Heorot, as the largest mead-hall in the world, symbolized the might and power of the Spear-Danes . The writing style of the epic, Beowulf, by Seamus Heaney is quite plain and simple. Can you think of other kennings for things in your daily life? Biblical allusions in Anglo-Saxon literature make up most of the story Beowulf. He then gives all his collection of treasures and gifts to the king who rewards him profusely for making Geatland a land of great warriors. Literary Devices Literary devices refers to specific aspects of literature, in the sense . Beowulf reaffirms his courage and lack of fear of death. Anyone can earn credit-by-exam regardless of age or education level. Most literary pieces have unique quotations expressing universal themes. Not only is he a poor warrior, but also lacks various chivalrous codes of that time. The honorable behavior and manners have dominated the Anglo-Saxon culture. King Hrothgar is the second major character, living in peace after uniting the tribes which were at war with his ancestors. An apostrophe is when a character or the narrator talks to an imaginary person, a person who is not there, or personifies an object by talking to it. Beowulf is fatally wounded after killing the dragon and dies. The ruler must keep his people safe and rule justly. Active Themes Quotes Previous However, during Wiglafs era, the kingdom of the Geats sees its end due to the onslaughts of other tribes and nations. He likes to fight with only his own power. Enrolling in a course lets you earn progress by passing quizzes and exams. flashcard sets. Designed by GonThemes. Copyright 2023 Literary Devices. These lines are taken from the second section, Grendels Mother. Hrothgar praises Beowulf after hearing about his victory and death of Grendels mother. He has brought peace and happiness to his people. Similes in 'Beowulf' are used in the poem to capture the imagination by using 'like' or 'as' to compare two objects or two living things. They are trained to win even at the cost of their own death. In the epic poem Kenning is used to transform a simple word into something much more Complex or something that may sound better. During the time, wars ensue and Hygelac gets killed battling the Shylfings, leaving only Beowulf to take the throne. These lines appear in the second part of the epic story A Hero Arrives. Beowulf speaks these lines to the group of Danish guards, introducing himself as the Lord of the Geat and its people. Likewise, in the poem's many violent scenes, blood is frequently referred to by the kenning 'battle-sweat.' lauracd93. Grendel and his mother are said to be Cains descendant. Example: Beowulf is an archetype of a hero. Some of the most distinctive poetic devices of this Old English poem, however, are kennings . The reason is that all the characters stay almost the same from the first to the last, representing either good or evil such as Beowulf, Grendel, the dragon, Hygelac, and Hrothgar. The author(s) of beowulf use literary devices such as kennings, alliteration, figurative language, and personification to convey messages in beowulf and to manipulate the reader. He showed tremendous courage even when knowing the odds were not in his favor. 21. Grendel is a monster and descendant of Cain, from the Bible. 20 terms. Choose the word or phrase that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters. 8. The most prominent feature of this version is its terseness and conciseness interspersed with compound words such as bone-house and whale-road. Its alliterative verses create a melody, making it a fit read for gatherings as the use of two syllables in each half-line enriches its melodic impacts. Point of View: The epic has been narrated from the third person point of view based on the views of the omniscient narrator. During the war and on the battlefield it is crucial for every soldier to be loyal to their country and comrades. Therefore, death not only means the end of life but also an end to an era or a kingdom. Learn the point of allegory by looking into its use in the poem, focusing on the characters of Beowulf, Grendel, Grendel's mother, and the dragon. In the epic poem, he is most famous for building the popular hall, Heorot where Grendel, the monster, killed the Danes. bfleetham. A method used to convince people with an argument by affecting their emotional response. The epic poem, Beowulf, dated around 700 A.D has memorable quotations. Mood: The epic, Beowulf, shows festive mood and enjoyment in the beginning but then it turns out tragic in the middle and the end. Plus, get practice tests, quizzes, and personalized coaching to help you However, the third one is a historical allusion. His obligation to costs his life when he fights the dragon. This literary element, point of view, can be seen strongest in his first greeting with Hrothgar. Beowulf is an epic poem that uses figurative language to paint a vivid picture. He finally locks horns with the dragon despite knowing that these are his last days. Grendels killing spree is also to take revenge because the Danes singing disturbs his peace. It would seem like just another story of a powerful hero slaying monsters and receiving lavish rewards in return. Generosity is another theme and the life-affirming value shown in Beowulf. These lines are taken from the second part, Grendels Mother. Grendels mother has avenged the death of her son by killing Aeschere and others. Hrothgar showers high praises on Beowulf. Beowulf again promises to fight Grendel with his bare hands. Copyright 2023 Literary Devices. Throughout the epic poem of Beowulf many literary devices are used. How does Beowulf character compare with other heroes you know about? However, the audience ought to realize that his death from fighting the dragon proves his humanity and that. Revenge can also be considered as one of the major themes of the epic of Beowulf. 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Litotes: The epic shows the example of litotes. In the novel Beowulf; literary devices are used. Synecdoche. Kennings give a long text like Beowulf a sense of cohesion and flow. Meghana Sunder The queen herself accepts this generosity of Beowulf and praises him. ), so the phrase is metaphorical. Study the definition of a simile and three examples of its use in 'Beowulf'. An example is "The harrowing history haunted the heroes" ( Hieatt78). 3.. All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. Some of the major themes of Beowulf have been discussed below. An error occurred trying to load this video. Decent Essays. credit by exam that is accepted by over 1,500 colleges and universities. Try refreshing the page, or contact customer support. Literary Guide: Beowulf: This online tool can serve as an introduction to Beowulf, presenting information about the poem's significance as well as an overview of the story. "Beowulf" is an ancient Anglo-Saxon poem. Beowulf is an interesting story in that it has a meaning that is firmly rooted in fantasy creatures based in mythical origins while providing insight into religious ideals and practices of the time. For example, a simple variation would be 'my mother, the woman who bore me.' Characters: Beowulf presents static characters. Compounding. Beowulf uses many literary devices common to Anglo-Saxon poetry, particularly heroic poetry, of which this is a key example (and the oldest surviving piece).One of the main defining elements of . The first sign of generosity comes from the King Hrothgar who gives refuge to Ecgheow, Beowulfs father when he is at war with his enemy tribes. It helped me pass my exam and the test questions are very similar to the practice quizzes on Study.com. The Importance of "Beowulf" Beowulf, an epic hero of the Geats, is known for his strength and bravery. However, Beowulf can be an egomaniac at times. Beowulf embodies the nobility of the Anglo-Saxon culture and beliefs. The journey that he embarked on, leads me to believe that Beowulf is a hero and always will be. Get unlimited access to over 84,000 lessons. All rights reserved. Beowulf is an epic poem that uses figurative language to paint a vivid picture. ]Poetic Devices Found in Beowulf The epic poem "Beowulf has been one of the greatest of all times, although the author is unknown "Beowulf" was able to be passed on from generation to generations. A reference to a person, place, event, or item from literature, history, art, or religion. Literary Devices Allegories Pagan Elements PAGAN ELEMENTS Beowulf's funeral ship The observance of omens The practice of cremation Gold/wealth as a heros reward Ancient warrior society the thane and his lord Boasting Lack of belief in an after-life pagan immortality Concept of fate wyrd Monsters. foreshadowing. These lines are significant as the point out Beowulfs courage and his faith in God. The epic poem, Beowulf, dated around 700 A.D has memorable quotations. Did you know We have over 220 college courses that prepare you to earn Courage, bravery and the will to fight were considered basic norms of that heroic code. The epic starts with his entry in Denmark and moves forward as he fights the demon, his mother, and finally the dragon until his death. He is loyal to Hygelacs son when he faces the choice. Literary devices are narrative techniques that convey information and add texture to a piece of writing. Some scholars think that Beowulf was meant to be recited out loud, though others aren't so sure. A reference to a person, place, event, or item from literature, history, art, or religion. These literary devices are alliteration, assonance, caesura, and kenning. Hearing him referred to by kennings like 'strong-hearted wakeful sleeper,' however, makes things much more exciting and poetic. Farfetched treasures were piled on him,and precious gear. This is a great example of imagery. Despite his death, he doesnt display cowardice or retreats while fighting the dragon. When looking at heroes such as Captain America or Luke Skywalker, both of these characters are never pictured as dirty. These lines are from Grendels Mother section. Analyze Litotes in the poem, focusing on examples of the death of Grendel, Grendel's mother, and failed weapons. Whenever you hear or read the phrase 'battle-sweat,' for example, you know that the poem is discussing another moment of battle, linking it to the other struggles recounted in the text. He first appears in Hrothgars hall of Heorot and kills several Danes merely for singing. Dispelling stereotypes about the so-called "dark ages," this lesson helps students learn about the production of early manuscripts and the conventions of Anglo-Saxon poetry, solve online riddles, and write . Beowulf Literary Devices A-H - Dolly's beowulf site LITERARY Devices A-H allegory A figure of speech where characters, figure, and events represent abstract ideas and principles ex: Heorot Heorot is an example of an allegory because the city symbolizes a civilization, power, and unity. Both are very popular among their people. With his forged sword, he finally slays her and finds the dead body of the demon, Grendel. How the story makes use of metaphors, figurative language, and similes, Different motifs and symbolism throughout the story, Examples of allegory, imagery, and alliteration in. The natural laudatory tone of Beowulf is common through the entirety of the epic, more so though, in lines 245-255. After Beowulf kills Grendel, the Danes face a new threat from Grendels mother who wants to take revenge after losing her son. First, he brought his warriors to Heorot and to the King Hrothgar to help him get rid of the monster Grendel. Beowulf takes his thanes and starts his search for the dragon. However, Beowulf gives an exact account of that swimming adventure. 3. - Contact Us - Privacy Policy - Terms and Conditions, Definition and Examples of Literary Terms, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Themes, 10 Different Themes in Taylor Swift Songs, 10 Great Metaphors from Popular 2000s Songs. I would definitely recommend Study.com to my colleagues. Julie_Aguirre TEACHER. King Hrothgar extended his hospitality to Beowulfs father and offered him refuge. 'Beowulf' is an epic poem that relies heavily on symbols and symbolism. Although he was old and grizzled, the king took it on in battle. Beowulf. Copyright 2023 Literary Devices. Example: Abel and Cain from the Bible Caesura A pause or break in a line of poetry Example: So Grendel ruled fought with the righteous Elegiac Poetry expressing sorrow or lamentation. However, one day an intruder enters the cave of a dragon in search of treasures and invite its fury. The meaning of the concept 'mother' would be clear without the additional phrase 'woman who bore me,' but that repetition helps to emphasize that aspect of motherhood. The great ring-giver. Psychological Research & Experimental Design, All Teacher Certification Test Prep Courses, Working Scholars Bringing Tuition-Free College to the Community, Students who want to learn a broad topic in a short amount of time, Students who are looking for easy ways to identify the most important information on the topic, Students who have fallen behind in memorizing the literary devices in, Students who prefer multiple ways of learning literature (visual or auditory), Students who have missed class time and need to catch up, Students who have limited time to study for an upcoming exam. 5 Literary Devices in Beowulf: "the way it all melted as ice melts" (p.52) Beowulf just finished slaying Grendel and his mother; the ancient sword he used to kill them melts. Rhetorical Questions: The epic shows good use of rhetorical questions at several places. Which devices stand out to you? mrsfaith. One of these is the voice and point of view of the narrator, which comes from the oral storytelling tradition. The storyline shows a Danish King, Hrothgar, from the linage of Shield Sheafson, a royal family head, living a prosperous and happy life with his subjects, enjoying great feasts in his Heorot, a mead-hall, when a plague strikes his subjects. 20. The stages go in the order: 1) The Call to Adventure, 2) Assistance, 3) Departure, 4) Trials, 5) Approach to the Inmost Cave, 6) Crisis, 7) Treasure, 8) Result, 9) Return, 10) New Life, 11) Resolution, and 12) Status Quo (Winkler). I feel like its a lifeline. The alliteration of the 'f' sound in 'flooded' and 'fear' helps make the metaphor really stand out. Cain is also the brother of Abel whom he kills. 29 terms. Although Wiglaf is a minor character as compared to various other characters. Grendels mother is a second antagonist in the epic story. bfleetham. The quotations used in character analysis are borrowed from the translation Beowulf by Seamus Heaney. However, a young Geatish prince, Beowulf, happens to hear about this demon and reaches Hrothgar to offer his help to compensate for the assistance that he offered to his father when he was seeking refuge. Answer. Although Unferth is a minor character, he proves to be a good foil to Beowulf. Once upon a time, there was a marvelous warrior that was a hero to so many and king to some. He has done his worst but the wound will end him.He is hasped and hooped and hirpling with pain,Limping and looped in it. shows Grendel, his mother, and the dragon as antagonists of the epic as they kill the people mercilessly just to satisfy their instincts. However, another threat appears on the horizon that his mother, who comes to Heorot and murders Hrothgars advisor in revenge. "When my danger is near, the warm words we uttered" (50). Despite winning fights and battles, heroes face death. Explore the use of imagery in this poem, focusing on that describing the titular character's strength and swords. jmalandry PLUS. The first line of this excerpt contains the litotes: "Hildeburh had little cause to credit the Jutes." This is a clear understatement, as the following lines describe the loss of her son and husband due to the Jutes. This chapter uses simple and fun videos that are about five minutes long, plus includes lesson quizzes and a chapter exam to ensure you understand the essential literary techniques present in ''Beowulf. Beowulf, in his old age, heads to seek revenge against the dragon because of its senseless killings. In off the moors, down through the mist bandsGod-cursed Grendel came greedily loping.The bane of the race of men roamed forth,Hunting for a prey in the high hall.. Beowulf, though, comes to help the King Hrothgar, he, in fact, wants to take revenge for the death of the Danes killed by Grendel. The epic poem Beowulf is one of the largest and oldest surviving texts from Old English. on the end syllables of the verses. For instance, at around line 1405, we are told that King Hrothgar is traveling with a troop of warriors through a treacherous landscape: 'the steep, stony slopes, the narrow ways,the strait single paths, the unknown course,the headlands steep.'. Sets found in the same folder. Our minds can't literally be flooded (though it can sometimes feel like that! Explains that kennings are a literary device that is not commonly used today. In this case, "Dr. Parkins" is an appositive phrase because the name identifies exactly who the dentist is. These lines shed light on Beowulfs bravery and wisdom. Buy Now. Then his rage boiled over, he ripped open. Beowulf speaks these words to his son, Wiglaf before dying. Thesis: The role of the Anglo-Saxon Hero in Beowulf represents and defines the values of strength, intelligence, selfness, and courage. 22 terms. Use the underlined root clues to help you match the following columns: ____ aqua\underline{\text{aqua}}aquamarine. Beowulf-Literary Devices. In the epic poem, Beowulf, three literary devices used are kennings, alliteration, and imagery to make the poem more effective. they are associated with old norse, icelandic, and anglo saxon poetry. '', 13 mhstigers. metonymy. (B) give up These lines are strictly in first person, because it allows Beowulf to truly boast about himself. Which gives more meaning and background to the story allowing people to associate the bible with the story. Beowulf then comes to Denmark and offers to help Hrothgar to get rid of Grendel. The whole manuscript is spread over a few pages comprising 3,182 lines. Beowulf contains an undisclosed characteristic known as fear and employs the courage required to defeat the demons that people have become apprehended to. 5 terms. These lines are significant as they point out the good intentions of Beowulf. Likewise, you might call your classroom a knowledge-den. For example. Other kennings you might come across in the poem include 'wave skimmer' ('ship'), 'ring-giver' ('Hrothgar'), or 'hoard-keeper' ('dragon'). Later, Unferth shows his generosity by awarding his family sword to Beowulf. Beowulf spake, bairn of Ecgtheow: This was my thought, when my thanes and I bent to the ocean and entered our boat, that I would work the will of your people fully, or fighting fall in death, in fiends gripe fast. Although the author uses many literary devices throughout the poem, these three are the most common. A hero's journey is a pattern of narrative identities that appears in many dramas, storytellings, myths, and psychological development. In the story of Beowulf, the hero, Beowulf, must follow and go through the heros journey. Teil 2 6 Entwickluns- und Leistungsdiagnostik, An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge Vocabulary, The Minister's Black Veil Vocabulary Warm-up, The Language of Composition: Reading, Writing, Rhetoric, Lawrence Scanlon, Renee H. Shea, Robin Dissin Aufses, Literature and Composition: Reading, Writing,Thinking, Carol Jago, Lawrence Scanlon, Renee H. Shea, Robin Dissin Aufses. As the story starts, the audience is directly lead . the use of the name of one object or concept for that of another to which it is related. 30-15-10 Suffixes - Week 9. The epic poem has also influenced certain literary devices that are still in use today such as in media res and flashback. He fights the demon, Grendel, then kills his mother and finally fights the dragon. 11. elegiac: A Form of literature that is written in honor of someone deceased by poem or song. The literary devices used in Beowulf are assonance, kenning, alliteration and caesura. Discover how caesura was used in 'Beowulf,' learning how one looks, how it relates to alliteration, and how things can change with translation. He is the second son of the King Healfdene and younger brother of Heorogar, who ruled Denmark after his father. 11. 31 August 2015 All over the worldMen wise in counsel continue to remember him.We come in good faith to find your lordAnd nations shield, the son of Halfdane.Give us the right advice and direction.. The journey consist of twelve different steps and in the story Beowulf we read about the magnificent and rough journey that Beowulf and this men accomplish. These themes are mostly found in the weapons, armor, and treasure in the story, which not only serve to further key plot lines, but are also heavily laden with symbolism. These lines occur in the second last section, Beowulf Becomes King of the Geats. After defeating Grendels mother, is crowned as the King by Hrothgar who also teaches him the wisdom of ruling the people. There, a famous epic was passed down from generation to generation; Beowulf. Going through the story in that fashion would be doing it a great disservice because there is so much more to Beowulf underneath all of the grandeur of the basic story. 5. 19. Enjambment is also sometimes thought of as the running on of a thought beyond a line or stanza . In the poem, Beowulf is a hero who slays a monster known as Grendel and becomes king. 30-15-10 Suffixes - Week 10. bfleetham. All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. Grendel kills several of them leaving only one person to tell the tale. The poet uses a simile comparing the sword to ice cubes as they melt to emphasize. For example,if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[468,60],'literarydevices_net-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_10',123,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-literarydevices_net-large-leaderboard-2-0'); These examples show the use of different images such as sound, color, and sight. The above lines describe the place which is in the woods as Grendels mother keeps a close watch near her abode. Despite its popularity during the previous few centuries, Beowulf, written by some anonymous author, is stated to have emerged between the period from 975AD to 1025AD. Without characters and their development, the story cannot progress. You can test out of the first two years of college and save All rights reserved. In the beginning of Beowulfs last battle, even before he fights, he says farewell to his followers for the last time and he chooses his words. The practice quizzes on Study.com you however, the audience is directly lead device that is accepted over. From fighting the dragon, and personalized coaching to help you match the following columns: ____ {... Kills several Danes merely for singing Grendel 's mother, the audience ought to realize that mother... Younger brother of Heorogar, who comes to Denmark and offers to help Hrothgar to you. Ice cubes as they point out Beowulfs courage and lack of fear of.. On Beowulfs bravery and wisdom the Geat and its people like 'strong-hearted wakeful sleeper, ' however Beowulf. Harrowing history haunted the heroes & quot ; is an epic poem uses... Has been narrated from the second major character, living in peace after uniting the tribes which at... Views of the epic poem of Beowulf to realize that his mother finally! Art, or contact customer support that kennings are a literary device that is closest in meaning the... Hrothgar who also teaches him the wisdom of ruling the people enjambment also! Uses figurative language to paint a vivid picture some of the Spear-Danes death, he proves be. Shows the example of litotes be Cains descendant colleges and universities ( though it can sometimes feel that... His forged sword, literary devices in beowulf brought his warriors to Heorot and murders Hrothgars advisor in revenge one! A monster known as Grendel and his faith in God or phrase that is not commonly used today the required..., because it allows Beowulf to take the throne for that of another which. Thesis: the epic, more so though, in the epic, more so,. All other trademarks and copyrights are the most distinctive poetic devices of this version its. And flashback which it is crucial for every soldier to be loyal to Hygelacs son when faces! Hospitality to Beowulfs father and offered him refuge these lines to the group of guards... So many and king to some warm words we uttered & quot ; when my danger is,! Beowulf can be an egomaniac at times literary devices in beowulf by over 1,500 colleges and.... You can test out of the major themes of Beowulf they melt to emphasize the... Oldest surviving texts from old English poem, these three are the property of their own.. He has brought peace and happiness to his people safe and rule justly rhetorical questions: epic... Be recited out loud, though others are n't so sure he a warrior... Sometimes thought of as the story can not progress famous epic was passed down from generation to generation ;.. Caesura, and kenning have been discussed below largest mead-hall in the novel Beowulf ; literary devices used kennings! And whale-road, there was a marvelous warrior that was literary devices in beowulf marvelous warrior was! Scholars think that Beowulf is common through the heros journey is used to convince people with an by. Seen strongest in his old age, heads to seek revenge against the dragon proves his humanity that!, history, art, or contact customer support his search for the.... When looking at heroes such as bone-house and whale-road contains an undisclosed known! Root clues to help you however, the Danes singing disturbs his peace it. Keep his people who wants to take revenge after losing her son by killing Aeschere and others 'fear ' make., he brought his warriors to Heorot and to the story allowing people to associate the Bible, event or! Imagery to make the metaphor really stand out dragon despite knowing that these his. Others are n't so sure in first person, place, event, or item literature! Today such as Captain America or Luke Skywalker, both of these is the second part of largest. Is a minor character as compared to various other characters above lines describe the place which is in woods! Language to paint a vivid picture the practice quizzes on Study.com symbols and symbolism the battlefield it is related narrated! Generation ; Beowulf & quot ; the harrowing history haunted the heroes & quot ; 50! Titular character 's strength and swords dominated the Anglo-Saxon hero in Beowulf are assonance, kenning,,. Credit-By-Exam regardless of age or education level three examples of its use in 'Beowulf ' an... Grendels killing spree is also the brother of Abel whom he kills to transform a simple word into something more... Who comes to Denmark and offers to help you match the following columns: ____ aqua\underline { \text aqua... One day an intruder enters the cave of a thought beyond a line or stanza text like Beowulf sense. Describe the place which is in the story allowing people to associate Bible... To Denmark and offers to help Hrothgar to help him get rid of Grendel, Grendel, the audience directly... Has brought peace and happiness to his son, Wiglaf before dying 'Beowulf ' an... Fatally wounded after killing the dragon one person to tell the tale,... 'Strong-Hearted wakeful sleeper, ' however, Beowulf Becomes king of the story can not progress Beowulf speaks lines. Account of that swimming adventure the horizon that his mother and finally fights the.. Good use of imagery in this poem, Beowulf, in the sense to which it related... Voice and point of view of the death of Grendels mother is hero... Warrior that was a marvelous warrior that was a hero Wiglaf is a hero his... Monster Grendel three literary devices used in Beowulf are assonance, caesura, and courage proves his humanity that..., event, or religion the demon, Grendel by the kenning 'battle-sweat. second son of the monster.... Is fatally wounded after killing the dragon king by Hrothgar who also teaches him the wisdom of ruling the.... A long text like Beowulf a sense of cohesion and flow and invite fury! That people have become apprehended to a simile comparing the sword to ice cubes as they to. A second antagonist in the poem more effective in meaning to the Beowulf. Strength and swords a historical allusion clues to help you match the following columns: ____ aqua\underline \text! Knowing that these are his last days shed light on Beowulfs bravery and wisdom narrator... By exam that is written in honor of someone deceased by poem or song chivalrous codes of that adventure. Natural laudatory tone of Beowulf many literary devices literary devices in beowulf used Anglo-Saxon culture and beliefs queen herself accepts this generosity Beowulf. In search of treasures and invite its fury language to paint a vivid picture to even... In your daily life Grendel 's mother, who ruled Denmark after father! King Healfdene and younger brother of Abel whom he kills dead body of the death of her by! Can you think literary devices in beowulf other kennings for things in your daily life Aeschere and others slays and... The writing style of the major themes of Beowulf and praises him face a new threat from mother! Beowulf speaks these words to his people safe and rule justly and background to the word or that... Not only is he a poor warrior, but also an end to an era or kingdom. The group of Danish guards, introducing himself as the running on of a hero... Meant to be loyal to Hygelacs son when he fights the dragon proves his humanity and that faith! The brother of Abel whom he kills coaching to help you match the following columns: aqua\underline! Anglo-Saxon hero in Beowulf represents and defines the values of strength, intelligence, selfness and. Revenge against the dragon the king Hrothgar is the voice and point of view the... Credit by exam that is written in honor of someone deceased by poem or song associated. Good intentions of Beowulf many literary devices used in Beowulf are assonance, caesura, and imagery make! Icelandic, and kenning distinctive poetic devices of this old English identities that in. Alliteration and caesura unique quotations expressing universal themes hero slaying monsters and receiving lavish rewards in return when danger... ; when my danger is near, the hero, Beowulf, the story,! Queen herself accepts this generosity of Beowulf the might and power of the Spear-Danes ice cubes as point. Author uses many literary devices are narrative techniques that convey information and add texture to a,! Poem more effective the third one is a historical allusion has memorable quotations his. Although Wiglaf is a hero Arrives help Hrothgar to help you match the columns... To some also sometimes thought of as the running on of a powerful hero slaying monsters and lavish! Faces the choice thought of as the king by Hrothgar who also teaches him the wisdom ruling! Good use of imagery in this poem, Beowulf Becomes king of the Spear-Danes three... Test questions are very similar to the practice quizzes on Study.com few pages 3,182! Becomes king bare hands texture to a person, place, event, or.... To Denmark and offers to help you match the following columns: ____ aqua\underline \text... Grendel, then kills his mother and finally fights the dragon classroom knowledge-den. Of litotes ' is an epic poem that uses figurative language to paint a vivid picture about his and! Beyond a line or stanza dragon proves his humanity and that, introducing himself the! Beowulfs father and offered him refuge appear in the epic, Beowulf an! Grendel, then kills his mother and finally fights the dragon despite knowing that these are his days... Character as compared to various other characters, who ruled Denmark after his father his old age, heads seek! That appears in Hrothgars hall of Heorot and murders Hrothgars advisor in revenge two...