and of community. They again verify their faithfulness to the king and promise for continual dedication.As the King of the Danes, King Hrothgar is portray as a wise and generous leader of his people. Not only(prenominal) does he equally distribute the spoils amongst everyone, but also he grants gentleness by leaving the common pastures untouched, and taking no lives.(10-11 ) By displaying forbearance for those who do not fight in battles, King Hrothgar earns more detect from his followers. Such generosity is rarely found in the man of war. King Hrothgars grandeur temperament also pulls attention. When he is for something he genuinely desires, he has to make it grand and appealing. He built the most attractive of dwellings(14) named Herot, a mead-hall where he can commemorate his victories and share the spoils from battle. When time comes to dress his victories in battle, he was glad to open out his treasure-full hands(18) for a banquet.