Beowulf: Beowulf and the Dragon
1 2016-10-10T10:50:29-07:00 Jessica Visoky 8563b012e3c460eecf193829ef2c183c78128edc 11878 4 The image posted above is a depiction of the battle between Beowulf and the dragon that was wreaking havoc on the people of Geatland, where Beowulf lived and ruled. plain 2016-10-24T10:17:38-07:00 Jessica Visoky 8563b012e3c460eecf193829ef2c183c78128edcThis page is referenced by:
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Beowulf: Beowulf and the Dragon in Geatland
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Jessica Visoky's Page on Beowulf and the Dragon in Geatland
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Beowulf
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J. R. Skelton
Beowulf fights the dragon
In his prime, Beowulf was a heroic and honorable warrior. Although he is from Geatland, Beowulf risked his life to defend the Danish people from a murderous monster named Grendel. Upon his victory, Beowulf was showered with presents and praises, all of which continued long after the return to his homeland. Beowulf was eventually deemed king, and ruled over the Geats for many years. After much time passed, Beowulf eventually meets his final battle with a fire breathing monster. He slays the beast, but is badly injured in the process and dies valiantly following the fight. The multimedia image selected portrays Beowulf as a larger than life character. Even as an old, withered man, Beolwulf is visualized as a powerful, almost godly warrior. The positioning of his body shows his strength and determination to protect his people, and the oversized shield and sword represent dominance. It is also to be noted that Beowulf is the focal point of the picture, while only a small portion of the dragons head is depicted. This takes power and attention away from the dragon and puts it onto Beowulf. The subtle attention signifies how the people of Geatland glorify and idolize Beowulf as their savior and ruler. According to the journal "Beowulf and the Teaching of Leadership" the Geatish people admire Beowulf to a fault. "A vacuum of leadership has been created by Beowulf's death". There are "long-term negative consequences" that come along with the devout following of a king or ruler such as Beowulf. This image is important because it allows the audience a better understanding of how Beowulf was viewed by the people of Geatland. He was not an ordinary warrior and king, and was seen as a superior being. Everything he did was for the benefit of others, and because of this he earned a great deal of admiration and respect. Unfortunately, the Geats hid behind Beowulf's heroism for too long and were therefore unable to survive without him. Coming right from "The Grinnell Beowulf: A Translation With Notes" "Beowulf can battle the dragon, but this only really serves to ensure the annihilation of the Geats by their human enemies". "He cannot save the Danes from themselves". In order to understand the epic of Beowulf, one must first understand how the people of Geatland operate; and the way in which they rely on Beowulf as a means of survival.
Works Cited
Loughman, Tom, and John Finley. "Beowulf and the Teaching of Leadership." Journal of Leadership Education 9.1 (2010): 155-64. Print.
"The Grinnell Beowulf : A Translation with Notes (Revised)." Digital Grinnell |. Grinnell College, n.d. Web. 29 Oct. 2016.
