The Epic Poem, Beowulf - Vengeance and Revenge in Beowulf...

Vengeance and Revenge in Beowulf The oldest of the great lengthy poems written in English and perhaps the lone survivor of a genre of Anglo-Saxon epics, Beowulf, was written by an unknown Christian author at a date that is only estimated. Even so, it is a remarkable narrative story in which the poet reinvigorates the heroic language, style, and values of Germanic oral poetry. He intertwines a number of themes including good and evil, youth and old age, paganism and Christianity and the heroic ideal code, into his principal narrative and numerous digressions and episodes; all of which were extremely important to his audience at the time. Vengeance, part of the heroic code, was regarded differently by the two distinct religions.†¦show more content†¦The failure to take revenge or to exact compensations was considered shameful. Hence when Grendel attacks Heorot and slaughters thirty of Hrothgars men, Hrothgar sat stricken and helpless, humiliated by the loss of his guard, bewildered ... in deep distress, ( L.130-133) not only for the loss of his man but also for the dishonour of his inability to kill Grendel or enforce the wergild. For twelve years, Hrothgar suffers in shame because Grendel would never parley or make peace with any Dane nor stop his death-dealing nor pay the death-price. (L. 154-156) However, revenge motivates the people in this pagan society, and before long, news of Hrothgars troubles reach far and wide, including Geatland. Beowulf feels compelled to come to Hrothgars aid, not only for fame and glory, but also to settle an old feud between their kin. Before long, Beowulf, the Geat captain had boldly fulfilled his boast to the Danes: he had healed and relieved a huge distress, unremitting humiliations. (L. 827-830) Before Beowulf killed Grendel, one of his Geats had to die by the hands of Grendel. According to the honour of the heroic code, vengeance had to be imposed and compensation, a price in gold, was settled for the Geat Grendel had cruelly killed earlier. (L. 1052-1054) This is another example of how revenge is intricated into their society, and in this case Hrothgar, being the noble king that he is, pays theShow MoreRelatedRevenge In Beowulf And Iliad1605 Words   |  7 Pagesdictionary Vengeance or revenge is defined as â€Å"a punishment inflicted in retaliation for an injury or offense†. Vengeance could be classified as a form of justice at times. And is seen through Beowulf and Iliad. In Beowulf, it seen through numerous characters. Revenge is a unique emotion in which is can be very motivating to accomplish a certain task, to serve for justice. In Iliad, Achilles using the feeling of Revenge to complete his journey. 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