Quotes Beowulf Quotes Then Beowulf spoke—on him the armor shone, the mail-shirt linked by the skills of the smith: Hail to you, Hrothgar! Fate swept us away,sent my whole brave high-born clanto their final doom. Even though Beowulf is the epitome of a good hero and Grendel is a monstrous demon, they're actually a well-matched pair – both are excellent wrestlers and unforgiving warriors. (1759-1768). He gave me landand the security land brings, so he had no callto go looking for some lesser champion." All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. That was one good king. Start your 48-hour free trial to unlock this Beowulf study guide. Lines 2345-2353: Beowulf has no fear of the fire-breathing dragon. An error occurred trying to load this video. Fame, Pride, and Shame Quotes in Beowulf. The final climactic battle between good and evil in Beowulf results in a draw: Beowulf destroys the dragon, but receives his death-wound in the process. eNotes.com will help you with any book or any question. By entering your email address you agree to receive emails from Shmoop and verify that you are over the age of 13. "I had a fixed purpose when I put to sea.As I sat in the boat with my band of men,I meant to perform to the uttermostwhat your people wanted or perish in the attempt,in the fiend's clutches. The sword represents honor, and it also represents a willingness to fight as well as physical strength and bravery. Beowulf doesn't enter into his battle with Grendel expecting to triumph over the demon. Sciences, Culinary Arts and Personal Services. And I shall fulfil that purpose,prove myself with a proud deedor meet my death here in the mead-hall."

Over 83,000 lessons in all major subjects, {{courseNav.course.mDynamicIntFields.lessonCount}}, Important Quotes from Beowulf: Examples & Analysis, Biological and Biomedical I have suffered extremesand avenged the Geats (their enemies brought itupon themselves, I devastated them).Now I mean to be a match for Grendel,settle the outcome in single combat."

(2341-2344). In this lesson, we will take a look at a few important quotes about honor from 'Beowulf. Hrothgar, beginning to show his age, is feeling overwhelmed by this new challenge. We have heard of those princes’ heroic campaigns. Far-fetched treasureswere piled upon him, and precious gear. On its own, this quote might not look like much, but it takes the poem a long time to get around to mentioning Beowulf's name directly. Then a stern rebuke was bound to come from the young warrior to the ones who had been cowards. © 2020 Shmoop University Inc | All Rights Reserved | Privacy | Legal. The furious heatof the pyre would assail him. (26-37). They knew too well the way it was before, how often the Danes had fallen prey to death in the mead-hall. It's all or nothing in this fight to the death: the good warrior Beowulf against the evil demon Grendel. Here are examples of some of the most famous quotes from Beowulf.

When we compare this to Beowulf's behavior, we see that he fits this description just as Offa does.

I am Hygelac’s kinsman and devoted thane; already in youth I have done many glorious deeds… This reveals that honor is a powerful and binding concept, even when it comes to issues that are not about life and death. In this scene, Beowulf and his men have just arrived at the shore of Denmark and are hoping to destroy Grendel. The poet of Beowulf constantly emphasizes that death comes to everyone at whatever moment God decrees; there is nothing mortal man can do to avoid this eventual fate. Lines 590-594: Beowulf insults Unferth, who claims to be a heroic character, for not doing battle with Grendel. You'll get access to all of the Plus, get practice tests, quizzes, and personalized coaching to help you (2428-2433). When he wielded a sword, no matter how blooded and hard-edged the blade his hand was too strong, the stroke he dealt (I have heard) would ruin it. Log in here. And I shall fulfill that purpose,prove myself with a proud deedor meet my death here in the mead-hall." Honor is what drives Beowulf to put his own life at risk and defeat Grendel and Grendel's mother. This isn't a dualistic fight between God and the Devil; it's God triumphing over all the little, petty demons on earth. (691-696). Lines 1-3: Opening lines speak of courage as the ultimate form of greatness and glorifies the deeds of warriors. The battle between good and evil is a necessary part of Beowulf's life; it consists of fighting for justice, for "what was due" to a people who have suffered wrongs.