Beowulf: Anglo Saxon Hero Essay

Beowulfs final and most telling battle occurs over fifty years after his battle with Grendels Mother. Beowulf is now ruler of the Geats. He is forced to protect the kingdom from a fearsome dragon that was angered when an imbecile servant stole an ornamented cup. Before engaging in the battle Beowulf remains confident by recounting his past exploits (again certifying a position of fame). Even during his elder years he still maintains that same courage and hunger for fame that has made him so famous. Much like his previous battles he behaves much like a typical hero, but there is striking, unfortunate difference. This is the one battle in the poem where Beowulf looses the loyalty of his men. With the increasing intensity of the battle nearly all his men flee. Wiglaf is the only exception. He quickly jumps into battle to aid his lord. As Wiglaf himself states, Godthat the flame enfold my body with my gold giver (61). Wiglaf now possesses the same heroic traits as Beowulf. He is loyal to his lord, he is courageous and has desire for fame, all that he lacks is great strength. During the battle the beast is killed, but Beowulf incurs fatal wounds. Since he has no heirs he passes his throne to his loyal warrior Wiglaf. Beowulf finally received the immortalization that he so desired. A shrine is constructed to honor the legendary hero, in order for the legend of Beowulf to live on.

His loyalty never falters towards his king and his allies. His strength is unprecedented as he is able to defeat all his opponents. Beowulfs courage though based primarily on self gratification is just as strong. Beowulf ultimately gained his desire for immortality, were still reading about him right? Each of the four heroic traits can be seen in his three battles: His battle with Grendel, his undersea struggle with the Grendels Mother, and his final fight with the dragon. Before going off to do battle with Grendel, he gives a speech, although it may seem conceited to us it was used primarily to ensure his fame. Beowulf states, I claim myself no poorer in war strength, war works, than Grendel assign glory on whichever hand seems good to him (35-36). Now, whether he wins or looses the fight Beowulf will always be remembered as the courageous warrior who battles the beast with his bare hands. This passage also shows Beowulfs great courage. Unfortunately this courage does not come from the mind, it instead comes from the notion that he has done well in the eyes of the lord. Armed only with his strong belief in the Lord Beowulf attacks the evil Grendel (enemy of god according to page 37) and displays his superhuman strength. Upon grasping his enemies arm he is described as, he who of men was strongest of might in the days of his life" (37). He then rips Grendels arm from his body, vanquishing his foe.

In his second battle he again shows the aforementioned traits that the Anglo-Saxons idolized so much. Beowulf was determined to be rid of Grendels mother after she swarmed the steps of the castle. He was resolute, not slow of courage, mindful of fame (47). He shows his exceptionally strength by staying under water for over a day in order to reach Grendels cave. During the battle Beowulfs men remain loyal to him and stay by the side of the lake even after the Sycldings had left. They wait for hours even though they believe he is dead. He finally resurfaces and has not only killed Grendels mother but has taken her head as his prize.

In Beowulf one can see for traits that define the Anglo-Saxon hero. The first is loyalty. According to page 23 of the Beowulf introduction, a relationship based less on subordination of one mans will to another than on mutual trust and respect. The second and third characteristics are strength and courage. The importance of these traits to the Anglo-Saxon people is seen when they are singing Sigemunds tale. As the song states, He was adventurer most famous...his strength and his courage (38). The final piece that comprises the Anglo-Saxon hero is the notion of fame. The only fame a warrior could hope to attain was immortality through his battles. This is explained by the introduction to the story, Beowulfs chief reward is pagana heros heroic actions (24-25). By understanding what comprises an Anglo-Saxon hero one is able to see why he is so revered by his people.