The Hero vs Villian Dichotomy in Beowulf

Casey Kerins AP English Literature 10/1/12 In the heroical Beowulf, composed in the 8th century, the reader follows the protagonist, Beowulf, on a series of adventures to defeat three place monsters. This old English poem uses a series of motifs to help develop its themes, known as dichotomies. Dichotomies, delineate as opposites on the same spectrum, range from ethical and evil to young and old, light and dark to Christianity and paganism. completely these dichotomies are represented clearly in the text however the concept of Heroes and scoundrels can be pulled in many different directions.Although Beowulf is always the hero, it is questionable as to if his three opponents are simply villains. In the beginning(a) of Beowulfs three battles, he fights Grendel, an evil creaturefull of envy and anger (13). Grendel, a deuced descendent of Cain who lived in the darkness, attacked the people out of anger and jealousy, for they were constantly rejoicing and celebrating. When Beowu lf heard of Grendels murders and attacks, he set out to avenge the Danes. Although Grendel is protected by his sorceries, Beowulf is victorious in defeating him by brut exclusivelyy drag Grendels arm from his socket, fatally wounding him.In this battle, Grendel is very obviously the villain, and Beowulf the triumphant hero. According to the text, Grendel was a sanguineous and evil creature 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 thoughts life from its body 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 always for helping his prevail. The second battle is between Beo wulf, once again, and Grendels mother. Grendels mother, who remained nameless throughout the poem, is described as that wife of trolls, and a hag, although she is not depicted as shuddery or monstrous. She was mournful and attacked Heorot to avenge the death of her son. Being more than of an angry, scared woman and not a bloodthirsty monster, she quickly realized her mistake in attack and fled for her life, taking a chieftain with her.Beowulf went to crush the beast, and succeeded in bloodily killing Grendels mother. The text says he smote so ferociously that it caught her by the neck, gaolbreak her bones (57). Beowulf again proved 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 do with it, further thought suggests it is not that simple. As a warrior and hero, Beowulf upholds himself to the heroic code, calling for courage, honor, and venge ance.If our standards for a hero repose on these three qualities, is not Grendels mother as heroic as the Hero? She is in effect(p) 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 carriage 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 years after Beowulf defeats Grendel and his mother, and he is now an old king.Beneath the land Beowulf ruled lies a dragon, 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 goblet from the cave. When the goblet was not given back, the dragon attacked villages and incinerated the countryside. Beowulf, who once again sought vengeance and to protect his p eople, 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 something to his people. This battle is as well as complicated. Is the dragon evil for simply protecting what was his? Or is it wrong for the dragon to attack all the land, oer a single goblet? The dragon is described as being an evil monster with war-making and diabolic 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 support 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 open 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.