Beowulf, Perceval And Sir Orfeo - 1799 Words

1. All three characters, Beowulf, Perceval and Sir Orfeo all begin in different stages of their characters. Beowulf begins as â€Å"the mightiest man on earth† (Beowulf 196). Beowulf has already fulfilled a knightly duty of protecting the poor and the weak. While King Hrothgar is not poor, he is weak: â€Å"[Hrothgar] sat stricken and helpless, / humiliated by the loss of his guard† (Beowulf 130-1), he is unable to help himself, and that is why Beowulf offers his assistance. He says, â€Å"I have come to proffer/ my wholehearted help and counsel† (Beowulf 277-8). At the beginning of his story, Beowulf has already acquired much success and is respected by others. He does not arrive in Geatland alone, but rather with an impressive army of men. When the Shieldings’ lookout sees their arrival, he saw â€Å"shields glittering on the gangplank / and battle equipment being unloaded† (231-2). Thus, Beowulf serves as the bravest of the brave. His first challenge is to battle Grendel. He says, â€Å"No weapons†¦/ Unarmed he shall face me† (683-4). His statement follows the axiomatic rules or honor and engagement: battling on equal grounds. Because Grendel cannot fight with weapons, Beowulf will not either, which will make his victory even more honorable. After Beowulf defeats Grendel, he must defeat another villain. When Beowulf prepares to fight Grendel’s mother, he is â€Å"indifferent to death† (Beowulf 1443). When he battles Grendel’s mother, he does not display excessive pride, but rather acknowledges the