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  • Essay / Examples of External Conflicts in Beowulf

    Examples of External Conflicts in BeowulfSay no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why violent video games should not be banned”?Get the original essayBeowulf, the epic poem composed anonymously in Old English, tells the story of a hero named Beowulf who embarks on a series of heroic quests. Throughout the poem, Beowulf faces many external conflicts that test not only his physical strength but also his moral character. These conflicts highlight themes of heroism, honor, and the struggle between good and evil. In this essay, we will explore several examples of external conflicts in Beowulf and examine their importance in shaping the narrative and the protagonist's journey. One of the most prominent examples of external conflict in Beowulf is the battle between Beowulf and the monster Grendel. Grendel, a ferocious creature descended from the biblical Cain, terrorizes the kingdom of Heorot by devouring its warriors. Beowulf, hearing of the kingdom's fate, sets out to defeat Grendel and restore peace. The conflict between Beowulf and Grendel is not only a physical confrontation but also a clash between good and evil, as Grendel personifies the forces of darkness and chaos. In the battle with Grendel, Beowulf shows his immense strength and courage. He engages in hand-to-hand combat with the monster, eventually defeating it by ripping off its arm. This conflict illustrates Beowulf's heroic qualities and his willingness to face evil head on. Additionally, it symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and the restoration of order in the kingdom. Another example of conflict outside of Beowulf is the battle between Beowulf and Grendel's mother. Seeking revenge for her son's death, Grendel's mother attacks Heorot and kidnaps one of her warriors. Beowulf, driven by his sense of duty and honor, ventures into Grendel's mother's lair to rescue the captive. This conflict presents a new challenge for Beowulf, as he must face a powerful and cunning opponent in an unfamiliar environment. The battle with Grendel's mother is a pivotal moment in Beowulf's journey. He plunges into the murky depths of a supernatural lake, defying the limits of mortal strength and endurance. In this conflict, Beowulf demonstrates not only physical prowess, but also mental strength and ingenuity. He ultimately triumphs by using a magic sword to kill Grendel's mother, thus avenging the warriors and ensuring his own reputation as a heroic figure. In addition to these individual conflicts, Beowulf also faces external conflicts in the form of the dragon. In the last part of the poem, Beowulf, now an aging king, must face a formidable dragon who threatens his kingdom. This conflict represents the inevitable clash between mortality and the forces of destruction. The dragon, guarding a treasure, embodies the greed and corruption that can consume even the mightiest of heroes. The battle with the dragon is Beowulf's final test and his final act of heroism. Despite his advanced age, Beowulf refuses to back down and confronts the dragon head on. In this conflict, he is not only fighting for his kingdom but also for his own legacy. Beowulf's steadfastness and determination in the face of certain death highlight his unwavering commitment to honor and duty. It is through these external conflicts that Beowulf's character is truly tested and developed. Each battle he faces presents a new challenge, forcing him to confront his own limitations and make difficult choices. These conflicts highlight the themes of heroism, honor, and the struggle between good and evil that permeate the poem. Keep.