There were
many similarities as well as differences between the text and the movie
Beowulf. The overall theme was the same; however a few of the differences I
found were when Beowulf inherited the throne, Unferth was very jealous of Beowulf,
and the dragon was Beowulf’s son.
In the film, Beowulf inherited the throne. It was Hrothgar
the king of Denmark. That would be king of his land at his death. announced
Beowulf king. Hrothgar decided life wasn’t worth living. So he went alone by
himself in his room stood in the window leaned over and boom right on the rocks
he went and died. His wife came running to the room and looked out the window
and saw that he was dead. In the text however, Beowulf returned home to rule
over Sweden for fifty years.
The film showed Unferth was very jealous of Beowulf because
he had power and strength. Warriors where never afraid when they were with
Beowulf. Unferth was jealous because Beowulf got crowned king of Denmark. Also
Unferth failed to defeat Grendel and will not face him again. Later he
respected Beowulf after he killed Grendel and his mother. In contrast, the text
never mentioned Unferth feelings toward Beowulf.
In the film after Beowulf killed Grendel. Grendel’s mother
was very sad and angry, one cold windy night Grendel’s mother came to Herot to
get her revenge. Beowulf woke up in a panic and stared up and saw his men’s
fresh bodies hanging from the ceiling. Wiglaf pushed the doors with anger in
his voice and says “is Grendel not dead.” In the text, Grendel’s mother did not
kill all of Beowulf’s men. She only killed king Hrothgar’s best friend.
Conclusion: In the book of Beowulf there are many differences
from the movie. I found my differences when Beowulf inherited the throne, Unferth’s
was jealous, and the killing of Grendel’s mother.
