Beowulf

A detailed Summary of Beowulf


I am studying the movie The 13th Warrior which was written and produced by Michael Crichton and directed by John McTiernan. I want to find out how mythology is reflected through movies. By analyzing this film, I want to understand how mythology is transformed for a new generation. Although the media changes, mythology is present in The 13th Warrior.

Some people would say that The 13th Warrior is not based on mythology, but they are wrong. The 13th Warrior is actually based on an mythological poem. This poem entitled "Beowulf" is the epic telling of a great warrior and his heroism throughout his life. The 13th Warrior is an adaptation of "Beowulf".

"Beowulf" is an epic poem about a warrior and the battles he must face during his life. He is a Scandinavian hero who travels to save King Hrothgar's kingdom from the evil that plagues it. The first brute that Beowulf must face is Grendel. He is a creature that attacks under the cover of night to devour the flesh of humans. Unferth tells Beowulf of the difficulties that come with trying to slay the Grendel:

No matter, therefore, how you may have fared

in every bout and battle until now,

this time you'll be worsted; no one has ever


During the fight a weak and dying Buliwyf slays the leader of the Wendol. The Wendol cower into the woods, leaderless, and never attack after that. Buliwyf dies, soon after, a hero.

seems to like them. The epic poem illustrates the struggles of a warring society in their attempts to preserve the virtues of their culture. Film is the medium used to present visual metaphors for good and evil. Good usually triumphs over evil. The poetry of "Beowulf" provides verbal metaphors to highlight the same struggle.

Myths serve many purposes: religious, social, educational, instructional and didactic functions in a given society. They explain things, create heroes, display laws and customs at work. It doesn't seem to make much difference in the time period or the medium used to present them. Whatever the audience, everyone

Michael Crichton, writer and producer of The 13th Warrior , had a distinct vision that would bring the distinct vision that would bring the epic Beowulf to life. In his book, The 13th Warrior, Crichton states:



Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1388
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: Movies

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