105 Beowulf Essay Topics

🏆 Best Essay Topics on Beowulf

1. Heroism of Beowulf and Sir Gawain Comparison
2. Medieval Imagination: Beowulf vs. Russian Mythos
3. Legends of British Literature: Beowulf and Macbeth
4. The Role and Significance of Women in “Beowulf”
5. Beowulf: Comparing the Movie and the Book
6. The Rise of Western Civilization in Beowulf: Critical Analysis
7. Beowulf as a Tragic Hero of the Old English Warrior Culture

✍️ Beowulf Essay Topics for College

1. An Ideal Hero in the “Beowulf” Old English Poem

   The idea of a brave character named Beowulf is laid down in an Old English poem “Beowulf” which was created by an unknown author approximately at the end of the VII century.
2. Women in “Beowulf”, “Inferno”, and “The Nun’s Priest’s Tale”

   This paper aims to discuss the female characters’ prominent position in the poems “Beowulf,” “Inferno,” and “The Nun’s Priest’s Tale.”
3. Fate in Beowulf and Shakespeare’s Macbeth

   In Beowulf and Macbeth, the main characters were significantly influenced by fate; but it was feasible for them to make decisions and obtain control over life’s happenings.
4. King Lear and Beowulf: Compare & Contrast

   English literature contains wonderful works related to royal families as well as common individuals that teach the readers ethical principles, moral lessons.
5. Grendel as a Personification of Evil in “Beowulf” Poem

   Beasts, especially Grendel, are of fundamental importance to the main themes of the poem “Beowulf”, giving it a sublime tone and high seriousness.
6. Beowulf, a Never Forgotten Hero

   The events narrated in Beowulf took place in an age where local lords and kings relied on their charisma and the loyalty of their men.
7. “Beowulf”: Character Analysis of the Epic Poem

   Beowulf was first written down sometime around 1000 AD, but there is evidence that the poem had been transferred through oral tradition for centuries.
8. Themes in Beowulf: Annotated Bibliography

   Bravery – Beowulf is the most famous poem among the works of the Old English literature. It is the epic creation telling the readers about the strongest and the bravest of the English warriors of all times.
9. “Beowulf”, an Old English Epic Poem in the Tradition of Germanic Heroic Legend

   “Beowulf” is one of the perfect examples of a heroic epic. The poem describes the ancient Germanic legends dating back to pagan times.
10. Fate vs. Free Will in Beowulf, The Wanderer, and The Seafarer

    “Beowulf”, “The Seafarer”, and “The Wanderer” provide us with insight into the spiritual foundation of this civilization as being rather biologically than religiously defined.
11. Contemporary Literature: Beowulf, the Movie

    The Beowulf movie tries to heighten the characteristics of the epic of antiquity, where it simply starts in the middle (into the middle of certain affairs).
12. “Beowulf” & “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” Comparison

    The epic of Beowulf portrays a condition of imminent disaster. This poem is a portrayal of the virtue of loyalty among the leaders and troops of that period.
13. Beowulf, The National Epic of the Anglo-Saxons

    This paper concentrates on the first episode, and presents a clear picture of the customs and traditions of the Anglo-Saxons and an understandable depiction of Beowulf’s character.
14. “Beowulf” and “The Lord of the Rings” Literary Comparison

    These two literary works demonstrate the way people, as well as people’s values, have changed throughout centuries. Thus, the protagonists of the two works start a quest to defeat the evil.
15. The Inclusion of Cain in the “Beowulf”: Understanding Grendel’s Actions

    Scholars have long debated whether or not “Beowulf” is a Christian allegory or a wholly pagan work with only a smattering of Old Testament allusions.
16. Knights in Literature: Sir Gawain, Canterbury Tales, & Beowulf Analysis

    The paper will analysis the knight’s tales: “Beowulf”, “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”, “The Miller’s Tale”, “The Wife of Bath”, “The Nun’s Priest” and the “Pardoner”.
17. The Image of Epic Heroes in Gilgamesh, the Iliad, and Beowulf

    Gilgamesh from the Epic of Gilgamesh, Achilles and Agamemnon from The Iliad, and Beowulf from the epic Beowulf may serve as the best examples of epic characters, which represent the image of a hero.
18. Grendel’s Story in Poem “Beowulf”

    Grendel can be considered one of the most absorbing heroes in “Beowulf”. He has a bestial rage based on human emotions such as resentment and envy.
19. A Comparison of the Poem “Beowulf” With the Screenplay

    The poem “Beowulf” is based on the values of a different time and a different mentality, unlike the film, which only used the original idea.
20. Beowulf’s Path as a King in Beowulf by Seamus Heaney

    Throughout the story, Beowulf is shown as a brave and mighty warrior who wants to protect his people: Beowulf by Seamus Heaney.
21. Religion in “Beowulf”, “The Wife of Bath Tale”, and “The Nun’s Priest’s Tale”

    The three poems, “Beowulf”, “The Nun’s Priest Tale”, and “The Wife of Bath Tale”, have some religious twists. This paper shows how spirituality is a guide when applied with reason.
22. Beowulf’s Motivation for Slaying Grendel

    Being one of the oldest and by far most famous epic poems in English literature, “Beowulf” still remains an engaging and exciting story of magnificent proportions.
23. The Battle with Grendel’s Mother in the Beowulf Poem

    Grendel’s mother is one of the three main antagonists of the poem “Beowulf.” This paper examines the episode of the battle between her and the protagonist, Beowulf.
24. “Beowulf” Poem and Old English

    “Beowulf”, a poem, the creation of which dates back to the 8th century, is a work of literature that marks the start of the Old English language.
25. Review of “Beowulf” Poem by Heaney Seamus

    The article presents information about main monsters in “Beowulf” poem and discusses about its roles and impacts in the plot.
26. Beowulf as a Great Leader in the Old English Epic Poem

    As befits an epic hero, Beowulf possesses almost superhuman qualities when it comes to performing on a battlefield. His physical strength has no equal.
27. Main Character and Heroism in “Beowulf”

    Strength of character, dignity, and commitment all contribute to the theme of heroism in Beowulf, as evidenced by the events and actions of the main character.
28. Examination of the Heroes Beowulf and The Knight

    The heroes Beowulf and the Knight possess several matching and contrasting qualities, both manifesting a good individual’s traits and behaviors.
29. “Beowulf”: Cultural Elements of the Anglo-Saxon Piece of Literature

    The image of Beowulf infuses the feeling of something exotic and fantastic and his deeds are appraised as insane.
30. Grendel Character in “Beowulf”: An Analysis of Story

    In this story, the plot revolves around a warrior named Grendel and his mother. These main characters help the reader see the dark and terrifying side of a culture.
31. Western Civilization: Beowulf as a Hero

    Beowulf is a poem that was written in Old English by an unknown author somewhere around the seventh or the eighth century.
32. British Literature: Heroism in Beowulf, Gawain and Viola

    While Gawain and Viola present heroic qualities and features of the main characters, Beowulf describes is clearly seen as a true hero.

🎓 Most Interesting Beowulf Research Titles

1. Christian Ethics and the Values of Being a Hero in the Epic of Beowulf
2. Bravery, Honor, and Selflessness in Battle: A Review of Beowulf and His Heroic Traits
3. The Use of Fealty in “Beowulf” by Seamus Heaney and the Anglo-Saxon Poem “Dream of the Rood”
4. Achilles and Beowulf: Warriors of Boundless Strength
5. How the Author Captures the Reader’s Attention and Imagination in the Poem “Beowulf”
6. “Beowulf” and “The 13th Warrior”: Exposing True Anglo-Saxon Warriors’ Battle
7. Agamemnon’s and Beowulf’s Leadership Skills in “Antigone” by Sophocles and “Beowulf”
8. The Concept of God in “Beowulf” and Other Anglo-Saxon Poems
9. Brain Power vs. Physical Strength: Beowulf’s Character Revealed in Monster Fighting
10. The Good and Evil: Beowulf and the Evil of the Monsters
11. Alex vs. Beowulf: The Antithesis of a Lifetime
12. Hero Archetypes and Epic Conventions in “The Odyssey” and “Beowulf”
13. Beowulf: The Greatest Hero in History or Not
14. The Characters Who Are Worthy of Sympathy in the Epic of Beowulf
15. Anglo-Saxons and Beowulf: The Hero Figure in the Epic Narrative and in Anglo-Saxon Culture
16. The Mythical, Marvelous, and Fantastic in the Epic of Beowulf
17. How Christianity and Paganism Coexisted in “Beowulf”
18. From Paganism to Christianity: Comparison Between “The Dream of the Rood”, “Beowulf”, and Religious Texts
19. Analyzing Differences Between Two Versions of “Beowulf”: The Original vs the 1971 Version Written by John Gardner
20. Self-Realization and the Hero’s Quest in “Beowulf”, “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”, and “Everyman”
21. Humanity’s Inclination Towards Literature as Evidence in the Epic of Beowulf

💡 Simple Beowulf Essay Ideas

1. Beowulf’s Everlasting Struggle Between Good and Evil
2. All the Traits That Make Beowulf a True Epic Hero
3. Literary Monsters: Grendel From “Beowulf” and Frankenstein From Mary Shelley’s Novel
4. Evaluating Beowulf’s Dark Side in the Story “Beowulf”
5. Christian and Pagan Elements in “Beowulf”
6. “Beowulf” and the Intent of Christians to Convert Pagans Into Christianity
7. How the Dragon Provides the Most Dramatic Development in “Beowulf”
8. The Early Germanic Values Presented in “Beowulf”
9. Ancient Societies: Greece, Rome, and the World of Beowulf
10. Hercules and Beowulf: Comparing Heroic Features and Adventures of Two Characters
11. “Macbeth” and “Beowulf”: Evil Defined by Human Preoccupation
12. Anglo-Saxon Ideal Code of Conduct in “Beowulf”
13. “Beowulf” and “The Song of Roland”: The Theme of Father-Son Relationship
14. Pagan and Christian Concepts of Fate in “Beowulf”
15. Beowulf’s Courage and Determination to Defeat the Dragon
16. Ronald Reagan and Beowulf: Heroes Near and Far
17. Beowulf, Sir Gawain, and Prince Hamlet on the Nature of Man
18. The Connection Between Hrothgar’s Sermon, Beowulf’s Fate, and the Theme of Restlessness in the Story of Beowulf
19. Beowulf: The Anglo-Saxon Epic Hero and Poem
20. The Difference Between Beowulf and Modern-Day Heroes

❓ Beowulf Essay Questions

1. Does the Hero Decline in the Epic of Beowulf?
2. How Are the Hero Figures in Both “Beowulf” and “The 13th Warrior” Similar?
3. What Does the Story of Beowulf Teach Us?
4. How Does Beowulf Save People From the Monster Grendel in the Play “Beowulf”?
5. What Singles Out “Beowulf” Among All Other Works of Anglo-Saxon Poetry?
6. Does “Beowulf” Teach Us About Leadership?
7. What Are 5 Reasons Why We Read “Beowulf” Today?
8. How Does Beowulf Display Characteristics of a Hero?
9. What’s the Difference Between Beowulf and King Arthur?
10. How Do Gawain King Arthur and Beowulf Show Bravery?
11. What Traits Have Beowulf and Gilgamesh in Common?
12. How Did People Worship Heroes During the Anglo-Saxon Period as Portrayed in “Beowulf”?
13. Whether Beowulf Has the Qualities of an Epic Hero in the Epic Poem “Beowulf”?
14. How Does the Arthurian Known Represent a Characterization of Nordic in the Story of Beowulf?
15. Why Does “Beowulf” Begin and End With a Funeral?
16. How Does Beowulf Show Strength and Courage?
17. What Does “Beowulf” Reveal About Ideals of Heroism?
18. How Are the Honorable Men During Beowulf’s Time Different From the Modern Men?
19. Does “Beowulf” Relate to Our Lives Today?
20. How Was War Portrayed in “Beowulf”?
21. Why Is “Beowulf” Important to Teach?
22. How Do Beowulf’s Character Traits Reflect the Ideals of a Culture?
23. What Does the Story “Beowulf” Symbolize?
24. Does “Beowulf” Reflect the Values of His Society?
25. How Can We Compare Beowulf to a Modern-Day Hero of Our Time?