Beowulf: Sigemund Episode

Analysis of the Sigemund Episode at bottom Beowulf One of the best literary devices the reason of Beowulf uses is the use of outcomes and digressions. Each of these episodes and digressions verbalise another story a set off from the main plot of Beowulf, but sets up an introduction to the main plot. One such episode, the Sigemund episode, tells of valiant King Sigemund who reliable glory and honor through his killing of the dragon and possession of the hoard. Sigemund became a noble and experienced top executive, only to be betrayed and brought to his nightfall.Beowulf was much the same as Sigemund, and both were great examples of heroes. The Sigemund episode introduces a comparison to Beowulf, portends Beowulfs downfall, and parallels the satire of Beowulfs shortcomings. As we see in the following lines Sigemunds telephone was known everywhere. / He was utterly valiant and venturesome, / a fence one shot his fighters and flourished therefore (897-898), the cause introduc es Sigemund as an excellent comparison to Beowulf. The author uses the Sigemund episode to set up a better get a lineing of the disposition of Beowulf by describing a king much like himself.This allows the lecturer to understand the display case of Beowulf and know what a noble and valiant character he was. The author presents Sigemund as a brave warrior who defeated the dragon, much like the prideful warrior that Beowulf was. And within the Sigemund episode, Heremod is introduced as a wicked king, an exact opposite of Sigemund and Beowulf. This allows the reader to comp ar the three kings, and promote Beowulf as a noble king such as Sigemund. Another purpose of the Sigemund episode within Beowulf is to foreshadow Beowulfs defeat and downfall.Sigemund is a noble and flop king, but is lead to his defeat in the following lines The king was betrayed, ambushed in Jutland, overpowered / and done by with (901-903). This defeat of Sigemund foreshadows Beowulfs defeat and death dur ing the battle with the dragon. As Sigemund and Beowulf are both valiant kings, they both are led to their failure and death. This part of the Sigemund episode gives the reader a glimpse of what is to come for Beowulf in the recumb of the poem. From this episode, the author uses irony that Beowulf volition become a great and mighty king, but also will come face to face with his destruction.The author uses this irony to connect the characters of Sigemund and Beowulf. Not only does the Sigemund episode foreshadow the downfall of Beowulf, but it also sets up a choice that Beowulf has to make. Beowulf has to either chose to be like Sigemund, a courageous and noble king, or take the room of Heremod, an evil king. This gives the reader a sense of uncertainty of the choice Beowulf will make. As the reader, the choice that Beowulf will make is obvious, but this is a bulky choice of character for Beowulf.It gives a chance for Beowulf to prove his character, and allows the reader to under stand the trustworthiness of Beowulf once he does chose to be a noble king. Among the miscellaneous episodes and digressions within Beowulf, Sigemunds episode sets up the best foreshadowing of Beowulfs life. In all, Sigemunds episode clues the reader in with what type of character Beowulf is. Sigemund is the perfect comparison to Beowulf, and this allows the reader to expect what is to come for Beowulf. Sigemunds hymn apart from the main plot of Beowulf accomplished the task of introducing and setting up the destiny for Beowulf.