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 gigantic insight into the Anglo-Saxons epoch. In the poem Beowulf, we meet the around heroic man 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 monster Grendel, a descendent of Cain, Grendels mother and a dragon. By including the mere first eighteen lines of the section The Coming of Grendel in the poem Beowulf, the anonymous author successfully reflects the various customs of the Anglo-Saxons, the magnanimity of King Hrothgar and the values of the Anglo-Saxons. It is perhaps the most suitable opening for a flex of admirable heroism revealing grandiose, powerful and gloriousness of the Anglo-Saxons period. Anglo-Saxons lived in times when people believed war was essential for survival whether it was ag ainst man, or a ferocious creature. Through such conditions developed the battle customs of the Anglo-Saxons. The battle customs of the Anglo-Saxons, winning into account 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 unfeasible for the Jutes to face defeat. Drinking a cup of mead, they celebrate their victory in the mead-hall. For his comrades and kinsmen King Hrothgar opens a banquet for every victory, and the Jutes eat, drink and speak in Herot, a place considered peaceful and of community. They again verify their loyalty to the king and promise for continual dedication.As the King of the Danes, King Hrothgar is portrayed as a clear-sighted and generous leader of his people. Not only does he equally distribute the spoils amongst everyone, but also he grants mercy by leaving the common pastures untouched, and taking no lives.(10-11) By displaying compassion for those who do no t fight in battles, King Hrothgar earns more respect 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 truly desires, he has to make it grand and appealing. He built the most beautiful of dwellings(14) named Herot, a mead-hall where he can commemorate his victories and share the spoils from battle. When time comes to congratulate his victories in battle, he was glad to open out his treasure-full hands(18) for a banquet.