Journal 3

The tone of the ending in Beowulf is very mournful because of Beowulf’s death. Beowulf, the great warrior from the Geats travels to the Danes to relinquish the devilish monster, Grendel. An offspring of Cain, Grendel wreaks havoc, and diminishes Hrothgar’s, the king of the Danes, power.  Beowulf easily defeated Grendel with his bare hands, and removed the gloom that loomed over the Danes. Soon after killing Grendel, Beowulf faced Grendel’s mother, a hellish monster more gruesome than Grendel. Although the fight could have gone either way, Beowulf managed to slay Grendel’s mother with a sword. Defeating both malevolent monsters, Beowulf was flooded with respect, gifts and fame. Although Beowulf was undisputedly the strongest warrior of all the nations, he still wished for more fame. Finding the large, ancient red dragon, Beowulf decided that killing it would be the ultimate task. After an epic battle, Beowulf had won, but payed the ultimate price—his life. Although Beowulf was able to defeat the Dragon, he died from the battle wounds. Beowulf ends with Beowulf’s loyal men carrying his body away, preparing for his funeral. In the end Beowulf had fame, but was not able to live the life of a king or lavishly enjoy his gifts.