In the epic poem Beowulf, by Seamus Heaney, there seems to be an underlying idea of respect. In the years prior to his final battle with a dragon, Beowulf was powerful, generous and very gracious to his people. He gave his spoils of battle to his kingdom and protected the friends and allies of his nation. These are the kinds of traits possessed by a truly exceptional king who deserves respect, such as Beowulf. However, in his later years, he begins to exhibit characteristics of greed and an obsession with gold and riches. In the minutes before his death, he even says “I want to examine that ancient gold, gaze my fill on those garnered jewels; my going will be easier for having seen the treasure” (185). He further demands that a barrow is constructed in his honor and named after him. These actions do not align with the good ideals he stood for and represented earlier in the poem; rather they seem to oppose them. However, despite this major change in Beowulf, one thing stays the same. The writer and the Geats still talk about Beowulf respectfully and as a hero because of the commendable things he had done in the past. This is made obvious through statements like “he was the man most …show more content…
Earlier, in one of the stories within the story, Queen Modthryth is brought up. Near the start of her rule she “perpetrated terrible wrongs” and chose to “punish the innocent” (133) for offenses so minor they wouldn't even be called offenses. Even in viking culture, some of the things she did, such as binding, torturing, racking and slaughtering with a sword were considered brutal. However, despite these cruel things, there was still a level of respect for her. In fact one man had enough respect and faith in her that she eventually changed and became “less cruel minded” (133). In this situation, respect was shown to yet another flawed
He is content with his accomplishments in the past, and in killing the dragon. In this, the Hero’s Journey is complete, and Beowulf’s incredible legacy as a hero and king
Beowulf, the epic tale of a Danish society plagued by evil beasts, reveals many thought-provoking and admirable character traits of the main character and hero, Beowulf. Firstly, he shows chivalry through his interactions and actions towards the king of Heorot, showing him the respect and honor he deserved. Secondly, he demonstrates bravery in all battles above and beyond the standard of the times and the standard of his fellow fighters. He owes his bravery in part to his seemingly immeasurable strength, having more power in each fist than that of thirty men. Lastly, he demonstrates a trait that applies to people for his time and ours, pride.
Beloved Beowulf…” Pg81, King Hrothgar to Beowulf These two quotes are essential to the story of Beowulf, as it describes Beowulf’s sincere character, his valor and loyalty to those he meets. The quotes above carry themselves throughout the story, as our protagonist proves again and again that his good nature, and incorruptible character is faithful to the end. Beowulf retained that personality, while still remaining a noble warrior in the battlefield, slaying hundreds upon hundreds of those who threaten his homeland. And when the dragon awoke from his slumber among riches, and terrorized people of Beowulf’s land with torrents of dragon fire, Beowulf took it upon himself to end the dragon where it stood, instead of having further
“A protector of his people, pledged to uphold truth and justice and to respect tradition, is entitled to affirm that this man was born to distinction. Beowulf, my friend, your fame has gone far and wide, you are known everywhere. In all things you are even-tempered, prudent and resolute. So I stand firm by the promise of friendship we exchanged before. Forever you will be your people's mainstay and your own warriors’ helping hand” (Page 117 lines 1700-1708).
Beowulf attempted to comfort Hrothgar and the warriors by exclaiming, “Let your sorrow end! It is better for us all to avenge our friends, not mourn them forever”. He then aims to convince Hrothgar that “for the glory of his name, fame after death is the noblest of goals”. Beowulf believes it is worth dying for a good
Glory is the prime motivation for Beowulf in his story. Beowulf wants to be remembered for the great deeds he has done in his lifetime, like Hrothgar. Hrothgar, the king has earned his glory in his youth. “To Hrothgar was given such glory of war, such honor of combat, that all his kin obeyed him gladly…” (Part 1) Hrothgar is now old and unable to protect his kingdom, and Beowulf decides that he will step in and help because of the glory it will give him.
Questions of Honor: Beowulf Beowulf’s honor and integrity can be questioned throughout the entirety of the epic poem, Beowulf. Whether or not his actions are inspired by his own pompous arrogance or confidence, one can argue that he is a hero nonetheless. Evidence and experience prove that Beowulf is more of a fearless hero than an excessively prideful man, and his hubris is more than justified due to the formidable duties he is able to execute. Throughout the poem, Beowulf expresses his intense strength and courage to the fearful people in the poem. His daring sense of self-assurance is backed by his victories against all three monsters, (even though he suffers a tragic death after facing the dragon, it is a defeat nonetheless).
Beowulf is a strong heroic hero who shows honor,selfless,courage. Beowulf is a strong heroic hero in a way because heroes are protectors and he protected his people of his town. So he is a hero in fact a strong one and a loyal one. There is lots of ways he shows loyalty one i can show is “I had a fixed purpose when i came to sea as i sat in the boat with my band of men I meant to perform to the uttermost what your people wanted or perish in attempt in the fields clutches i shall fulfill my purpose prove myself of proud deeds or meat my death her in the mead-hall”(pages 632-639).I chose this quote because it shows that beowulf would give his head for his people. I think that beowulf wanted to die for his king after all that is the reason
Meanwhile, Hamlet and Grendel’s lack of interactions with others leaves them to grow bitter and contemplate death less positively. Beowulf’s maturity and acceptance of death are displayed when he says, “Wise sir, do not grieve… When a warrior is gone, that will be his best and only bulwark” (Heaney, l384-1389). Additionally, his mindset allows him to battle evil without the fear of death, making him even more powerful. Once the time for Beowulf’s battle with the dragon occurs, he knows it is fate that he will die. “Now the people’s pride and love, the lord of the Geats, is laid on his deathbed brought down by the dragon’s attack” (Heaney, lines 2900-2902) is solemnly stated by Wiglar, representing the safety and value that Beowulf brought to his land.
Beowulf sees the treasures and it is noted that they are very old and rusty. This is the most important part in the story of the hero. Beowulf undergoes a drastic change in how he sees treasure and fame, the very things that have driven him, from the beginning, to do what he’s done. Beowulf begins sensing that life is more important than treasure and fame. Although the change is subtle to Beowulf, it is drastic in the fact that this is the groundwork of his motives.
In the epic Beowulf, translated by Seamus Heaney, Beowulf is depicted as a heroic figure who fights monsters and defends the weak. During its time, Beowulf would be considered a great hero, however in today 's standards Beowulf would only be considered a great warrior. That’s because a hero should value the lives of the people and not seek to be rewarded. Instead, Beowulf committed heroic acts for his own selfish reasons and never shows to values the lives of the people. From fighting Grendel to slaying the dragon, Beowulf only fought because he value the fame and fortune that comes along with those accomplishments.
Beowulf had done the unthinkable—he had killed a demon that no warrior of Denmark could have done. This opened several new doors for Beowulf, including one that promised of honor, glory, and riches. Beowulf had achieved his goal of fame, a goal which had created a poem of a hero that birthed and shaped a story to be told even years later. Furthermore, Beowulf’s fame was set in stone by Hrothgar, the king who owed Beowulf his everything, including his thanks. After giving Beowulf the speech to further glorify his prominence, Hrothgar declares, “Glory is now yours/
Today in the fiction of this modern world, the characteristics of a hero have not changed. Heroes in movies, TV shows, and literature all have these qualities. Beowulf's main goal was to seek glory and fame all the days of his life. Because of his heroic deeds Beowulf does not die, but lives on; not just in a tower above the sea, but in a poem that was sung for centuries around the
Ironically in his efforts to gain fame and riches, Beowulf 's traits overlap with those of an epic hero. More important than Beowulf 's lack of morality though, is the warrior 's lack of growth throughout the story. Usually, in epic poems, the protagonists change
The epic poem Beowulf is a classic tale of good versus evil. Good, as shown in the story, is any action that fights evil and defends the community and the people of it. The evil intent of Grendel, the story’s antagonist and cannibalistic murderer, who is depicted as a “fiend out of hell” (99), is strongly countered by the heroic actions of the stories main protagonist, Beowulf. The noble King Hrothgar is a role model for young Beowulf at the beginning of the epic, displaying acts of charity and wisdom throughout his life.