beowulf
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: - The legendary hero of an anonymous Old English epic poem: Beowulf is the titular protagonist of a major early medieval epic, celebrated for his superhuman strength and heroic deeds, including defeating the monster Grendel and a dragon.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The character of Beowulf embodies the Anglo-Saxon heroic ideal.
- Scholars often analyze the themes of loyalty and mortality in Beowulf.
Advanced Usage
- As a metonym for the epic poem itself: The name "Beowulf" is commonly used to refer not only to the hero but also to the entire Old English epic poem.
- We are studying the digressions in Beowulf this week.
- In cultural reference: Used to denote a figure of immense, almost mythical strength or heroism.
- In the crisis, the firefighter was hailed as a modern Beowulf.
Variants and Related Words
- Beowulfian (adj): Pertaining to or characteristic of the epic or its heroic style.
- The saga has a distinctly Beowulfian tone.
Synonyms
- Epic hero
- Legendary warrior
Related Phrases and Idioms
- A Beowulf-like feat: An act requiring extraordinary strength or courage.
- Rescuing all the climbers was a Beowulf-like feat.
Noun
- the legendary hero of an anonymous Old English epic poem composed in the early 8th century; he slays a monster and becomes king but dies fighting a dragon