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Fame, Fate and Destiny In the epic Beowulf, translated by Burton Raffel, Beowulf was an epic hero who was confronted by violence, evil and death to save Danish people in mortal danger. Beowulf is glorified by his work, which illustrated physical strength, values and efficient ideas to better the Denmark society. Beowulf, while on his quest to rescue King Hrothgar from the demonic monster, Grendel, demonstrated fame, fate and destiny. Fame is widespread recognition as a heroic person from past events, which are successfully controlled, yet remembered and cherished. Beowulf had a reputation from his great values and heroic ideals. King Hrothgar believed Beowulf could defeat Grendel because he was a victorious warrior. “So Grendel ruled, fought with the righteous, one against many, and won; so Herot stood empty, and stood deserted for years, twelve winters of grief for Hrothgar, king of the Danes, sorrow heaped at his door by hell-forged hand.” (Raffel 59-64) The man-eating monster terrified the people of Denmark and thought Grendel could not be defeated. Beowulf was highly recognized from the outcome of the battle with Grendel. Beowulf received fame from defeating the beast and hung the monstrous arm on the rafters so all could see.
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