A Comparison of Fierceness in Beowulf and in The Saga of...

Fierceness in Beowulf and in The Saga of King Hrolf Kraki Is fierceness mentioned only in Beowulf or is it an element common also to this famous Icelandic saga? Is fierceness described the same way as in Beowulf? The Anglo-Saxons prior to 1000AD were as a race fierce. They possessed great courage. Beowulf reflects their fierceness and courage in a variety of ways. Beowulf complains to Unferth in the Danish court: â€Å"Grendel would never have done such horrors †¦ if you were so fierce as you suppose.† The hero, who had earlier killed nine sea monsters, opted to face Grendel in mortal combat WITHOUT sword or shield or the assistance of others: â€Å"but I shall seize my enemy in my hand grip and fight.† Later when the hero’s†¦show more content†¦Fire †¦ swallowed everything.† Later there is combat with Grendel’s Mother: â€Å"It grasped her neck hard and her bone rings broke. The blade entered; she fell to the ground. The sword was bloody.† The hero severed the monster’s head, and â€Å"the corpse split when it suffered that blow.† Later, when Ongentheow was pursuing his enemies into Ravenswood, he repeatedly threatene d â€Å"with the sword, cut them open or hang them from trees, a sport for birds.† In his last fight, the hero was charged by the dragon, who â€Å"bit Beowulf’s neck with sharp tusks – Beowulf was wet with life’s blood; blood gushed in waves.† As the hero’s funeral pyre went up in flames, the Geatish woman â€Å"told earnestly how she feared evil days, a great