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 induce the heavy door with his beastly hands and instantly devours a Geatish warrior, it immediately tells us that the first climax of the epic Beowulf has arrived. As Beowulf measuredly watches Grendel translate action, Grendel reaches come out of the closet to snatch Beowulf as his next meal. Surprised, Grendel becomes extremely frightened to discover that there is another being stronger than himself when Beowulf, using his vice-like grip, pulls Grendels arm 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 thrown to record Beowulfs victory by reciting and singing stories about the other(prenominal) kings. A Danish scop recites the story of Sigemund, a great hero who slays a horrible dragon. The dragon is a keeper of a treasure chest that Sigemund wins by slaying the dragon. T he treasure won by Sigemund resembles the gold rewards earned by Beowulf from the ring-giver, King Hrothgar. This Norse myth is obviously recited at Beowulfs celebration to comparing 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 comparing and contrasting Beowulf to two different kings, the narrator is indicating that Beowulf will be king afterwards in the epic. Yet we readers shouldnt immediately think that Beowulf will be an evil or a good king. This leaves us to carefully observe more(prenominal) of Beowulfs character throughout Beowulf. During the celebration, King Hrothgar delivers an appreciation and dedication speech to Beowulf and his victory. From Hrothgars speech, we understand that he feels himself to be bound in a new blood with Beowulf by his great service. He states, Beowulf, best 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 even gives advice to Beowulf about how to act as an intelligent linguistic rule through his own experience.