Beowulf: Sigemund Episode

Analysis of the Sigemund Episode Within Beowulf genius of the best literary devices the source of Beowulf uses is the use of sequels and digressions. Each of these episodes and digressions tell another(prenominal) story away from the main plot of Beowulf, only when exercises up an retireledgeability to the main plot. One such(prenominal) episode, the Sigemund episode, tells of valiant King Sigemund who received exult and honor through his killing of the dragon and possession of the hoard. Sigemund became a courtly and experienced king, only to be betrayed and brought to his downfall.Beowulf was much the same as Sigemund, and both(prenominal)(prenominal) were great examples of heroes. The Sigemund episode introduces a comparison to Beowulf, foreshadows Beowulfs downfall, and parallels the badinage of Beowulfs shortcomings. As we see in the following lines Sigemunds name was know everywhere. / He was utterly valiant and venturesome, / a fence round his fighters and flouris hed whence (897-898), the author introduces Sigemund as an excellent comparison to Beowulf. The author uses the Sigemund episode to set up a better understanding of the character of Beowulf by describing a king much worry himself.This allows the reader to understand the character of Beowulf and know what a noble and valiant character he was. The author presents Sigemund as a brave warrior who vanquished the dragon, much like the victorious warrior that Beowulf was. And at heart the Sigemund episode, Heremod is introduced as a wicked king, an exact opposite of Sigemund and Beowulf. This allows the reader to canvas the three kings, and promote Beowulf as a noble king such as Sigemund. Another purpose of the Sigemund episode indoors Beowulf is to foreshadow Beowulfs pop and downfall.Sigemund is a noble and mighty king, solely is led to his defeat in the following lines The king was betrayed, ambushed in Jutland, overpowered / and done away with (901-903). This defeat of Sigemun d foreshadows Beowulfs defeat and death during 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 rest of the poem. From this episode, the author uses irony that Beowulf will 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 filling that Beowulf has to make. Beowulf has to either chose to be like Sigemund, a courageous and noble king, or take the path of Heremod, an evil-minded 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 huge choice of character for Beowulf.It gives a chance for Beowulf to prove his character, and allows the reader to understand the trustworthiness of Beowulf once he does chose to be a noble king. Among the various 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 meliorate 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 wad for Beowulf.