In a paragraph of 8-10 sentences answer the following question using evidence from the text to support what you say.
Beowulf fights Grendel, Grendel's Mother, and the Fire Dragon. Discuss why he fights each one, how he fights each one, and how and why he changes throughout the story.
Beowulf, an epic hero from the Anglo-Saxon period, fights three fearsome monsters, each battle exhibiting different reasons, methods, and showcasing his character development. When he first battles Grendel, a monster terrorizing the Danes, he does so to gain fame and prove his heroic capabilities. Beowulf chooses to fight the creature barehanded, showcasing his extraordinary strength and skill. By killing Grendel, Beowulf not only saves the people, but also earns their respect and admiration.
Later, Beowulf faces Grendel's mother, who avenges her son's death by attacking Heorot. Again, Beowulf seeks fame and glory by risking his life to defeat another formidable monster. The fight with Grendel's mother is more challenging, as Beowulf needs a magical sword to defeat her. This shows that Beowulf is not invulnerable, and he relies on his intelligence and resourcefulness to adapt to the situation.
Years after, Beowulf confronts the Fire Dragon, the final battle of his life. Now an aged king, Beowulf’s motivation shifts from seeking fame to protecting his people from the dragon's fiery wrath. The fight appears to be more arduous, as Beowulf now relies on his trusted warriors and a shield to combat the fearsome beast. Despite his age and weariness, Beowulf demonstrates courage and determination in all his duels, emphasizing the hero's unwavering spirit.
Throughout Beowulf's story, we see how his reasons to combat monsters change from personal glory to the welfare of his people, reflecting his development from a boastful warrior to a wise and selfless king. Beowulf's adaptability in each battle, whether by fighting with sheer strength or utilizing weapons, showcases his competence as a hero. Ultimately, Beowulf's journey symbolizes the ultimate triumph of good over evil and the importance of valor, sacrifice, and honor in Anglo-Saxon society.