Examples Of Vengeance In Beowulf

Vengeance in Beowulf is a very important theme for reasons of glory and riches etc. This can be seen in battles involving vengeance such as Beowulf’s battle with Grendel, Beowulf’s battle with Grendel’s Mother, Beowulf’s battle with the dragon, and in short stories that include battles and fiends between kingdoms and individuals.
Beowulf's battle with Grendel is seeking vengeance for the Danes and He after Grendel attacked Herot many nights in a row and caused havoc among the Danes. Beowulf heard about the attacks on Herot by Grendel and came to seeking vengeance for the Danes as well as glory and riches for himself and his people. It is obvious vengeance is sought by Beowulf for the Danes when Beowulf says “Let your sorrow end! It is better
Beowulf eventually becomes king and is growing old when a dragon attacks. The dragon attacks to seek vengeance because of the disturbance of his hoard of treasure. The dragon kills many in the kingdom which angers Beowulf and he is forced to seek vengeance even though his old age. This battle Beowulf is weary of due to his old age and the power of his enemy but still seeks vengeance for his people due to honor. This shows in Anglo-Saxon culture that risking your life for the greater good of the kingdom and for vengeance was rather common and endorsed for the pride of the individual and the kingdom they were a part of. In this battle Beowulf gets hurt pretty badly when the dragon bites him and needs help from his followers he brought along. Only one remains while the others flee and the two end up killing the dragon. Beowulf dies and he doesn't have any heirs to the throne so passes it onto his only follower who remained. This shows the importance of loyalty in Anglo-Saxon culture because he was the only follower to remain while the others fled which then rewarded him with becoming king while the others would never be allowed back in the kingdom for abandoning their