Beowulf's insistence on fighting the dragon alone, in order to achieve greater personal glory, is a fine example of ofermod. As Tolkien argues eloquently in his essay ofermod, it is only acceptable for subordinate warriors to take exceptional risks in the name of personal glory. Rulers such as Byrhtnoth in The Battle of Maldon who take risks in the name of chivalry towards the enemy or for greater personal fame are guilty of ofermod, or over-pride. That is why the tone is so much different in the first two sections of Beowulf than it is in the third. At first Beowulf is a thane of Hygelac and his responsibility is only towards his lord. But once he becomes king, Beowulf is responsible for a nation and a people. To gamble their lives and future for a taste of his former victory is selfish and irresponsibly prideful. It is ofermod.
An example of "ofermod" in Beowulf is when the character of Beowulf boasts excessively about his abilities and challenges Grendel to battle without considering the consequences of his actions. This leads to an overestimation of his own strength and ultimately results in tragic consequences.
Ofermod - band - was created in 1996.
An example of flyting in Beowulf is when Unferth challenges Beowulf's bravery and recounts his swimming match with Breca. Beowulf responds by refuting Unferth's claims and boasting about his own past victories and accomplishments. Flyting in Beowulf serves to showcase the characters' bravery, skill, and prowess in a verbal duel.
beowulf telling his challenge w breca
An example of invocation in Beowulf is in the opening lines where the poet invokes the muse or spirit of inspiration to aid him in telling the story of the hero Beowulf. The poet seeks divine assistance to guide him in recounting the epic deeds and adventures of Beowulf. This invocation sets the tone for the epic poem and establishes a connection between the storyteller and a higher power.
A kenning
Beowulf is considered a narrative poem :)
An example of a simile in Beowulf's last battle is when his sword is described as "gleaming like a blood-stained icicle." This comparison illustrates the sharpness and deadly nature of his weapon.
Example: Batman How: He saves Gothom City
A kenning is a word in place of a noun. There are many examples in Beowulf.
One example of irony in Beowulf is when Beowulf is battling the dragon. Despite his reputation for strength and bravery, Beowulf ultimately meets his demise in this final battle, highlighting the fleeting nature of glory and valor. This is ironic because Beowulf's previous victories against Grendel and his mother had solidified his heroic status, but the dragon proves to be his downfall.
An example of loss of innocence in Beowulf is when the character Beowulf faces the harsh realities of mortality and the limitations of his own strength during his battle with the dragon. This experience forces him to confront his own vulnerability and mortality, marking a loss of the innocence and invincibility he may have felt earlier in the epic.
Respecting the family hierarchy and the respect for the elders are examples of an Anglo-saxon valuse embodied by the hero Beowulf.