Vengeance in Beowulf Essay

Revenge

Revenge is a very eminent and significant element that is portrayed in the epic, Beowulf, and is shown in several ways throughout the story.

*Events in the annals of the epic trigger anger and hatred, therefore also leading to the desire for revenge and counter play. When Beowulf listens to stories that are shared when many people abound in Hrothgars mead hall, Herot, he becomes angry and displeased, thus leading to his ambition to slaughter the humans who enter there. The men in the mead hall are very innocent. In fact they are just having a good time and celebrating the legends presented by the scops and other scholars. One would never consider why the happiness and laughter within Herot would agitate anyone at all. Therefore, such voraciousness of Grendel is very striking and indiscriminate, and one cannot understand why anyone would do such a thing. Little does anyone know, however, that Grendel secretly listens in to all of the stories that are being told about him. These stories make him seem like an infamous beast, and the ugliest monster to ever live. At that certain point in the epic, Grendel becomes irate and fed up with frustration which leads to the battle against Beowulf. This same situation can also be compared to Grendels matron seeking revenge later on in the epic, after she finds his claw hanging in Herot. It can also be thought that Unferth becomes annoyed and jealous of Beowulfs constant victories, and because of this, he gives him the sword, Hrunter, on purpose because he knew it would fail. Furthermore, it also can be considered that the dragon in part three becomes malevolent because his treasure is stolen from his realm by a slave. There are numerous events overall that build up bitterness and encourage revenge throughout the epic.

*Revenge is also displayed very strongly and in very direct ways during parts of the epic, and it is used as a trophy, or symbol of power (Raffel 54). When Beowulf defeats Grendel in his first battle in the mead hall, he hangs Grendels claw proudly on the wall as a sign of victory for everyone to see. No Dane doubted / The victory, for the proof, hanging high / From the rafters where Beowulf had hung it, was the monsters / Arm, claw and shoulder and all (Raffel 49). The claw steeped high on the wall can make someone proud of the defeat of the evil villain. In addition to this, Grendels head is also cut off and is kept as a sign of achievement. Beowulf and his men carry it around proudly as if it is some kind of trophy. For these reasons, Grendels weakness and defeat is somewhat mocked and made fun of by the people of Denmark. At the same time though, Grendel's mother sees this claw in Herot and becomes extremely enraged. Therefore, to get even with the situation, she takes captive one of the soldiers from Denmark, Hrothgars closest friend, and kills him that night. She then boasts her power by placing the dead body outside of her lair, almost as if it is a warning for the next person who tries to bother her and disrupt her life. When Grendels mother sees the claw of her son hanging on the wall that night, she is filled with extreme anger and motivation to obtain revenge.

*Vengeance and revenge play very important roles in the epic, and they keep the story lively and interesting. The characters actions in this story arise from anger, thus leaving them with desire to fight back. This gives the epic enthralling features, and makes it seem like it is interminable. There always seems to be a character during the story that wants revenge of someone else. Without this important element and vindictive spirit, the epic Beowulf would lose some of its interesting qualities, and the story would not go on as long. Also, vengeance is what sparks the conflicts along the way, leading to one battle after another. Revenge is also like a motivating force for Beowulf during his battle with Grendel and his mother. He always has nightmares about Grendel from the time when he comes into Herot late at night while all the men ware sleeping. Beowulf also constantly thinks about all the extreme acts of hatred that Grendel performs, therefore making him a very intrepid fighter. The savage beast feasts on fifteen or more men and destroyed the lives of many, But Beowulf repaid him for those visits,... (Raffel 53). These important feelings of revenge and ruthlessness really provoke and motivate Beowulfs brave and heroic character during the battle scenes. In conclusion, the element of revenge is shown in many different ways throughout the epic, Beowulf. It acts as an initiative and motivating force for the characters, and it keeps the story intriguing and perpetual, while adding boundless attraction and curiosity.