Curtis

Carly Curtis

Mrs. Mayer

English 12

2/1/18

Irony in Beowulf

In the story Beowulf, we are exposed to many different examples of irony. For example,

the way Beowulf is perceived as a hero, then needs assistance in two out of three battles. Also, it

is ironic that the only way he can defeat Grendel’s mother, is with a magical sword. Beowulf is

seen as a protagonist because he successfully killed the first monster that entered Herot. Beowulf

gets involved in a hand-to-hand fight, a battle involving a magical sword, and finally gets

defeated by a powerful dragon.

In the first battle with Grendel, Beowulf engages in a hand to hand battle against him. He

explains that his lord would be let down if he found out that he used a weapon. “My lord Higlac

might think less of me if I let my sword go where my feet were afraid to” (47). Beowulf shows

his true powerful skills in this match. The town of Herot sees him as their protector.

In the second fight, Beowulf faces Grendel’s mother. Grendel’s mother has magical
powers and is even crazier than her son. Beowulf goes into her magical lair and attempts to take
her down. He is struggling because the power he obtains, is nothing compared to hers. He
catches sight of a magical sword and that is the only way he can defeat her. I have hear that the
monsters scorn of men is so great that he needs no weapons and fears none, nor will I” (47). It’s
ironic that he possesses such destructive, superhuman abilities, yet needs a magical weapon to
kill this beast.
In the third battle, Beowulf is exposed to a poisonous dragon. He hits rock bottom in this

battle because he cannot even attempt to slay this creature. He carries along a sword and some
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armor to try to fight the dragon off. The dragon’s fiery hot breath destroys Beowulf in a matter of

minutes.

Throughout the story, the provided evidence of irony helps develop an unpopular opinion of

Beowulf. He needed assistance in 2/3 battles. A true hero shouldn’t need help fighting. The story

Beowulf had many different examples of Irony.