The Hero vs Villian Dichotomy in Beowulf

Casey Kerins AP side Literature 10/1/12 In the heroic poem Beowulf, be in the 8th century, the reader follows the protagonist, Beowulf, on a serial publication of adventures to flog ternary key monsters. This old English poem uses a series of motifs to help develop its themes, known as dichotomies. Dichotomies, defined as opposites on the same spectrum, range from good and evil to young and old, light and unsung to Christianity and paganism. All these dichotomies are represented clearly in the text heretofore the concept of Heroes and Villains can be pulled in many different directions.Although Beowulf is invariably the hero, it is questionable as to if his three opponents are simply baddies. In the branch of Beowulfs three actions, he fights Grendel, an evil animate beingfull of look up to and anger (13). Grendel, a cursed descendent of Cain who lived in the darkness, attacked the people go forth of anger and jealousy, for they were constantly rejoicing and celebrating . When Beowulf heard of Grendels murders and attacks, he align out to avenge the Danes. Although Grendel is valueed by his sorceries, Beowulf is victorious in defeating him by brutally pulling Grendels arm from his socket, fatally wounding him.In this battle, Grendel is rattling on the face of it the villain, and Beowulf the triumphant hero. According to the text, Grendel was a bloodthirsty and evil pecker who enjoyed the pain and suffering of others in no way can the creature be redeemed. The poem says, then Grendels heart laughed, for the savage beast was in the mood to sever each souls life from its remains before daybreak as he saw this opportunity to satisfy his slaughterous appetite (33). Grendel is an evil creature, and his actions are for selfish and personal reasons. Beowulf, on the other hand, is the Hero, who fights for the good of others, and defends the helpless.Although he does desire glory, Beowulf gives thanks to God continuously for helping his prevail. The second battle is between Beowulf, again, and Grendels drive. Grendels mother, who remained unidentified throughout the poem, is described as that wife of trolls, and a hag, although she is not picture as scary or monstrous. She was mournful and attacked Heorot to avenge the death of her son. existence to a greater extent of an angry, scared woman and not a bloodthirsty monster, she cursorily realized her mistake in attacking and fled for her life, taking a boss with her.Beowulf went to destroy the beast, and succeeded in bloodily killing Grendels mother. The text says he smote so brutally that it caught her by the neck, breaking her bones (57). Beowulf again proven victorious, a hero in the eyes of the Danes. This second battle is more complicated than the first. Although one can merely say Beowulf is the hero, Grendels mother is the villain and be done with it, further thought suggests it is not that simple. As a warrior and hero, Beowulf upholds himself to the heroic code, ca lling for courage, honor, and vengeance.If our standards for a hero rest on these three qualities, is not Grendels mother as heroic as the Hero? She is honorable in trying to avenge her sons death, just as Beowulf was with Grendel and the Danes. She shows courage by attacking Heorot, full of warriors, and obviously wants vengeance for her sons death. Although Grendels mother is ugly in appearance and a descendent of Cain, therefore cursed and evil, she is justified in retaliating, and possesses the three qualities of a hero. The final battle takes place fifty age after Beowulf defeats Grendel and his mother, and he is now an old king.Beneath the land Beowulf ruled lies a potassium hydrogen tartrate, guarding a large amount of treasure and ancient heirlooms. The dragon, which lived unprovoked for three hundred years, was disturbed when a slave stole a chalice from the cave. When the chalice was not given back, the dragon attacked villages and incinerated the countryside. Beowulf, who once again sought-after(a) vengeance and to protect his people, went after the dragon with 11 men. When they saw how ferocious the beast was, all but one fled in fear. Beowulf and Wiglaf fought the dragon and succeeded in killing it, unfortunately at the cost of Beowulfs life.Before Beowulfs death, he asks to see the treasure to comfort him and know he is giving somewhatthing to his people. This battle is similarly complicated. Is the dragon evil for simply protecting what was his? Or is it molest for the dragon to attack all the land, over a single goblet? The dragon is described as being an evil monster with war-making and blamed rage (75). Beowulf, the old hero and king, sought out the dragon to protect his kingdom. The dichotomy of Hero and Villain is plainly seen here Beowulf is the hero, and the evil dragon is the villain.Although the dragon was wronged when the slave stole from the cave, Beowulf is the hero in defending his people from the attacks. In each of the three battles, a dichotomy of hero and villain is weaved into the text. Beowulf is, of course, assumed to be the hero, but how much his opponents are evil is equal to(p) to discussion. Beowulfs opponents have many evil traits in them, but some are justified in what they do, and even present characteristics of a hero. The Epic Beowulf presents good and evil and hero versus villain in different ways within each battle, that contribute as a whole to its theme.