Two Examples Of Heroism In Beowulf

Beowulf is a Geatish hero, who becomes the strongest and most capable warrior around. Along the poem, his heroism is presented in two phases – youth and adulthood; as well against three different monsters – Grendel, Grendel’s Mother, and the Dragon. Beowulf’s age transition is based on two different models of honor (dictated by society): the desire for glory and the eagerness for the protection of his kingdom. In addition, the Monsters are also based on three types of evil: physical, moral, and supernatural. Thus, to understand Beowulf’s heroism is necessary analyze both the life transition and the fights he has.
During his youth, Beowulf is seen as a courageous and strong warrior; for example, he has a legendary swimming math against Breca.
This monster personifies the supernatural evil, as he has both the physical and moral evil. Physical, because he flies and controls flame; moral, because he was awaken due to a theft: “…but someone managed / to enter by it… and removed / a gem-studded goblet… / though with a thief’s wiles he had outwitted / the sleeping dragon” (2214-2219). This battle is a puzzle and gives the reader indecision in regards to Beowulf’s moral status. While some may think that this was the hero’s final victory, since he kills the Dragon and gets the treasure, following the Germanic Heroic ideal; the poem approaches a different conclusion. Reflecting on the idea that a king must protect his people and not act on his own will for his own glory, the poem asserts that due to Beowulf’s death, the Geats are now in danger. As the messenger tells the people about Beowulf’s death, he claims that “now war is looming / over [their] nation, soon it will be known / to Franks and Frisiand, far and wide, / that the king is gone” (2911-2913). The poem concludes that Beowulf forgot about his duties as a king, about his responsibility to protect his kingdom, and instead he goes back to his warrior desires, and so leaving his people without a leader. Thus, with the king’s death, a tragic future with no hope awaits the Geats: “[Beowulf’s] royal pyre / will melt no small amount of gold… / and that pile
During his youth, as a warrior, Beowulf did kill Grendel and Grendel’s mother, both considered malignant monsters. He did save his people from the villainous, and so achieved fame and consideration as a hero. Yet, during his adulthood, as a leader, he leaves the Geats kingless and vulnerable by fighting the Dragon. Thus, also leading his heroism to new interpretations, such as him being selfish and only seeking glory. However, this last battle can be also understood as a matter of lack of freedom and choice, rather than a personal desire. Just like any other king, Beowulf was a great warrior before ascending to the throne, and so, the tension between these two positions is imminent. In result, is difficult to blame Beowulf for attempting to follow what society dictates to both a warrior and a