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Beowulf Essay In the duration of Seamus Heaney’s rendition of Beowulf, Beowulf was faced with many difficult challenges. Three of which had a particular role in delineating his character: the battle with Grendel, the battle with Grendel’s mother, and his final battle, that of which was with a dragon. In each of the fore-mentioned, Beowulf had specific challenges, disadvantages and advantages. Each of these altered Beowulf’s character, showing evidence in his acts of heroism. The first of the three challenges Beowulf is faced with is his battle with Grendel. In this battle, Grendel was caught eating one of Beowulf’s soldiers. As he was fleeing, Beowulf grabbed the out stretched hand of Grendel, and twisted it off. “The monster’s whole body was in pain, a tremendous wound appeared on his shoulder. Sinews split and the bone-lappings burst.”(1) Tenacity on Beowulf’s behalf shows much of his heroic character, which is a defining trait related to the challenges he endured. This tenacity allowed Beowulf to hold on tightly to Grendel’s arm, as well as to his promise with King Hrothgar, making him both victorious and honorable. Being honorable showed the King as well as the Danes, that if Beowulf made a promise, (that he would destroy Grendel and protect the Danes) that he could keep that promise. Beowulf proved himself, and rightfully boasted. “The brave captain boldly fulfilled his boasts to the Danes.”(2) In this battle with Grendel, Beowulf faced both advantages and disadvantages. Beowulf was sleeping when Grendel attacked, which made Beowulf at a disadvantage. “He (Grendel) saw many men in the mansion, sleeping, a ranked company of kinsmen and warriors quartered together.”(3) However, Beowulf was stronger than Grendel, and he had soldiers.
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