Beowulf and Metonymy
Beowolf is set in the time period of the 8th century and takes on the topic of heroism. By the hero, Beowulf, taking on and defeating 3 differnt monsters.
Monster 1: Is set in a kingdom of Denmark and is ruled by King Hrothgar. This kingdom is being attacked by a descendant of Cain, from the Biblical story of Cain and Able, known as Grendel. The Danes end up suffering to a great extent. That is until Beowulf sets sail to Denmark, with a small group of men, with the goal to defeat Grendel. After a dinner was held in Beowulf’s honor, he goes out and fights Grendel without any armour to prove a point. He ends up defeating Grendal by tearing off his arm. Which was later kept as a trophy for remembering the defeat. After this heroic battle another feast was held in Beowulfs honor. Songs or praise were sung in his honor as he was the one who defeated the might Grendel.
Monster 2: In seek of revenge for her sons death Grendel’s mother, a swamp-hag, comes to Heorot and murders Aeschere. He was one of King Hrothgar’s most trusted advisers. So to avenge Aeschere death a company of men, along with Beowulf set out for the Grendel’s mother in her underwater lair. Upon arrival Beowulf jumps head first into danger again and divers into the water engaging in a battle with Grendel’s mother. He again is on the side of victory killing her with a sword that was meant for a giant. Meanwhile he also completely purged the entire Danish countryside of monsters. This win began to spread Beowulf’s name across the Kingdom of Denmark. But Beowulf ends up returning back to Geatland where he is reunited with their king and queen telling them the stories of the battles he had encountered. Where he was again reward for his great accomplishments
Monster 3: Shortly after his arrival back in Geatland he is ascended into the throne of the Geats as Hygelac dies in the war against Shylfings along with his son. Ruling for 50 years, he has become old but once again he comes to the rescue after a thief disturbs a mound where a dragon guards a hourd of treasure. This is the only battle against a monster by which Beowulf receives help, from his friend Wiglaf. Beowulf is successful again killing the dragon, but with a cost. He is injured in the neck and dies of the venom shortly after the battle. Ending in fear across the Geatland Kingdom, with accordance to Beowulf’s wishes to be buried with treasure.
Metonymy is quite literally a name change. Some examples of this in Beowulf is when they refer to steel, they really are talking about a sword. Or the most prevalent is in reference to Grendel as “dark death-shadow”.
