Duong 1

Crystal Duong
Mrs. Hohl
Literature in Modern Media
2 October 2014
Good Vs. Evil
One of the main themes of the epic poem, Beowulf, is the battle between good and evil.
Beowulf represents the ability to perform good and rid the land of evil. Therefore, evil is
presented by Grendel, Grendels mother, and the dragon whom they all are a threat to mankind.
Overall, the repetitive struggle to save humanity in the epic poem, demonstrates the forces of
good versus evil.
A variety of evil monsters constantly threaten the people of Denmark providing a need
for a warrior name Beowulf. One of the threats is Grendel, a powerful monster that live downs in
the darkness. He is a savage beast that continually devours humans. The quote states that, So
Hrothgars men lived happy in his hall till the monster stirred, that demon, that fiend, Grendel,
who haunted the moors, the wild Marshes, and made his home in a hell not hell but earth. (1519). This proves that Grendel is disrupting humanitys peace and happiness. The people think of
him as demon and that he is bringing hell to earth. Here is when Beowulf comes in and slays the
monster, A prince of the Geats, had killed Grendel, ended the grief, the sorrow, the suffering
forced on Hrothgars helpless people by a bloodthirsty fiend. (352-355). Humanity sees
Beowulf as an epic hero, who saves the innocents lives. He ends the sorrow and suffering from
the terrible monster. Basically, The Battle with Grendel initiates the beginning fight of good
versus evil in the epic story.

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Shortly after, another monster shows up and stirs up some trouble. That demon is
grendels mother seeking revenge for her only son. For instance, Her visit ended their good
fortune, reversed the bright vane of their luck. No female, no matter how fierce, could have come
with a mans strength, fought with the power and courage men fight with, smashing their shining
swords, their bloody, hammer-forged blades onto boar-headed helmets, slashing and stabbing
with the sharpest of points. (399-404). Although one monster has died, another still lives. Evil
never goes away, but itll always be defeated. Fearlessly, Beowulf prepares for battle, Her body
fell to the floor, lifeless, the sword was wet with her blood, and Beowulf rejoiced at the sight.
The brilliant light shone, suddenly, as though burning in that hall, and as bright as Heavens own
candle, lit in the sky. (line 523-528). With Grendels mother destroyed, peace is restored to the
land of the Danes. To illustrate, the light represents Beowulfs victory and how light is
superior to darkness. One again, Beowulf is victorious.
Finally, in Beowulfs last battle against the dragon sparks the ending of the good versus
evil in the epic story. At last, Beowulf is king of the Geats and rules for 50 years, but then a
dragon begins terrorizing them. He takes on the challenge and says, Ive never known fear, as a
youth I fought in endless battles. I am old, now, but I will fight again, seek fame still, if the
dragon hiding in his tower dares to face me. (607-611). Thus, Beowulf never quits and stills
continue to save his people. With Wiglafs help, together they finally succeed in killing the beast.
Afterwards, Beowulf is severely injured and passes away. In contrast, Beowulfs followers
rode, mourning their beloved leader, crying that no better king had ever lived, no prince so mild,
no man so open to his people, so deserving of praise. (893-897). The death of Beowulf causes
everyone to be depress and full of sorrow. He is a brave warrior and died honorably. To
summarize, Beowulf is a hero to mankind.

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Briefly, many sacrifices are made between good and evil. For example, Beowulf and his
men, the Geats sacrifice their lives to fight the monsters. They knew they wouldnt make it alive,
but they still fought with bravery. Hence, the conflict is between a courageous warrior and the
demons of hell itself. Also, the forces of good battling the forces of evil again and again. In the
end, good triumphs against evil.