Beowulf

Using what I know about the story, having read it, and an online source, Beowulf, a hero of the Geats in Scandinavia, comes to the help of  Hroogar, the king of the Danes, whose Mead Hall (Heorot) has been under attack by a being known as Grendel. After Beowulf slays him, Grendel's mother attacks the hall and is then also defeated. Victorious, Beowulf goes home to Geatland in Sweden and later becomes king of the Geats. After a period of fifty years has passed, Beowulf defeats a dragon, but is fatally wounded in the battle. After his death, his attendants bury him in a tumulus, a burial mound, in Geatland.

This poem and story provides the basic foundation of the common theme- good versus evil. This theme is widely used in many popular works of literature; however, it's also seen in real-life situations, as well as the media. Everyone has heard of the famous superheroes, among them being Superman, Batman, Spiderman, Iron Man, Captain America, Hulk, Thor... the list could go on forever and ever! Each superhero has a story, a plot, in which he has to fight against the evil forces and create stability for peace and good. When "the battle was over[,] Beowulf had been granted a new glory: Grendel escaped", which reflects the constant battles between the superheroes and the supervillains we know today (818-820). Beowulf was most likely the very first foundation of all of these stories, comic books, and movies... This theme correlates with the media very well, a theme that is greatly represented and vivid in Beowulf.

Beowulf is also well represented in many real-life situations, such as in school. In everyone's life, there is a bully that constantly tries to tear down your confidence, making themselves feel better as they do it. Whichever way they do it, whether it's physical or verbal, it hurts the other person. In Beuwolf, Unferth constantly talks negatively about Beowuf, trying to ruin his confidence of being a hero-like character: "You've been lucky in your battles, Beowulf, but I think your luck may change if you challenge Grendel..." (526-529). Unferth tries his best to ruin Beowulf's reputation and self-confidence; however, the good always wins, and therefore, Beowulf puts Unferth's comments aside and does what he thinks is best. This idea can be visualized with bullying in today's world. Unless you don't stand up for yourself and don't say what you believe in, you will always win against the bully and prove them wrong!

Lastly, another major theme is chivalry and heroics, having pride in one's country and being considered a true hero. In Beowulf, Beowulf is considered to be a brave man within his character. e says, "My purpose was this: to win the goodwill of your people or die in battle, pressed in Grendel's fierce grip. Let me live in greatness and courage, or here in this hall welcome my death" (634-638). Beowulf was truly a great character and had a lot of bravery and honor, a hero to all the people of Herot. He was willing to sacrifice himself for the benefit of his people, for the benefit of the country, proving that he'd rather die in battle with Grendel than to live a complete coward and full of embarassment. This theme and idea correlates to well-known movies today, such as Braveheart and Patriot, which show pride in one'se country and the power to be a hero to all.

As you can see, Beowulf is a story that can be related to today's world, especially media. Whatever connection you may make, it will definitely lead you back to the roots and foundation of Beowulf and its themes.