Beowolf

A detailed Summary of Beowolf

Poems that are written in the epic tradition and contain an epic hero almost always

involve the transition from an older hero to a newer younger hero. This aspect of epic

poetry is very common and there is a great example found in the passages of Beowulf

that we read. The author takes Beowulf through his life up until his tragic end when he is

defeated by the dragon and at that point in the poem he introduces the new hero Wiglaf a

young and honorable protector of his leader Beowulf. Wiglaf possessed and shared many

virtues of character with Beowulf which made him a worthy and distinguished successor

Wiglaf like Beowulf upheld the values of Anglo-Saxon culture- loyalty, bravery

and honor. Wiglaf proved his loyalty to Beowulf during his speech in which he says " I

remember how we sat in the mead-hall, drinking And boasting o

himself as being the only acceptable replacement as an epic hero and he displays how

obeys his leader until the end and carries out all his funeral processions in the manner

when he fights and slays the dragon alongside Beowulf. Wiglaf stays by Beowulf's side

help him and puts Beowulf's life before his own. These actions in the closing scenes of

swirl around Beowulf Wiglaf puts his life on the line to save his lord. He even says "I'd

when Beowulf Needed us, he who gave us these swords And armor: all of us swore to

Approximate Word count = 576
Approximate Pages = 2 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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