good beowulf essay titles

105 Beowulf Essay Topics & Examples

See tips on writing the Beowulf thesis statements and critical analysis of the poem. Also, our experts have prepared a list of ideas and prompts that allow you to explore the archetypal epic hero and more!

75 Beowulf Essay Topics

Beowulf, penned at the dawn of the 11th century, stands as a cornerstone of Old English literature. This epic poem, extending over 3,000 lines and unfolding across the war-torn landscapes of ancient Scandinavia, offers a rich tapestry of themes and stylistic nuances that continue to fascinate scholars and students alike. When tasked with an essay on Beowulf, selecting an engaging topic is paramount. This article delves into potential subjects for your paper and provides guidance on choosing one that resonates with you.

Table of Contents

Tips for Choosing an Optimal Beowulf Essay Topic

Opting for a topic that genuinely piques your interest rather than a seemingly easy one can significantly enhance the quality of your research and writing. Here’s how you can make an informed choice:

• Personal Interest: Engage with topics that intrigue you, encouraging deeper thought and thorough research.
• Uniqueness: While you don’t have to select an obscure subject, strive for a fresh perspective in your discussion, ensuring your essay stands out.
• Scope: Narrow down broad topics to specific aspects, providing a clear direction for your essay and making it more manageable.

Inspiring Beowulf Essay Topics

Consider exploring various dimensions of the poem through topics such as:

• The societal roles of women in Beowulf.
• The effect of digression in enhancing the narrative.
• The relationship between warriors and lordship.
• The portrayal of traditional society within the epic.
• Character development throughout the poem.
• Lessons derived from the tales of Siegmund and Finn.
• The theme of male dominance in Beowulf.
• The significance of Hrothgar’s sermon in understanding the author’s viewpoint.
• The central role of the mead hall in the community.
• An in-depth analysis of Grendel’s character.
• Beowulf’s virtues and flaws.
• A detailed review of the epic battle between Beowulf and Grendel.
• Major themes and moral lessons in the story.
• The eternal clash of good vs. evil as depicted in the poem.
• An evaluation of Beowulf’s heroism.
• Parallels between Beowulf and the biblical Cain.
• The influence of religion in Beowulf’s world.
• The importance of lineage and ancestry in one’s self-esteem.
• Beowulf’s leadership qualities or lack thereof.
• Perspectives on treasure and material wealth within the poem.

Symbolism and Motifs in Beowulf

• The role of dragons in ancient literature and Beowulf.
• The significance of the mead hall and community bonding.
• Water’s symbolic role in Beowulf’s challenges and battles.
• The representation of light and darkness in the poem.
• The importance of armor and shields in the poem.

Historical and Cultural Context

• Beowulf’s relationship with historical Scandinavian events.
• How Beowulf reflects Anglo-Saxon values and beliefs.
• Paganism vs. Christianity in Beowulf.
• The societal structure and its influence on the narrative.
• The depiction of funeral rites and their significance.

Character Analyses

• Unferth’s role and contrast with Beowulf.
• The depiction of women: Wealhtheow and Grendel’s mother.
• King Hrothgar’s leadership vs. Beowulf’s heroism.
• The significance of Wiglaf and the idea of loyalty.
• Analyzing Aeschere’s importance to Hrothgar and the story.

Narrative Techniques and Literary Devices

• The role of the scop (bard) in Beowulf.
• The use of kennings and their impact on imagery.
• Alliteration and its rhythmic role in Beowulf.
• The function of epic similes in the poem.
• The influence of oral tradition on the narrative style.

Themes and Philosophies

• The concept of fate (wyrd) in Beowulf.
• The price of pride and its consequences.
• The exploration of mortality and legacy.
• The balance between courage and recklessness.
• Revenge as a driving force in Beowulf.

Comparative Analyses

• Beowulf and modern superheroes: parallels and contrasts.
• Comparing Beowulf to other epics like “The Iliad” or “Gilgamesh”.
• Beowulf and the Norse sagas: similarities and differences.
• The idea of the monstrous in Beowulf vs. other literature.
• Beowulf’s influence on Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings”.

Broader Perspectives

• Beowulf’s relevance in the 21st century.
• The challenges and merits of translating Beowulf.
• How adaptations (like movies or novels) have interpreted Beowulf.
• The depiction of heroism in Beowulf vs. modern culture.
• The ethics and values presented in Beowulf and their applicability today.

In-depth Explorations

• The importance of loyalty and kinship in the poem.
• The nature of evil: Analyzing Grendel and his lineage.
• The concept of legacy in Beowulf’s final act.
• The depiction of aging and its impact on heroism.
• The influence of external forces, like God or fate, on characters’ decisions.

Beowulf’s Battles

• A detailed look into Beowulf’s battle with the dragon.
• Strategy and might: The takedown of Grendel.
• Psychological warfare: Beowulf vs. Grendel’s mother.
• The consequences and aftermath of each of Beowulf’s battles.
• The role of supernatural vs. human strength in Beowulf’s combat scenes.

Creative Angles for Your Beowulf Essay

Dive into the poem’s depths by examining:

• The symbolism of gold and its reflection on societal values.
• The heroic ideals embodied by characters.
• The significance of weaponry and its portrayal of strength and honor.
• Gender roles and equality in Beowulf’s era.
• The portrayal of leadership and its impact on society.
• Beowulf’s enduring strength and prowess in his later years.
• The cultural and societal norms depicted in the poem.
• The integration and importance of religious motifs.
• A critique of the society within Beowulf, highlighting admirable and disdainful attributes.
• The exploration of fictional elements within the historical context of the poem.

Concluding Thoughts on Beowulf Essay Topics

Whether you encounter Beowulf in high school or college, crafting an essay on this epic can seem daunting. However, with a topic that strikes a chord with you and a unique angle, your essay can resonate deeply and intellectually. Should you find yourself struggling, remember that professional help is just a click away. Submit an order form, and receive a top-notch, plagiarism-free essay, complete with proper citations and adherence to your guidelines.

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106 Beowulf Essay Topics

🏆 best essay topics on beowulf, ✍️ beowulf essay topics for college, 🎓 most interesting beowulf research titles, 💡 simple beowulf essay ideas, ❓ beowulf essay questions.

• The Role and Significance of Women in “Beowulf”
• Knights in Literature: Sir Gawain, Canterbury Tales, & Beowulf Analysis
• “Beowulf” and “The Lord of the Rings” Literary Comparison
• Beowulf as a Tragic Hero of the Old English Warrior Culture
• Beowulf, The National Epic of the Anglo-Saxons
• Fate in Beowulf and Shakespeare’s Macbeth
• Beowulf as a Great Leader in the Old English Epic Poem
• Grendel as a Personification of Evil in “Beowulf” Poem Beasts, especially Grendel, are of fundamental importance to the main themes of the poem “Beowulf”, giving it a sublime tone and high seriousness.
• Legends of British Literature: Beowulf and Macbeth Both Beowulf and Macbeth are legendary men of British literature. Their adventures have been read, turned into theatrical plays and widely discussed by many generations of people
• Medieval Imagination: Beowulf vs. Russian Mythos Beowulf was written by an unknown writer between the eighth and eleventh centuries and appears to be a Christian rewriting of some of the oral folk tales.
• King Lear and Beowulf: Compare & Contrast English literature contains wonderful works related to royal families as well as common individuals that teach the readers ethical principles, moral lessons.
• Beowulf, a Never Forgotten Hero The events narrated in Beowulf took place in an age where local lords and kings relied on their charisma and the loyalty of their men.
• The Rise of Western Civilization in Beowulf: Critical Analysis Even though an old Anglo-Saxon poem “Beowulf” is assumed to contain motifs that are largely mythical in their essence, many of these motifs do relate to the realities of the time when the poem was written.
• “Beowulf”: Cultural Elements of the Anglo-Saxon Piece of Literature The image of Beowulf infuses the feeling of something exotic and fantastic and his deeds are appraised as insane.
• Themes in Beowulf: Annotated Bibliography Bravery – Beowulf is the most famous poem among the works of the Old English literature. It is the epic creation telling the readers about the strongest and the bravest of the English warriors of all times.
• Morality: Interpreting Good and Evil in Beowulf Delve into the nuanced portrayal of morality in Beowulf, examining how perceptions of good and evil shift across different societal and historical contexts.
• Women in “Beowulf”, “Inferno”, and “The Nun’s Priest’s Tale” This paper aims to discuss the female characters’ prominent position in the poems “Beowulf,” “Inferno,” and “The Nun’s Priest’s Tale.”
• “Beowulf”: Character Analysis of the Epic Poem Beowulf was first written down sometime around 1000 AD, but there is evidence that the poem had been transferred through oral tradition for centuries.
• Fate vs. Free Will in Beowulf, The Wanderer, and The Seafarer “Beowulf”, “The Seafarer”, and “The Wanderer” provide us with insight into the spiritual foundation of this civilization as being rather biologically than religiously defined.
• Grendel’s Story in Poem “Beowulf” Grendel can be considered one of the most absorbing heroes in “Beowulf”. He has a bestial rage based on human emotions such as resentment and envy.
• A Comparison of the Poem “Beowulf” With the Screenplay The poem “Beowulf” is based on the values of a different time and a different mentality, unlike the film, which only used the original idea.
• Beowulf’s Path as a King in Beowulf by Seamus Heaney Throughout the story, Beowulf is shown as a brave and mighty warrior who wants to protect his people: Beowulf by Seamus Heaney.
• Religion in “Beowulf”, “The Wife of Bath Tale”, and “The Nun’s Priest’s Tale” The three poems, “Beowulf”, “The Nun’s Priest Tale”, and “The Wife of Bath Tale”, have some religious twists. This paper shows how spirituality is a guide when applied with reason.
• Beowulf’s Motivation for Slaying Grendel Being one of the oldest and by far most famous epic poems in English literature, “Beowulf” still remains an engaging and exciting story of magnificent proportions.
• The Battle with Grendel’s Mother in the Beowulf Poem Grendel’s mother is one of the three main antagonists of the poem “Beowulf.” This paper examines the episode of the battle between her and the protagonist, Beowulf.
• The Inclusion of Cain in the “Beowulf”: Understanding Grendel’s Actions Scholars have long debated whether or not “Beowulf” is a Christian allegory or a wholly pagan work with only a smattering of Old Testament allusions.
• “Beowulf” Poem and Old English “Beowulf”, a poem, the creation of which dates back to the 8th century, is a work of literature that marks the start of the Old English language.
• Review of “Beowulf” Poem by Heaney Seamus The article presents information about main monsters in “Beowulf” poem and discusses about its roles and impacts in the plot.
• “Beowulf”, an Old English Epic Poem in the Tradition of Germanic Heroic Legend “Beowulf” is one of the perfect examples of a heroic epic. The poem describes the ancient Germanic legends dating back to pagan times.
• Main Character and Heroism in “Beowulf” Strength of character, dignity, and commitment all contribute to the theme of heroism in Beowulf, as evidenced by the events and actions of the main character.
• An Ideal Hero in the “Beowulf” Old English Poem The idea of a brave character named Beowulf is laid down in an Old English poem “Beowulf” which was created by an unknown author approximately at the end of the VII century.
• Examination of the Heroes Beowulf and The Knight The heroes Beowulf and the Knight possess several matching and contrasting qualities, both manifesting a good individual’s traits and behaviors.
• Contemporary Literature: Beowulf, the Movie The Beowulf movie tries to heighten the characteristics of the epic of antiquity, where it simply starts in the middle (into the middle of certain affairs).
• “Beowulf” & “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” Comparison The epic of Beowulf portrays a condition of imminent disaster. This poem is a portrayal of the virtue of loyalty among the leaders and troops of that period.
• Beowulf: Comparing the Movie and the Book The story of Beowulf has remained a significant work for centuries not only because it is one of our first lengthy works of English.
• Grendel Character in “Beowulf”: An Analysis of Story In this story, the plot revolves around a warrior named Grendel and his mother. These main characters help the reader see the dark and terrifying side of a culture.
• Western Civilization: Beowulf as a Hero Beowulf is a poem that was written in Old English by an unknown author somewhere around the seventh or the eighth century.
• Heroism of Beowulf and Sir Gawain Comparison The ancient world is often characterized as a world of evil pagan belief systems, full of multiple gods and evil supernatural adversaries.
• The Image of Epic Heroes in Gilgamesh, the Iliad, and Beowulf Gilgamesh from the Epic of Gilgamesh, Achilles and Agamemnon from The Iliad, and Beowulf from the epic Beowulf may serve as the best examples of epic characters, which represent the image of a hero.
• British Literature: Heroism in Beowulf, Gawain and Viola While Gawain and Viola present heroic qualities and features of the main characters, Beowulf describes is clearly seen as a true hero.
• Christian Ethics and the Values of Being a Hero in the Epic of Beowulf
• Bravery, Honor, and Selflessness in Battle: A Review of Beowulf and His Heroic Traits
• The Use of Fealty in “Beowulf” by Seamus Heaney and the Anglo-Saxon Poem “Dream of the Rood”
• Achilles and Beowulf: Warriors of Boundless Strength
• How the Author Captures the Reader’s Attention and Imagination in the Poem “Beowulf”
• “Beowulf” and “The 13th Warrior”: Exposing True Anglo-Saxon Warriors’ Battle
• Agamemnon’s and Beowulf’s Leadership Skills in “Antigone” by Sophocles and “Beowulf”
• The Concept of God in “Beowulf” and Other Anglo-Saxon Poems
• Brain Power vs. Physical Strength: Beowulf’s Character Revealed in Monster Fighting
• The Good and Evil: Beowulf and the Evil of the Monsters
• Alex vs. Beowulf: The Antithesis of a Lifetime
• Hero Archetypes and Epic Conventions in “The Odyssey” and “Beowulf”
• Beowulf: The Greatest Hero in History or Not
• The Characters Who Are Worthy of Sympathy in the Epic of Beowulf
• Anglo-Saxons and Beowulf: The Hero Figure in the Epic Narrative and in Anglo-Saxon Culture
• The Mythical, Marvelous, and Fantastic in the Epic of Beowulf
• How Christianity and Paganism Coexisted in “Beowulf”
• From Paganism to Christianity: Comparison Between “The Dream of the Rood”, “Beowulf”, and Religious Texts
• Analyzing Differences Between Two Versions of “Beowulf”: The Original vs the 1971 Version Written by John Gardner
• Self-Realization and the Hero’s Quest in “Beowulf”, “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”, and “Everyman”
• Humanity’s Inclination Towards Literature as Evidence in the Epic of Beowulf
• Beowulf’s Everlasting Struggle Between Good and Evil
• All the Traits That Make Beowulf a True Epic Hero
• Literary Monsters: Grendel From “Beowulf” and Frankenstein From Mary Shelley’s Novel
• Evaluating Beowulf’s Dark Side in the Story “Beowulf”
• Christian and Pagan Elements in “Beowulf”
• “Beowulf” and the Intent of Christians to Convert Pagans Into Christianity
• How the Dragon Provides the Most Dramatic Development in “Beowulf”
• The Early Germanic Values Presented in “Beowulf”
• Ancient Societies: Greece, Rome, and the World of Beowulf
• Hercules and Beowulf: Comparing Heroic Features and Adventures of Two Characters
• “Macbeth” and “Beowulf”: Evil Defined by Human Preoccupation
• Anglo-Saxon Ideal Code of Conduct in “Beowulf”
• “Beowulf” and “The Song of Roland”: The Theme of Father-Son Relationship
• Pagan and Christian Concepts of Fate in “Beowulf”
• Beowulf’s Courage and Determination to Defeat the Dragon
• Ronald Reagan and Beowulf: Heroes Near and Far
• Beowulf, Sir Gawain, and Prince Hamlet on the Nature of Man
• The Connection Between Hrothgar’s Sermon, Beowulf’s Fate, and the Theme of Restlessness in the Story of Beowulf
• Beowulf: The Anglo-Saxon Epic Hero and Poem
• The Difference Between Beowulf and Modern-Day Heroes
• Does the Hero Decline in the Epic of Beowulf?
• How Are the Hero Figures in Both “Beowulf” and “The 13th Warrior” Similar?
• What Does the Story of Beowulf Teach Us?
• How Does Beowulf Save People From the Monster Grendel in the Play “Beowulf”?
• What Singles Out “Beowulf” Among All Other Works of Anglo-Saxon Poetry?
• Does “Beowulf” Teach Us About Leadership?
• What Are 5 Reasons Why We Read “Beowulf” Today?
• How Does Beowulf Display Characteristics of a Hero?
• What’s the Difference Between Beowulf and King Arthur?
• How Do Gawain King Arthur and Beowulf Show Bravery?
• What Traits Have Beowulf and Gilgamesh in Common?
• How Did People Worship Heroes During the Anglo-Saxon Period as Portrayed in “Beowulf”?
• Whether Beowulf Has the Qualities of an Epic Hero in the Epic Poem “Beowulf”?
• How Does the Arthurian Known Represent a Characterization of Nordic in the Story of Beowulf?
• Why Does “Beowulf” Begin and End With a Funeral?
• How Does Beowulf Show Strength and Courage?
• What Does “Beowulf” Reveal About Ideals of Heroism?
• How Are the Honorable Men During Beowulf’s Time Different From the Modern Men?
• Does “Beowulf” Relate to Our Lives Today?
• How Was War Portrayed in “Beowulf”?
• Why Is “Beowulf” Important to Teach?
• How Do Beowulf’s Character Traits Reflect the Ideals of a Culture?
• What Does the Story “Beowulf” Symbolize?
• Does “Beowulf” Reflect the Values of His Society?
• How Can We Compare Beowulf to a Modern-Day Hero of Our Time?

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StudyCorgi . "106 Beowulf Essay Topics." June 5, 2022. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/beowulf-essay-topics/.

StudyCorgi . 2022. "106 Beowulf Essay Topics." June 5, 2022. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/beowulf-essay-topics/.

These essay examples and topics on Beowulf were carefully selected by the StudyCorgi editorial team. They meet our highest standards in terms of grammar, punctuation, style, and fact accuracy. Please ensure you properly reference the materials if you’re using them to write your assignment.

This essay topic collection was updated on June 20, 2024 .

72 Beowulf Essay Topics To Ace Your Paper

Oct 24, 2022 | 0 comments

Oct 24, 2022 | Topics | 0 comments

Beowulf is an epic poem written by an unknown Anglo-Saxon poet around 1000. Since its discovery in the late 19th century, it has gained immense popularity among academics and casual readers alike. The poem consists of 3182 lines and contains monsters and monsters’ victims, brave warriors and their deeds, dragons, and other fantastical creatures. Despite being set in an imaginary world where people lived a thousand years ago, Beowulf has much to offer modern readers – from historical facts to moral teachings.

Here are some ideas to consider if you’re looking for good Beowulf Essay Topics. In this post, you will find essay topics with prompts for Beowulf essays.

Table of Contents

Best Beowulf Essay Topics

• Why is Beowulf so important for the Anglo-Saxons?
• What do you think the title of the poem means?
• Is there a difference between Christianity and paganism in Beowulf?
• Do you think Grendel was a monster or a man with problems?
• What are the characteristics of an epic poem?
• How does Beowulf differ from ancient epics such as The Odyssey, Gilgamesh, or The Aeneid?
• Who is Grendel, and what role does he play in the story? Is he a villain or an anti-hero?
• Does his character develop throughout the narrative?
• What does it mean for a warrior to be undefeated?
• In what ways does Hrothgar’s mead hall represent Anglo-Saxon culture and society at its finest?
• Which character from Beowulf do you relate most to and why?
• The role of women in the poem
• A discussion of the meaning of “might” and its use in the poem
• Anglo-Saxon society: how do we know what it was like? What can we infer from Beowulf? How does this compare with modern times?
• How is the monster Grendel portrayed as a character, and how do you feel about him as a human being?
• Discuss the role of women in Anglo-Saxon society.
• How are the similarities between Beowulf and Grendel explained?
• Is there any Christian symbolism in this poem?
• What does Hrothgar represent in this story?
• In what ways do you think Beowulf should be considered a hero?
• According to this poem, what are the most important characteristics of a good leader?
• How do you feel about Grendel as a character in the story?
• What is the significance of fire in this tale?9

Simple Beowulf Essay Topics

• Beowulf is a hero, but what does he stand for?
• How does the dragon represent evil in this story?
• What do you think of Grendel’s mother as a character?
• What role does gold play in Anglo-Saxon society?
• What is the significance of fire in this tale?
• .What is the most important aspect of Beowulf’s character?
• How does it define him as a hero?
• .How do you feel about Grendel as a character in this story?
• How does Beowulf’s character change throughout the novel?
• How is Hrothgar portrayed as a character, and how do you feel about him as a human being?
• Consider what makes Beowulf a good leader. Does he have any notable qualities?
• What is the significance of fire in this poem?
• What are the similarities between Grendel and his mother?
• How do you feel about Grendel portrayed as a character, and how do you feel about him as a human being?
• Discuss how Beowulf’s character has changed throughout the story.
• How do you feel about Grendel as a character in this story?
• What does Hrothgar represent in this poem?

Controversial Beowulf Essay Topics

• How do you feel about Beowulf’s decision to kill Grendel’s mother?
• Did Beowulf make the right choice when he decided to kill Grendel?
• Do you think that Beowulf is a hero?
• What do you think of women in ancient times being portrayed as “weak” or “helpless” compared to men?
• Do you think Beowulf was right to leave Hrothgar in the lurch after he had promised to help him?
• Do you think it was fair of Beowulf to make this promise without talking to his men first?
• How do you feel about Beowulf’s relationship with Grendel’s mother?
• Is it ever okay for a hero to kill an innocent woman just because she is the mother of someone who has harmed him?
• How do you feel about the fact that Beowulf was a warrior?
• What are some of the qualities of an effective leader?
• What are your thoughts on the ending of Beowulf? Do you think it was appropriate for him to die, or should he have lived?
• In what ways did Hrothgar contribute to his downfall in this poem?
• Was it wise for Beowulf to fight the dragon?

Beowulf Essay Topics for high school students

• What are some of the strengths and weaknesses of Beowulf as a leader?
• Why was Hrothgar such an important character in this story?
• What do you think about Grendel’s mother?
• What are some of the reasons why Beowulf was so popular among Anglo-Saxon warriors?
• How did it feel for Beowulf to leave his homeland and travel to a new land?
• How do you think this experience contributed to his development as a leader?
• What do you think of Grendel’s mother as a character in this story?
• Do you think it was appropriate for him to die, or should he have lived?
• How is Beowulf portrayed in this poem? Is he a hero, or do you think his actions were more brutal than heroic?
• What qualities did Beowulf have that made him a good leader of men?
• According to Beowulf, What Should a Good King Do? Which Virtues Must a King Have to Be Good?
• What Is the Role of Women in the Heroic Culture of Beowulf?

Need Help with your Beowulf Essay?

You’re at the right place. We do all academic writing services for high school students, including Beowulf essay writing. With us, you can get your essay and research paper’s best quality and originality. We can also compare and contrast the poem Beowulf with modern society regarding the good and evil in the poem.

Beowulf Essay Topics are a great way to get your kids interested in reading Beowulf. You can find many interesting topics for Beowulf in our comprehensive list above to write an essay. You can compare Beowulf or do an analysis of Beowulf from the amazing topics

With a passion for education and student empowerment, I create blog content that speaks directly to the needs and interests of students. From study hacks and productivity tips to career exploration and personal development

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80 Beowulf Essay Topics

Published by Denis on March 11, 2021 March 11, 2021

Beowulf is a poem about Beowulf, who is the nephew to the king of the Geats, Hygelac. Geats is located south of Sweden. It comes to Beowulf’s knowledge that there is a monster called Grendel that is terrorizing where also king Hrothgar dwells. Beowulf travels to Heorot, where the Danish king receives him. The monster, Grendel comes to Heorot and is slain by Beowulf, who cuts off his arm. His victory over the monster earns him praises.

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However, the attacks do not stop there as Grendel’s mother comes out to revenge her son. Once again, Beowulf has to face the monster.

The monster kills the king’s best counselor. Beowulf follows the monster to her lair, where he manages to kill her after almost being overpowered. He returns with the head of the monster and is given myriad rewards, ranging from lands, titles, and so on. Beowulf returns home and is made king after some time.

Fifty years into his reign, their kingdom is devastated by another monster. He goes ahead to fight it, but this time he is disappointed by his swords. With the help of his retainer Wiglaf, they kill the monster, but he suffers fatal wounds that he succumbs to.

The epic Old English poem on the hero Beowulf has spawned lots of entertainment content, including film and theater adaptations. But Beowulf has also attracted a lot of attention from writers interested in medieval literature. It is an exciting read and body of literature for exploration for all levels of education.

How to write an essay on Beowulf

The plot, characters, and stage of the story of Beowulf present varied openings for Beowulf essay topics. An obvious approach would be to study the Hero’s motivations and actions and those of the other characters in in-depth analyses. Other closely related topics that can be spun off this epic include comparative analysis with other mythical heroes e.g., in the Greek epics. Of course, a thorough understanding of the poem would be needed when writing about it.

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Suggested topics for a Beowulf essay

• An Analysis of Supernatural Feats in the Epic of Beowulf
• The Honors of Shild Shaving and Beowulf in the Tragedy Beowulf
• Looking at Beowulf as a Modern-Day Role Model in the Play “Beowulf”
• Anglo-Saxon Beliefs Portrayed in Beowulf’s Story
• An Analysis of Beowulf Who Truly Obtained the Qualities of an Epic Hero
• An Analysis of the Heroic Similarities of John F. Kennedy and Beowulf
• The Admirable Characteristics of an Anglo-Saxon Hero
• The Portrayal of the Beliefs of the Anglo-Saxon People in the Epic “Beowulf”
• An Analysis of the Use of Symbolism in Beowulf
• An Analysis of the Christian and Pagan Elements in Beowulf, an Anglo-Saxon Epic Poem
• An Analysis of Beowulf, an Anglo-Saxon Epic Poem
• Identifying Beowulf’s Real Enemy in Shakespeare’s “Beowulf”
• An Analysis of the Story of Beowulf, an Anglo-Saxon Epic
• The Comparison of Beowulf’s Character to Greek gods
• An Analysis of the Symbolism in Beowulf, an Anglo-Saxon Epic
• An Analysis and a Comparison of Beowulf and Shild Shaving
• The Themes of Courage, Courage, and Generosity in the Epic Poem Beowulf
• The Importance of Loyalty and Rewards Between the King and His Warriors in Beowulf
• An Analysis of the demi-god Figure of Beowulf
• The Effects of Pride in Beowulf’s Character
• Living in the Dark and Suffering from Pain In the Play “Beowulf”
• A Comparison of Beowulf and Batman as a Modern Day Hero
• A Description of the Most Heroic Man of the Anglo-Saxon Times in Beowulf
• Summary of Beowulf’s Journey to Heroism
• An Analysis of Beowulf and Epic Questions in an Epic Poem
• A Study of Beowulf’s and Sir Gawain’s Heroic Traits
• An Analysis of the Anglo-Saxon Beliefs in the Epic Poem Beowulf
• Analyzing the Beowulf, An Epic Hero of Epic Proportions
• A Comparison between two Cultural Heroes – Beowulf and Gilgamesh
• Comparing Beowulf in Today’s Movie or Novel Standards
• A Look at the Anglo-Saxon Beliefs in the Epic Beowulf
• An Analysis of Good and Evil in the Epic of Beowulf
• Comprehensive Character Analysis of Beowulf as a Hero
• A Comparison of the Battles of Beowulf
• A Discussion About the Beowulf’s Fighting Motivation
• The Use of the Conflict Between the Good and Evil Throughout Beowulf
• An Analysis of the Topic of the Beowulf and Evil Grendel
• A Summary of the Journey of the Epic Hero, Beowulf
• An Analysis of the Epic Poem Beowulf and the Invincible Hero
• An Analysis of Pride in Beowulf the Great English Poem
• The Characteristics of Beowulf as an Unconventional and Traditional Character
• The Trials and Triumphs of Beowulf as a Hero
• An Analysis of the Acts of Beowulf
• The Portrayal of Beowulf to Anglo-Saxon Culture in His Poem
• The Theme of Death in the Poem Beowulf
• Anglo-Saxon Ideal in the Story of Beowulf
• An Essay on Old Testament Allusions in Beowulf
• An Analysis of Grendel’s Life in “Beowulf”
• An Analysis of the Monsters’ Behavior in Beowulf
• A Short Summary of the Story Beowulf
• Analysis of One of the Most Famous Old English Epic Poems: Beowulf
• Themes of Good vs. Evil and a Tragic Hero in the Epic Poem Beowulf
• Common Aspects in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and Beowulf: Lineage, Honor, Mysticism, and Love
• A Literary Analysis of the Qualities of an Epic Hero in the Epic Poem Beowulf
• An Analysis of the Value of Strength in the Epic of Beowulf
• Beliefs of Anglo-Saxon People as Depicted in the Poem Beowulf
• Symbolical Elements in the Epic Poem Beowulf
• A Comparison of Beowulf and Achilles
• Conflict Between Good and Evil in Beowulf
• The Morality of the Epic Hero, Beowulf
• The Pride of Certain Characters in “Beowulf”
• A Literary Analysis of the Protagonist and a Hero in Beowulf
• A Look at The Courage of Great Beowulf
• Comparison and Contrast Paper: Beowulf Vs. Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

Some interesting evaluation essay topics to explore.

How to choose a topic for a Beowulf essay

When writing an essay on an epic, it could be directly based on the epic, e.g., analyzing the hero’s deeds or having a base on the epic, e.g., comparing it with another modern-day hero. The good thing is that there is a lot of literature on the epic already in place. You cannot rewrite the epic, so the best approach would be to improve the existing literature by providing more insights into the plot, characters, and the story’s setting.

Stuck in finding a Beowulf essay topic? Try searching using this  free essay title generator —the results will be amazing!

Writing on Beowulf essay topics is pretty much straightforward. Get a good understanding of the story and look at ways of exploring it from a fresh perspective. If you love epic stories, the Beowulf epic will always have something intriguing to write about.

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Discussion Questions

There are plenty of terrifying monsters in the history of literature, but not all that many of them have mothers. Why do you think Grendel’s mother might figure so importantly in this poem? How does she fit into the wider world of Beowulf ?

Despite its records of superhuman heroics, Beowulf is deeply concerned with mortal weakness. Why might the poem juxtapose these two aspects of humanity?

The meaning of good kingship is a major question in Beowulf . What, according to the poem, makes a good leader? What hampers good leadership? Why does leadership matter?

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The 70 Most Impressive Beowulf Essay Topics for Students

Students are often assigned to write an essay on Beowulf. Teachers not always assign a specific topic allowing students to choose among a large number of Beowulf essay topics on their own. To pick the best topic, it is necessary to read the most significant Anglo-Saxon poetry work, the poem about Beowulf, very carefully. This work, which is probably based on ancient epic songs, came to us in more or less complete form in a single manuscript written at the beginning of the 10th century.

The poem (approximately 3,000 verses) consists of two parts, interconnected only by the personality of the main character Beowulf. The development of the central theme is interrupted by a series of false episodes in both parts. These episodes, however, are essential for clarifying the origin of the poem, the time of its origin, and so on. If you have read Beowulf but find it difficult to choose the best topic, check the list of the best essay topics for Beowulf that definitely deserve an A-grade.

Beowulf Descriptive Essay Topics

• Describe Grendel as a character
• Which impression have you had after reading Beowulf?
• What are the main features of Beowulf which you consider positive?
• Tell about Skilled Skipping, the legendary ancestor of the Danish kings
• "Poem about Beowulf" is an extremely complex composition
• Beowulf is undoubtedly a monument of late origin
• Beowulf is a hero
• Do you like Beowulf or not? Describe the positive or negative traits of the character and behavior you like or dislike
• Beowulf is the only Anglo-Saxon monument of its kind
• Describe the central episodes of the first part of the poem

Beowulf Analysis Essay Topics

• Analyze the battles of Beowulf with Grendel and his mother
• Find some parallels between Beowulf and the folktales
• Beowulf is not a historical person, but in the poem, one can find echoes of actual historical events. Which events?
• Analyze the language techniques used by the author. Find the poetic techniques ( synonyms, metaphors, indirect speech instead of direct, etc.)
• What is the main idea of the story?
• What makes it a masterpiece?
• People as the images of a stormy sea, sea monsters, a fire-breathing dragon
• Find the parallelism, characteristic of epic monuments
• Analyze the role of the description of England and Scandinavia
• What is the distinctive feature of the Beowulf poem?

Beowulf Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

• Compare the Beowulf movie and the book
• Good vs. Evil concepts in Beowulf
• Choose two main characters and compare their behavior
• Which character do you like most and why?
• Beowulf vs Grendel
• Compare Beowulf and some other poems of the same epoch
• Choose two female characters and compare them
• Sir Gawain and Beowulf
• Compare Beowulf to another famous hero
• Compare poetic devices used in Beowulf and another story about an epic hero

Good vs Evil Beowulf Essay Topics

• Identify the good and bad traits of the main character
• Write about Beowulf and Grendel
• Who represents "good" and "evil" in the story?
• Do you think that Grendel doesn't have anything good?
• What is the reason for the conflict between good and evil?
• Do you believe that good always wins?
• What is evil for you? Provide examples from the summary of Beowulf
• Oppose Beowulf to some hero presented as evil in another well-known epic
• Tell about the good deeds of Beowulf
• Do you consider Beowulf a real hero? Explain your attitude to the main character

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Beowulf vs Grendel Essay Topics

• Grendel is an ancestor of Cain. Do they really have much in common?
• Which language devices does the author use to show us the fight between Beowulf and Grendel?
• Why did Beowulf want to defend the king?
• How does the author describe battles with Grendel?
• Which battles did Beowulf have, besides the one with Grendel?
• Which battle: with Grendel or Grendel's mother impressed you most?
• Is the wish of Beowulf to fight Grendel the sign of great braveness?
• Describe the whole life of Grendel
• What did the author want to say when depicting the monster?
• Which associations do you have with Grendel?

Critical Essay about Beowulf: Topics

• Do you consider the story about Beowulf useful for students to read?
• Do you find the story impressive?
• Give the examples of language devices used by the writer with the aim to make a powerful impression
• Criticize the style of the story
• Find the lines that prove that Beowulf is a person with good self-confidence
• What differs this story from others?
• What is the message of Beowulf?
• Which scenes will you always remember and what makes them special?
• Which associations with Beowulf do you have when reading? Does the character pass any stages of self-development?

Beowulf Argumentative Essay Topics

• Provide arguments that Beowulf is a strong personality
• Prove that this story is worth reading
• Choose some scene and provide arguments why it is important for the understanding of the story
• Tell how the author depicts three battles of Beowulf
• Are battles with the dragon and the monster different?
• What are the common features of all three battles depicted by the author?
• Why does Grendel decide to attack Herot?
• Does the death of Grendel mean that evil never wins?
• Has Beowulf killed Grendel because he wanted to save people or just to show his strength and braveness?
• Can Beowulf be an example for youth demonstrating an ability to help and defend those who need this?

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Essay Samples on Beowulf

Beowulf and batman: compare and contrast analysis of two heroes.

Two iconic figures from literature and pop culture, Beowulf and Batman, may seem worlds apart in terms of time and context. However, when we delve into their characteristics, motivations, and roles, striking similarities and intriguing differences emerge. This essay explores the comparison and contrast between...

Analysis of Beowulf Compared to Modern Day Heroes

Throughout history, tales of heroic individuals have captured the imagination and admiration of people across cultures. From the legendary epic of Beowulf to the narratives of modern day heroes, the concept of heroism has evolved while maintaining its core ideals. This essay delves into a...

• Beowulf Hero

How Beowulf Is an Epic Hero: the Features of the Heroic Archetype

How is Beowulf an epic hero? In the realm of ancient literature, the figure of Beowulf stands as an exemplar of the epic hero, embodying qualities that elevate him to legendary status. This essay delves into the epic poem "Beowulf" to explore the attributes and...

The Depiction of Loyalty in "Beowulf", “Count on Me”, and "The Death of General Warren"

Introduction In any prosperous relationship or community, whether it be King Hrothgar’s kingdom or United States citizens under the President, there is one quality that all of its people must have to prevent the collapse of harmony: Loyalty. Three examples include Beowulf, an Old English...

Gender Inequality and Gender Roles in The Iliad, Beowulf and Other Ancient Literature

Throughout literature, it is clear that women’s social positions were more limited than the roles of men. Since men have published majority of early literature, discrimination conintues to taint the greater amount of it. The female characters are usually given negative traits such as, lying,...

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Gender Roles in the Iliad: The Role of Women in the Homer's Work

Women have always fulfilled integral roles in society. However, the duties undertaken by women have been evolving as the society ages, with each subsequent era redefining the role of women in society. A good way of observing societal roles for either gender is by reviewing...

The Allegory In The Beowulf Poem

“Greed is a bottomless pit which exhausts the person in an endless effort to satisfy the need without ever reaching satisfaction.” An excerpt from Erich Fromm, a German-born American social psychologist, and Humanistic philosopher who studies individuals good and bad mental states by observing their...

• Allegory in Literature

Literacy Review Of The Fall Of The House Of Usher And Beowulf  

Introduction There are about 7.53 billion people in this world, and each one undergoes its own hardships. Many fictional characters carry the same burdens as legitimate people because many times they are reflections of someone’s personal experiences. Roderick from “The Fall of the House of...

• The Fall of The House of Usher

The Hero's Perspective Of Good And Evil In Beowulf

In this essay the theme of Beowulf and the characteristics of heroism are going to determine if Beowulf was a hero or a villain. This paper is going to list the stereotypical traits of a hero and then compare Beowulf to some of today 's...

• Good and Evil

The Philosophical Concept Of Evil And Good In Beowulf

In society today, we like to judge people and put a label on them before even meeting them. In the book Grendel by John Gardner, we can see the good side and bad side from the main character, Grendel. We see in today’s world, how...

How Literary Works Beowulf And The Wanderer Reflected On Past And Culture Of The Anglo-saxon World

The past is a very important part of Anglo-Saxon life. Their culture, inherited from the Germanic tribes when they invaded Britain in the 5th century, is centered on a warrior tradition that celebrates past deeds and victories (“Anglo-Saxon”). On the other hand, it frowns upon...

• Anglo Saxon

Comparing Two Battles in Beowulf: Reflections of Anglo-Saxon Ideals

Beowulf is an epic poem written in Old English that portrays the Anglo-Saxon culture of the medieval period. It tells the story of a hero, Beowulf, who battles various monsters to defend his kingdom. The poem's focus on the value of courage, honor, and loyalty...

• Gender Roles

Prominent Role of Women in the Novels The Wife of Bath's Tale, Beowulf, and Sir Gawain and The Green Knight

The stereotype that “women had no place in the masculine, death-centered world” has always been an issue. This may be as a result of the consequences of male courage and superiority; therefore, the importance of women is presumably reduced. However, their emergence in homes and...

• Sir Gawain and The Green Knight
• Wife of Bath

Freud's Theories in the Psychoanalysis of Beowulf

Beowulf is an Old English epic poem written by an unknown author. Despite the age of this work, it can be analyzed in terms of various literary theories. Beowulf, among others, includes elements related to psychoanalysis, whose precursor was Sigmund Freud. This Austrian neurologist born...

• Psychoanalysis
• Sigmund Freud

Le Morte D'Arthur and Beowulf: A Cultural Analysis

Throughout historic times in which war was rampant, a hero of the age always seemed to follow suit. In the audacious tales of Le Morte D’Arthur and Beowulf, the epic poems describe the most heroic men of the chivalric and Anglo- Saxon times. It is...

• Biblical Worldview
• Le Morte d'Arthur

Beowulf's Idea of Being Mortal and Becoming Immortal

Can you imagine waking up to screams and people crying bodies and blood everywhere? Imagine not being able to do anything. From waking up to seeing Grendel going through houses and then you see Beowulf coming to save you. Mortality in Beowulf is very present...

• Immortality
• Philosophy of Life

The Use of Characterisation to Inspire Readers in Ransom and Beowulf

Through the use of characterisation, the true identities and traits of characters are able to be revealed to readers, particularly when viewed through qualities such as leadership. Collectively, this leads to narrative meaning becoming a tool that initiates thinking through the use of emotive language...

Under the Influence of Christianity in the Poem Beowulf

The epic poem Beowulf, written centuries ago by an unknown author, takes the reader back to a time of intense battles and raging monsters in the night. Many who have read this passage have taken note of the multiple references towards the Bible. This may...

• Christian Worldview

The Theme of Heroism in John Gardner's Grendel and Burton Raffel's Beowulf

A hero can be defined in many ways; the hero’s can see themselves as a hero and society can see them as more of a villain, or society can see them as a hero but in their eyes they are as evil as it comes....

Compare and Contrast: Beowulf and Grendel

People think of evil and danger when thinking of Grendel. Grendel is one of the enemy’s Beowulf has to destroy. But in the novel Grendel he is shown more advanced his personality is shown while the killing sprees happen. Grendel is shown to have a...

Representation of the Theme of Revenge Through the Characters in Beowulf

In the epic poem Beowulf, there is one prominent way that virtually every major character can be compared: the actions that they take against one another are caused by a desire for revenge due to events in the past. Each of the three primary monsters...

Beowulf’s Internal Demons: Pride and Greed for Glory

In Beowulf, translated by Seamus Heany, man’s perception of himself impacts his decisions to behave the way he does. Beowulf is a humble warrior who credits his prowess in battle to God’s divine intervention. He battled realistic and internal demons that started becoming a challenge...

Analysis of the 12 Steps of Hero's Journey in Beowulf

In modern-day movies and novels, the hero captures the audience's attention as they take on an epic journey. In literature, an epic poem is described as a long narrative poem outlining the heroic events taken by a character of high status. Society obsesses over the...

• The Hero's Journey

Heroism of Anglo-Saxon Culture in Beowulf

Most people within today’s society have heard about a group called the Vikings. However, not many people have heard about or are taught about a group called the Anglo-Saxons. The Anglo-Saxon group survived from around the early fifth century until about the year 1066. This...

Symbolism Of The Battles In The Epic Of Beowulf

Many authors tend to put symbolism in stories to portray something that plays an important role later in events, such as in the epic Beowulf. In this epic, the author uses symbolism to portray the stages of Beowulf’s life through a battle involving himself and...

The Analysis Of The Beowulf Character

Beowulf is not a hero, and he proves this himself throughout the poem. He is idolized as a hero and has all the traits of a hero, and almost everyone who reads this will agree, but when you go deeper into the meaning of the...

Best topics on Beowulf

1. Beowulf and Batman: Compare and Contrast Analysis of Two Heroes

2. Analysis of Beowulf Compared to Modern Day Heroes

3. How Beowulf Is an Epic Hero: the Features of the Heroic Archetype

4. The Depiction of Loyalty in “Beowulf”, “Count on Me”, and “The Death of General Warren”

5. Gender Inequality and Gender Roles in The Iliad, Beowulf and Other Ancient Literature

6. Gender Roles in the Iliad: The Role of Women in the Homer’s Work

7. The Allegory In The Beowulf Poem

8. Literacy Review Of The Fall Of The House Of Usher And Beowulf  

9. The Hero’s Perspective Of Good And Evil In Beowulf

10. The Philosophical Concept Of Evil And Good In Beowulf

11. How Literary Works Beowulf And The Wanderer Reflected On Past And Culture Of The Anglo-saxon World

12. Comparing Two Battles in Beowulf: Reflections of Anglo-Saxon Ideals

13. Prominent Role of Women in the Novels The Wife of Bath’s Tale, Beowulf, and Sir Gawain and The Green Knight

14. Freud’s Theories in the Psychoanalysis of Beowulf

15. Le Morte D’Arthur and Beowulf: A Cultural Analysis

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• Literature Notes
• Major Themes in Beowulf
• Poem Summary
• About Beowulf
• Character List
• Summary and Analysis
• Lines 1-193
• Lines 194-606
• Lines 607-836
• Lines 837-1062
• Lines 1063-1250
• Lines 1251-1491
• Lines 1492-1650
• Lines 1651-1887
• Lines 1888-2199
• Lines 2200-2400
• Lines 2401-2630
• Lines 2631-2820
• Lines 2821-3182
• Character Analysis
• Grendel's Mother
• Character Map
• The Beowulf Poet
• The Beowulf Manuscript
• Critical Essays
• Major Symbols in Beowulf
• Famous Quotes from Beowulf
• Film Versions of Beowulf
• Full Glossary for Beowulf
• Essay Questions
• Practice Projects
• Cite this Literature Note

Critical Essays Major Themes in Beowulf

A theme in a literary work is a recurring, unifying subject or idea, a motif that allows us to understand more deeply the character and their world. In Beowulf, the major themes reflect the values and the motivations of the characters.

One of the central themes of Beowulf, embodied by its title character, is loyalty. At every step of his career, loyalty is Beowulf's guiding virtue.

Beowulf comes to the assistance of the Danes (Scyldings) for complicated reasons. Certainly he is interested in increasing his reputation and gaining honor and payment for his own king back in Geatland. However, we soon learn that a major motivation is a family debt that Beowulf owes to Hrothgar. The young Geat is devoted to the old king because Hrothgar came to the assistance of Beowulf's father, Ecgtheow, years before. Now deceased, Ecgtheow had killed a leader of another tribe in a blood feud. When the tribe sought vengeance, Hrothgar, then a young king, sheltered Beowulf's father and settled the feud by paying tribute (wergild) in the form of "fine old treasures" (472) to Ecgtheow's enemies. Hrothgar even remembers Beowulf as a child. The tie between the families goes back many years, and Beowulf is proud to be able to lend his loyal services to Hrothgar.

When the hero returns to Geatland, he continues his loyalty to his uncle and king, Hygelac, risking his life even when the tactics of the ruler are not the best. After Hygelac is killed in an ill-advised raid on Frisia, Beowulf makes a heroic escape (2359 ff.) back to Geatland. Beowulf could become king then but is more loyal than ambitious. Queen Hygd offers Beowulf the throne after her husband dies, thinking that her young son (Heardred) is unable to protect the kingdom; Beowulf refuses and serves the young king faithfully. After Heardred is killed, Beowulf does become king and rules with honor and fidelity to his office and his people for 50 years. In his final test, the burden of loyalty will rest on other, younger shoulders.

Preparing for his last battle, with the fiery dragon, Beowulf puts his trust in 11 of his finest men, retainers who have vowed to fight to the death for him. Although the now elderly king insists on taking on the dragon alone, he brings along the 11 in case he needs them. When it is apparent that Beowulf is losing the battle to the dragon, however, all but one of his men run and hide in the woods. Only Wiglaf, an inexperienced thane who has great respect for his king, remains loyal. Wiglaf calls to the others in vain. Realizing that they will be no help and that his king is about to be killed, he stands beside the old man to fight to the death — theirs or the dragon's. For Beowulf, sadly, it is the end. Although he and Wiglaf kill the dragon, the king dies. As he dies, Beowulf passes the kingdom on to the brave and loyal Wiglaf.

Another motivating factor for Beowulf — and a central theme in the epic — is reputation. From the beginning, Beowulf is rightly concerned about how the rest of the world will see him. He introduces himself to the Scyldings by citing achievements that gained honor for him and his king. When a drunken Unferth verbally assaults Beowulf at the first banquet, at issue is the hero's reputation. Unferth's slur is the worst kind of insult for Beowulf because his reputation is his most valuable possession. Reputation is also the single quality that endures after death, his one key to immortality. That's why Beowulf later leaves the gold in the cave beneath the mere, after defeating the mother, preferring to return with Grendel's head and the magic sword's hilt rather than treasure. He has and continues to amass treasures; his intent now is in building his fame.

Unferth's slur accuses Beowulf of foolishly engaging in a seven-day swimming contest on the open sea, as a youth, and losing. If Beowulf can't win a match like that, Unferth asserts, he surely can't defeat Grendel. Beowulf defends his reputation with such grace and persuasion that he wins the confidence of King Hrothgar and the rest of the Danes. He points out that he swam with Breca for five nights, not wanting to abandon the weaker boy. Rough seas then drove them apart, and Beowulf had to kill nine sea monsters before going ashore in the morning. His reputation intact, Beowulf prepares to meet Grendel and further enhance his fame.

As he discusses Beowulf's later years, the poet lists the virtues (2177 ff.) leading to the great man's fine reputation. Beowulf is courageous and famous for his performance in battle but equally well known for his good deeds. Although aggressive in war, Beowulf has "no savage mind" (2180) and never kills his comrades when drinking, an important quality in the heroic world of the mead-hall. Beowulf respects the gifts of strength and leadership that he possesses.

As he prepares to meet the dragon, near the end of the poem, now King Beowulf again considers his reputation. He insists on facing the dragon alone despite the fact that his death will leave his people in jeopardy. Hrothgar's Sermon warned Beowulf of the dangers of pride, and some critics have accused the great warrior of excessive pride (hubris) in the defense of his reputation. A more considerate judgment might be that Beowulf is an old man with little time left and deserves the right to die as a warrior. The final words of the poem, stating that Beowulf was "most eager for fame' (3182), might be best understood by a modern audience by remembering that, in Beowulf's world, fame is synonymous with reputation.

Generosity and Hospitality

The Scyldings' King Hrothgar and Queen Wealhtheow embody the themes of generosity and hospitality. The code of the comitatus is at the heart of the Beowulf epic. In this system, the king or feudal lord provides land, weapons, and a share of treasure to his warriors (called thanes or retainers) in return for their support of the leader in battle. The leader's generosity is one of his highest qualities. There are more than 30 different terms for "king" in the poem, and many of them have to do with this role as provider. He is the "ring-giver' (35) or the "treasure-giver" (607); his seat of power is the "gift-throne" (168).

When booty is seized from an enemy in battle, everything goes to the king. He then allots treasure to each warrior according to the man's achievements as a soldier. When Beowulf defeats Grendel and Grendel's mother, he expects and receives great riches as his reward, including a golden banner, helmet, and mail-shirt, as well as a jeweled sword, magnificent horses with golden trappings that hang to the ground, a gem-studded saddle, and a golden collar. Such generosity is emblematic of Hrothgar's character. In turn, Beowulf will present these treasures to his own king, Hygelac, who will then honor Beowulf with appropriate gifts. Propriety/generosity is, thus, a crucial part of the political, military, social, and economic structure of the culture.

Wealhtheow shares in the gift giving and is the perfect hostess. When she serves mead in Heorot, it is an act of propriety and diplomacy, attending first to her king and then to various guests, paying special attention to Beowulf. An improper queen would be one like Modthrytho (1931 ff.) who was so inhospitable as to have her own warriors executed for the offense of merely looking into her eyes.

Hospitality is such an established part of the culture that the poet feels free to refer to it with casual humor. When Beowulf reports to Hrothgar on his victory over Grendel (957 ff.), he ironically speaks in terms of hospitality. He tried, he says, to "welcome my enemy" (969) with a firm handshake but was disappointed when he received only a "visitor's token" (971), Grendel's giant claw, "that dear [meaning 'precious'] gift" (973), a kind of macabre gratuity for services rendered. Beowulf had, ironically speaking, tried to be the perfect host; but he wanted the entire ogre body as his tip . Grendel left only his claw as a cheap compensation.

Despite Unferth's jealous rant at the first banquet, the most serious embodiment of envy in the poem is Grendel. The ogre who has menaced Hrothgar's people for 12 years is envious of the Danes because he can never share in mankind's hope or joy. The monster's motivation is one of the few undeniably Christian influences in the epic. Grendel is a descendant of Cain, the biblical son of Adam and Eve who killed his brother Abel out of jealousy (Genesis 4). The legend is that the monsters of the earth are Cain's descendants and eternally damned. Grendel resents men because God blesses them but will never bless him. The bright lights and sounds of joy emanating from Hrothgar's magnificent mead-hall, Heorot, especially annoy the ogre.

The scop 's "Song of Creation" angers Grendel because it reminds him of the light and hope of God's creation and the loss he suffers because of Cain's sin. Grendel stomps up from the mere to devour Danes and rule nightly over Heorot as a form of revenge stemming from this envy.

Revenge serves as a motivating factor for several characters throughout the poem, initially stirring Grendel and his mother. Grendel seeks revenge upon mankind for the heritage that he has been dealt. He delights in raiding Heorot because it is the symbol of everything that he detests about men: their success, joy, glory, and favor in the eyes of God. Grendel's mother's revenge is more specific. She attacks Heorot because someone there killed her son. Although she is smaller and less powerful than Grendel, she is motivated by a mother's fury. When Beowulf goes after her in the mere, she has the added advantage of fighting him in her own territory. As she drags him into her cave beneath the lake, her revenge peaks because this is the very man who killed her son. Only Beowulf's amazing abilities as a warrior and the intervention of God or magic can defeat her.

Revenge also motivates the many feuds that the poet refers to and is a way of life — and death — for the Germanic tribes. Old enmities die hard and often disrupt attempts at peace, as the poet recognizes. Upon his return to Geatland, Beowulf (2020 ff.) speculates about a feud between Hrothgar's Scyldings and the Heathobards, a tribe in southern Denmark with whom Hrothgar hopes to make peace through the marriage of his daughter. Beowulf is skeptical, envisioning a renewal of hostilities. In fact, the Heathobards do later burn Heorot in events not covered by the poem but probably familiar to its audience. Another example of revenge overcoming peace occurs in the Finnsburh section (1068-1159).

Beowulf's final battle is the result of vengeance. A dangerous fire-dragon seeks revenge because a fugitive slave has stolen a valuable cup from the monster's treasure-hoard. His raids across the countryside include the burning of Beowulf's home. Beowulf then seeks his own revenge by going after the dragon.

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Essays on Beowulf

Beowulf essay topic examples.

Find a variety of essay topics, introduction paragraph examples, and conclusion paragraph examples for different essay types. Your choice of topic can greatly impact the quality and depth of your essay, so choose wisely!

Argumentative Essays

Argumentative essays require you to analyze and present arguments related to the epic poem. Here are some topic examples:

• 1. Debate whether Beowulf is a typical epic hero or a unique character.
• 2. Argue whether the monsters in the poem symbolize inner human struggles or external threats.

Example Introduction Paragraph for an Argumentative Essay: The epic poem Beowulf introduces us to a hero of unparalleled strength and valor. This essay explores the character of Beowulf, examining whether he adheres to the conventional traits of an epic hero or represents a distinctive figure in the realm of heroic literature.

Example Conclusion Paragraph for an Argumentative Essay: In conclusion, the analysis of Beowulf's character challenges our understanding of epic heroes. Whether he is a classic archetype or a unique creation, Beowulf continues to captivate readers with his timeless heroism. As we ponder his legacy, we are reminded that heroism takes on various forms, transcending the boundaries of time and culture.

Compare and Contrast Essays

Compare and contrast essays enable you to examine similarities and differences within the epic or between it and other literary works. Consider these topics:

• 1. Compare and contrast the character traits of Beowulf and Achilles from Homer's The Iliad .
• 2. Analyze the similarities and differences between the epic battles in Beowulf and Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings .

Example Introduction Paragraph for a Compare and Contrast Essay: The characters of Beowulf and Achilles occupy a special place in the pantheon of literary heroes. This essay embarks on a journey to compare and contrast these iconic figures, exploring the traits that make them heroic and the differences that set them apart.

Example Conclusion Paragraph for a Compare and Contrast Essay: In conclusion, the comparison and contrast of Beowulf and Achilles offer insights into the multifaceted nature of heroism in literature. While they share certain heroic qualities, their distinct characteristics reflect the diversity of hero archetypes across different cultural narratives.

Descriptive Essays

Descriptive essays allow you to vividly depict settings, characters, or events within the epic poem. Here are some topic ideas:

• 1. Describe the grandeur of Heorot, King Hrothgar's hall, in detail.
• 2. Paint a detailed portrait of Grendel, focusing on his physical appearance and monstrous nature.

Example Introduction Paragraph for a Descriptive Essay: Heorot, the grand mead hall of King Hrothgar, stands as a majestic centerpiece in the world of Beowulf . This essay embarks on a descriptive journey to capture the splendor and significance of Heorot, immersing the reader in the heart of the poem's setting.

Example Conclusion Paragraph for a Descriptive Essay: In conclusion, the descriptive portrayal of Heorot in Beowulf not only serves as a setting but also symbolizes the ideals of camaraderie and culture. Through this exploration, we are reminded of the enduring power of place and atmosphere in storytelling.

Persuasive Essays

Persuasive essays involve arguing a point of view related to the epic poem. Consider these persuasive topics:

• 1. Persuade your readers that Beowulf's battles against monsters symbolize the eternal struggle between good and evil.
• 2. Argue for or against the idea that Beowulf is not just a hero but also a symbol of leadership and sacrifice.

Example Introduction Paragraph for a Persuasive Essay: The epic battles fought by Beowulf against monstrous foes transcend mere physical combat. This persuasive essay asserts that these confrontations symbolize a timeless battle between the forces of good and evil, shedding light on the broader moral landscape of the poem.

Example Conclusion Paragraph for a Persuasive Essay: In conclusion, the persuasive argument regarding the symbolic nature of Beowulf's battles underscores the epic's enduring relevance as a moral and philosophical exploration. As we contemplate the allegorical dimensions of his feats, we are encouraged to reflect on the eternal struggle between righteousness and malevolence in our own lives.

Narrative Essays

Narrative essays offer you the opportunity to tell a story or share personal experiences related to the themes of the epic. Explore these narrative essay topics:

• 1. Narrate a personal experience where you faced a formidable challenge and drew inspiration from Beowulf's character.
• 2. Imagine yourself as a character in the world of Beowulf and recount your adventures alongside the hero.

Example Introduction Paragraph for a Narrative Essay: In the tapestry of our lives, we often encounter challenges that test our mettle. This narrative essay explores a personal experience where I confronted a daunting challenge and drew inspiration from the indomitable spirit of Beowulf, a character of enduring heroism.

Example Conclusion Paragraph for a Narrative Essay: In conclusion, the narrative of my personal journey, inspired by the heroism of Beowulf, reminds us that courage and determination are virtues that transcend time and place. As we reflect on our own heroic moments, we are encouraged to embrace the hero within each of us.

Differences and Similarities Between Hrothgar and Beowulf

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The Hero Archetype in Beowulf

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The Fight of Good Vs Bad as Depicted in The Beowulf Poem

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Elements of Christianity and Paganism in The Works of Beowulf

Important factor in the anglo-saxon culture: beowulf, the illustration of the attributes of a leader as described in beowulf, the role of grendel’s mother in beowulf, the meaning of rings in beowulf, symbols of faith and traditions in beowulf, why beowulf is not an anglo-saxon hero, the topic of loyalty and vengeance in beowulf, grendel’s point of view in beowulf as the perfect hero/villain, representation of the themes of honor and heroism in beowulf , review of the subject of christian faith as illustrated in the classic poem beowulf, analysis of beowulf's character development troughout the poem, analysis of women and their fundamental roles in beowulf, beowulf – a hero of ancient scandinavia, three good kings of beowulf, hero vs monster in the poem beowulf, danish paganism and christianity in beowulf, beowulf: oral literature in writing, two monsters alike: beowulf vs. grendel, beowulf as a representation of mankind.

Disputed (c. 700 - 1000 AD), first printed edition by Thorklelin (1815); Author is unknown

Old English Epic Poem; Epic Heroic Writing

Beowulf, Hygelac, Hrothgar, Wealhþeow, Hrothulf, Æschere, Unferth, Grendel, Grendel's mother, Wiglaf, Hildeburh

It mixes together various fictional, legendary, and fiction elements that relate to 7th century epics

Heroism, competition, faith, monsters, honor, deeds of valour, and the battles

It is a reflection of strength and coming at impossible missions by showing how supernatural powers and faith can defeat the monsters

It tells a story about Beowulf who is considered a hero of the Geats who comes to help Hrothgar, the Danish king. His great hall is affected by the monster called Grendel. As Beowulf kills Grendel without any weapon, he has to start with another mission to prove his strength.

Beowulf represents the longest poem written in Old English with entire action related to Scandinavia. It does not mention the British Isles even once although it is exactly where Old English has been in use. The original manuscript of Beowulf was damaged on October 23, 1731 because of a fire. The original manuscript of Beowulf was damaged on October 23, 1731 because of a fire. As the heroic poem, Beowulf implements 36 different words that all stand for "heroism", "heroic", or "hero" because of the various dialects that represented Old English. Some scholars believe that Beowulf could be influenced by Homer since it shares similar structure and the epic element of the famous Iliad. The author of Jurassic Park (Michael Crichton) even made a bet whether he could use Beowulf as a foundation for something entertaining and accessible. It was his Eaters of the Dead novel that was published in 1976. When Beowulf manuscript has been discovered, archeologists were convinced that they have found the remains of the famous Heorot Hall, which has been concluded by reading the epic.

“It is always better to avenge dear ones than to indulge in mourning. For every one of us, living in this world means waiting for our end. Let whoever can win glory before death. When a warrior is gone, that will be his best and only bulwark.” “Behaviour that's admired is the path to power among people everywhere.” “Anyone with gumption and a sharp mind will take the measure of two things: what's said and what's done.” “And a young prince must be prudent like that, giving freely while his father lives so that afterwards, in age when fighting starts steadfast companions will stand by him and hold the line.” “Death is not easily escaped, try it who will; but every living soul among the children of men dwelling upon the earth goeth of necessity unto his destined place, where the body, fast in its narrow bed, sleepeth after feast.”

The main purpose of The Beowulf is to tell a heroic story and entertain the readers since the epic poem must offer an inspiring storytelling. Since it relates to the late sixth and seventh century with the Scandinavian influences, it represents an oral tradition that has been written down. It is an important aspect for linguists and those who want to study heroic literary representations.

As the famous Old English epic, Beowulf represents a rare heritage in terms of oral word comprehension and a linguistic structure that tells an epic story. It can be useful not only for those who study Linguistics or English literature because it also brings up the topics of courage, dedication, faith, and the responsibilities that come along with power. Some essay topics that deal with Beowulf focus on the socio-cultural aspect of relations in this important epic. Since it deals with Scandinavia, some cultural traits are studied through the lens of the Western society by comparing things to anything from the Civil War in the United States to modern society.

1. Brady, C. (1982). ‘Warriors’ in Beowulf: an analysis of the nominal compounds and an evaluation of the poet's use of them. Anglo-Saxon England, 11, 199-246. (https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/anglo-saxon-england/article/warriors-in-beowulf-an-analysis-of-the-nominal-compounds-and-an-evaluation-of-the-poets-use-of-them/DE8DA47FADF469024BFEB16994E9B342) 2. Hughes, G. (1977). Beowulf, unferth and hrunting: An interpretation. English Studies, 58(5), 385-395. (https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00138387708597845?journalCode=nest20) 3. Hume, K. (1975). The Theme and Structure of" Beowulf". Studies in Philology, 72(1), 1-27. (https://www.jstor.org/stable/4173860) 4. Mohigul, M., & Nargiza, T. (2022). STYLISTIC AND LINGUOPOETIC ANALYSIS OF EPIC POEM “BEOWULF”. Involta Scientific Journal, 1(13), 20-24. (https://involta.uz/index.php/iv/article/view/367) 5. Bjork, R. E. (1994). Speech as gift in Beowulf. Speculum, 69(4), 993-1022. (https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/abs/10.1017/S0038713400030177?journalCode=spc) 6. Wiersma, S. M. (1961). A LINGUISTIC ANALYSIS OF WORDS REFERRING TO MONSTERS IN" BEOWULF.". The University of Wisconsin-Madison. (https://www.proquest.com/openview/583ab51711089bcbe64f79c8c32325af/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=18750&diss=y) 7. Leyerle, J. (1967). The interlace structure of Beowulf. University of Toronto Quarterly, 37(1), 1-17. (https://www.utpjournals.press/doi/abs/10.3138/utq.37.1.1) 8. Earl, J. W. (2022). Thinking About ‘Beowulf’. In Thinking About ‘Beowulf’. Stanford University Press. (https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/9781503621701/html?lang=en)

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