The Great People Built A Pyre For Beowulf, Stacked And Decke ✓ Solved

The Geat people built a pyre for Beowulf, stacked and decked

In this passage from Beowulf, how is the king and warrior Beowulf remembered? Connect this representation of Beowulf’s legacy to the history and/or literature covered in this course. Choose at least two historical events or literary works covered in this course and examine how leaders/heroes are remembered after their deaths. Compare how two leaders or heroes from this course have been remembered in history in literature or in historical writings.

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In the epic poem Beowulf, the titular character is remembered with great reverence and respect after his death. The passage describing the construction of his funeral pyre encapsulates the essence of his legacy, as it describes the honor and mourning bestowed upon him by his people. The pyre, decorated with weapons and armor, symbolizes Beowulf's valor as a warrior and king, highlighting how he is remembered not just for his deeds in life but also for the impact he had on his people. The intense mourning following his death and the emphasis on praising his exploits reflect a cultural practice deeply embedded in the traditions of heroism and honor. This essay will analyze how Beowulf is memorialized, comparing his legacy to that of two other significant figures from history and literature: Achilles from Homer's Iliad and Alexander the Great, the famed Macedonian conqueror. These figures, like Beowulf, have left a mark on history through their heroic actions, and have been remembered for different reasons depending on the cultural contexts of their respective eras.

Beowulf's Legacy

Beowulf's memory is closely tied to his deeds as both a warrior and a king. His journey from a young hero defeating Grendel to an aging ruler protecting his kingdom from a dragon illustrates the essential qualities of bravery, loyalty, and selflessness. After his battle with Grendel, he is celebrated not just for the victory but for defending King Hrothgar’s people, thereby solidifying his reputation as a protector. The passage describing his funeral illustrates the communal respect and love for Beowulf, marking him as a leader who inspired loyalty and admiration. His warriors not only recall his heroic feats but also express gratitude for his leadership, which emphasizes the moral and ethical standards he upheld as a king.

Comparative Analysis with Achilles

In comparing Beowulf to Achilles, the Greek hero from The Iliad, a dichotomy in their legacies becomes apparent. Achilles is remembered for his unparalleled prowess in battle but also for his tragic flaws—pride, rage, and the quest for personal glory often overshadow his heroism. Achilles’ legacy is complicated; he is celebrated yet criticized for his wrath and refusal to fight until the death of Patroclus leads him to confront his own fate. His death is mourned, but his story serves as a cautionary tale about the futility of excessive pride. Similarly, like Beowulf, Achilles is given a grand funeral; however, the focus on personal glory in Achilles's case contrasts with the communal gratitude expressed in Beowulf's narrative.

Alexander the Great's Remembrance

Turning to history, Alexander the Great presents another fascinating figure when analyzing the remembrance of leaders. His legacy is one of conquest, ambition, and unparalleled military strategy, leading to widespread admiration that arguably surpasses his known flaws. The extent of his empire and his vision to unify diverse cultures are often celebrated, emphasizing his role as both a conqueror and a cultural icon. After his death, Alexander was revered in various forms, including the establishment of cities named after him, which not only signifies his impact but also how he's remembered as a lasting symbol of aspiration and leadership. Like Beowulf, he is memorialized through grand monuments and the writings of historians, ensuring that his legend endures well beyond his lifetime.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Beowulf’s legacy as a hero is marked by the honor and respect shown through the construction of his pyre, symbolizing the values of bravery and loyalty in the face of death. When compared with Achilles and Alexander the Great, we observe differing aspects of how heroism is remembered and celebrated. While Beowulf is immortalized through communal mourning and gratitude, Achilles embodies a more complex legacy of personal glory intertwined with tragic flaws. Alexander the Great, on the other hand, epitomizes the archetype of the heroic conqueror whose ambition leaves a substantial historical footprint. All three figures are remembered in unique ways that reflect the values and traditions of their respective cultures, exemplifying how heroes are enshrined in memory through both historical and literary lenses.

References

• Heaney, Seamus. Beowulf. Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1999.
• Homer. The Iliad. Translated by Robert Fagles, Penguin Classics, 1990.
• Hunt, Lynn, et al. The Making of the West: A Concise History. Bedford/St. Martin's, 2016.
• Holt, Frank L. Alexander the Great and the Mystery of the Elephant Medallions. University of California Press, 2003.
• Cartledge, Paul. Alexander the Great: The Hunt for a New Past. Pan Books, 2004.
• Finkelberg, Margalit. “The Epic Tradition.” In The Cambridge Companion to Greek Epic, edited by Robert L. Fowler, Cambridge University Press, 2004.
• Rosenwein, Barbara H. A History of Everyday Things: The Birth of Consumer Society. The Johns Hopkins University Press, 2006.
• Smith, Bonnie G. Women’s History in Global Perspective. University of Illinois Press, 2004.
• Martin, Thomas R. Ancient Greece: From Prehistoric to Hellenistic Times. Yale University Press, 2013.
• Taylor, Charles. “The Politics of Memory in Ancient Greece.” History and Memory, vol. 9, no. 2, 1997, pp. 29-56.