When asked to write what does the characterization in Beowulf show about Hrothgar in an essay, what will you write? Firstly, what is characterization in a play? Characterization in a play is how the author gives information about the appearance, personality, or history.
In Beowulf’s epic poem, the author uses his characters to bring out the themes and character traits. In this article, you answer the question What does the characterization in Beowulf show about Hrothgar.
Example Of What does the Characterization in Beowulf show about Hrothgar
From the introduction, you may have grasped what characterization is. For clarity, examples of characterization in Beowulf are below:
- Beowulf is a Geatish warrior who fights for Hrothgar, King of the Danes, whose mead hall Heorot is attacked by a monster known as Grendel. After Beowulf slays him, Grendel’s mother attacks the hall and is defeated.
- Beowulf’s character is generous, selfless, fair, and loyal to his King, compatriots, and lord. He will fight Grendel and kill him before successfully fighting with his mother.
- Hrogthar’s character is a brave Trojan who can fight better than any other warrior. He is strong, courageous, proud, and honest.
- Grendel’s character is a monster with terrifying strength. He attacks the mead hall at night, killing many warriors, including Hrothgar’s best friend.
Who is Hrothgar from Beowulf?
When you carry out a post navigation search looking who Hrothgar is. The answer you get is that he is a hero from the epic poem Beowulf.
Hrothgar is a hero from ancient Germanic literature and folklore dating back to 7th or 8th century Scandinavia. The King of the Danes had his hall attacked by the monstrous Grendel before Beowulf ultimately defeated him and exiled the Geatish warrior.
How does Beowulf serve Hrothgar?
The famous epic Beowulf serves Hrothgar in three categories, leave alone being a warrior:
- The first is that it establishes the rules of society.
- The second way that Beowulf serves Hrothgar is by providing entertainment. Whether theater, song, or dance, humans have always sought ways of entertaining themselves. They gather around him listen intently as he tells stories about the old days facing monsters and even how he slew a dragon.
- The third way that Beowulf serves Hrothgar is by bringing glory upon his name when Northmen were conquering new lands across Europe. How does Beowulf show Hrothgar respect?
Beowulf shows Hrogthar respect by referring to him with respectful names such as “thane of Hrothgar, “the lord of the people,” “liege lord.”
What does king Hrothgar promise, Beowulf?
Scoffing at the Geat, Hrothgar promises Beowulf to give him treasures.
King Hrothgar promises Beowulf a lot of jewelry.
Beowulf then rejoices in anticipation of something good. He is eager to see what kind of rewards Hrothgar has for him.
Hrothgar also promises Beowulf that he will give him anything to defeat Grendel’s mother.
What does the characterization in Beowulf show about Hrothgar
When Beowulf is set, Hrothgar is the King of the Danes. He has many accomplishments, including being a strong warrior and leading his people into prosperity.
Due to these factors, he becomes known as Hygelac’s “thane.” At one point, Beowulf himself is given the title of “the Geatish thane” by an old man after saving him from Grendel.
Hrothgar was also very involved with religion at this period. His grandfather was said to have converted to Christianity to marry another kingdom’s princess, but he still worshipped pagan idols before converting.
After converting, he systematically destroyed all pagan idols and replaced them with Christian ones. Hrothgar’s father was also known for “destroying the idols,” Possibly, he grew up as a Christian and a pagan simultaneously.
Hrothgar is known to be brave, strong, and powerful. His bravery and determination became legendary across all Scandinavian and Northern Germanic tribes and kingdoms.
All indications are that he is very wealthy since he can accommodate Geatish warriors in his kingdom without an issue. He also has plenty of cattle, meaning he does not fear survival even if food becomes scarce. However, the poem never states how Hrothgar got rich.
Hrothgar is very generous. The Geats are invited into Hrothgar’s hall as guests, and they get a luxurious feast treatment that lasts “for twelve days.” He orders the best foods, drinks, weapons, armor, and entertainment to avoid going away hungry or unsatisfied.
Most importantly, Hrothgar is caring towards others in Beowulf. When Grendel first begins attacking their lands regularly, they decide that they should each contribute to building a fortification around their kingdom. He works to ensure everyone is safe.
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