The First Monster at Heorot in Beowulf :: Epic of Beowulf Essays

The First Monster at Heorot in BeowulfWhen Grendel monstrously bursts into Heorot, divide d receive the heavy door with his beastly hands and instantly devours a Geatish warrior, it immediately ordains us that the first climax of the larger-than-life Beowulf has arrived. As Beowulf cautiously watches Grendel take action, Grendel reaches out to snatch Beowulf as his next meal. Surprised, Grendel becomes extremely shake to discover that there is another being stronger than himself when Beowulf, using his vice-like grip, pulls Grendels encircle from his socket. The monster, Grendel, howls with pain and runs out of Heorot leaving his blood-spattered arm still in Beowulfs hands. An enormous celebration is thr consume to record Beowulfs victory by reciting and singing stories about the past queen mole rats. A Danish scop recites the story of Sigemund, a great hero who slays a horrible dragon. The dragon is a flight attendant of a treasure chest that Sigemund wins by slaying the drag on. The treasure won by Sigemund resembles the gold rewards earned by Beowulf from the ring-giver, top executive Hrothgar. This Norse ro homophilece is obviously recited at Beowulfs celebration to compare both Sigemunds and Beowulfs heroic acts. The Danish warriors want to show their appreciation to Beowulf with such mythology This man undertook with his art to recite in turn Beowulfs exploit, and skillfully to tell an apt tale, to lend words to it (Tuso 16). What is so remarkable about the epic Beowulf is that the narrator contrasts Beowulfs super-heroic accomplishments with Heremod. Heremod is known as an evil Danish king who turns against his own people. This is clearly a symbol of the reverse of Beowulfs characteristics. By comparison and contrasting Beowulf to two different kings, the narrator is indicating that Beowulf volition be king later in the epic. Yet we readers shouldnt immediately think that Beowulf will be an evil or a good king. This leaves us to guardedly obse rve more of Beowulfs character throughout Beowulf. During the celebration, King Hrothgar delivers an appreciation and allegiance speech to Beowulf and his victory. From Hrothgars speech, we understand that he feels himself to be bound in a new relationship with Beowulf by his great service. He states, Beowulf, scoop of men, in my heart I will love you as a son (Tuso 17). Beowulf readers should start taking careful notice as King Hrothgar gradually becomes a mentor and a father-like figure to Beowulf. To some extent, Hrothgar eventide gives advice to Beowulf about how to act as an intelligent ruler through his own experience.