A discussion on Beowulf.

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“For fate always spares the unmarked man if he keeps his courage.” (page 43 line 507)

The Anglo-Saxon epic of “Beowulf” tells the ancient, yet familiar, story that a good deed will often prevail over the evil in the world.  Fate and courage are often among the topic of discussion when addressing the story of Beowulf and Grendel.  I believe that Beowulf has a deep belief that fate, in the end, will be the deciding factor of everything that he does.  This sense of fate gives Beowulf the courage to attempt even the most daring missions as long as he keeps his courage. While some look at Beowulf as boasting, I think it is his way of keeping faith in himself.

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After hearing that a horrible beast has been murdering innocent soldiers as they slept in their mead hall, Beowulf sails across the ocean to offer his assistance to King Hrothgar, ruler of the Danes.  Upon his arrival he begins to boast of his past battles, even stating that he will fight the beast, Grendel, without the use of “sword and strong shield.” Unferth, a jealous warrior of the King, was quick to recount the story of when Beowulf lost a swimming match.  Beowulf denounces Unferth’s claim as drunken talk, and instead declares himself the real conqueror since he had ...

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