Beowulf: The Role of a Hero Essay

The Role of a Hero

Throughout the epic of Beowulf we find many instances of heroism demonstrated through the actions of mankind. The epic poem, Beowulf, reflects many of the ideas and values of the Anglo-Saxon culture. The epic is largely based on a warrior type of civilization, where the society is led by a strong leader, and life revolved around the communal or the mead-hall. Many universal themes are also prevalent throughout Beowulf, and one such theme is the importance of identity through heroism. Identity is established by two principal components which are ancestral heritage and individual reputation. The identity theme is reiterated throughout the epic, and is also a key to understanding the values of Anglo-Saxon society. The development of Beowulfs character is based upon the events that he faces throughout his journey. These events test him and develop his heroic character to essentially make him who he is. The identity of a hero is a cycle from one hero to the next as Eric Leed proclaims, in The Mind of the Traveler, The circular form of the heroic journey is implicit in its purposethe geographical and temporal extension of identity (27). This cycle is illustrated in Beowulf because the epic begins and ends with a funeral and also illustrates the passing on of an empire from one hero to the next. Beowulfs battles with Grendel, Grendels mother and the Dragon illustrate three different stages of Beowulfs heroic development, while also representing the role of a hero in Anglo-Saxon society.

The cultural ideals which were of great importance to the Anglo-Saxon society were courage, loyalty, and strength. Fame, success, and sometimes even survival, were gained only through men who demonstrated loyalty to their leader. This concept is clearly illustrated in Beowulf when Beowulf travels back to the land of the Geats after defeating Grendel and Grendals mother and presents his King Hygelac with the treasures he had gained from the Danes. The poet asserts, With good heart he gave both treasures and horses. / With war-bold Hygelac / his nephew kept faith / his man ever loyal and each always worked / for the others welfare (177. 2165 2171). This instance demonstrates Beowulfs loyalty and selflessness to his King and to others. The characteristics of heroism are exemplified through this action because it illustrates that loyalty to ones King is of greater importance than material gain. The importance of patriarchal and ancestral descent becomes apparent early in the epic by placing a large emphasis on who an individuals father was and what their deeds were. This element as it relates to the heroic code is evident as Beowulf binds himself to the strong obligation of King Hrothgar because of Hrothgars prior aide to his father. Hrothgar states:

For [our past deeds,] / and out of kindness

you have now sought us, / Beowulf my friend

(75. 457-458).

Hrothgars quote illustrates the importance of prior obligation through the actions of ones father as it relates to the heroic code by illustrating the past relationship between Beowulfs father and Hrothgar. Hrothgar had once done a great favor for Beowulfs father, Ecgtheow. Hrothgar recounts a feud during which Beowulfs father killed Heatholaf, a member of the Wulfing tribe, Your father struck up / a mighty feud, / slayer of Heatholaf / among the Wylfings, / by his own hands (75. 459 461). Hrothgar sent treasure to the Wulfings to mend the feud, and Beowulfs father pledged his allegiance to Hrothgar. Hrothgar says, For [our past deeds,] / and out of kindness, / you have now sought us, / Beowulf my friend (75. 457 458). There is a history of obligation between these two families. This anecdote explains the concept of a set price that one pays, as Hrothgar did on Ecgtheows behalf, to compensate the kin of anyone a warrior has killed. Paying the price of a mans life is the only way to keep the cycle of vengeance that characterizes a feud from continuing indefinitely. Thus, Beowulf is at Heorot both to avenge the death of so many Danes at the hands of Grendel and also to discharge his fathers debt to Hrothgar. Beowulf leaves the land of the Geats to come to the aid of Hrothgar, the king of the Danes, because of his fathers debt to the king. Beowulf never asked for anything in return for his services. A true hero as is defined by the heroic code would never ask for money or anything of value because a hero is selfless and motivates his actions towards the greater good. If a hero did take the spoils of his conquest for his own materialistic gain, one could be considered a mercenary rather than a hero. This act of heroism is due to Beowulfs extreme loyalty to the leader of the Danes, Hrothgar, for the great services that Hrothgar had paid for Beowulfs father. The loyalty that Beowulf possesses is a quality that is much revered in Anglo-Saxon society.

Warfare was a prevalent aspect in the life of Beowulf and his warriors as it was an immense part of the Anglo-Saxon society. Warfare is apparent in Beowulf on many different occasions. There is constant warfare throughout the epic, which shapes the theme of identity by emphasizing the many battles won by Beowulf and his men. Their success on the battlefield directly impacts their reputation and their standings in the community. Through Beowulfs success, he is rewarded for exemplifying the characteristics of loyalty and courage which are pivotal qualities of the heroic code. Hrothgar exclaims:

I must offer this man / excellent treasures

for his daring courage

(71. 384 385).

Hrothgars quote illustrates the great rewards, acknowledgment and the respect that a warrior receives once he has done a heroic deed. When Hrothgar accepts Beowulfs offer to fight Grendel, he holds a feast for the Geats in Heorot with the Danish warriors in Beowulfs honor. Hrothgar states, Now sit and feast, / unbind your thoughts / to men, great warrior, / as your heart desires (77. 489 490). The feast held by Hrothgar also portrays the reputation of that Beowulf builds with every battle. Interestingly, Hrothgar has heard many heroic tales of Beowulf prior to his arrival to the land of the Danes. Hrothgar asserts, In fact, the merchants / who used to carry / gift of coins, / our thanks to the Geats, / said he had war-fame, / the strength of thirty in his mighty hand grip (71. 378 381). Hrothgar says that he has heard tales of Beowulfs great prowessone story holds that the Geat has the strength of thirty men in each of his hands. These stories are very prominent in Beowulfs heroic development because it depicts the reputation he has built with every battle. The acknowledgement and reputation of Beowulfs heroic deeds traveled through the lands and over seas in the countless stories of his battles.

Beowulf is characterized predominantly by his feats of strength and courage which are characteristics of a hero as defined by the heroic code. The three separate encounters that shape Beowulfs heroic development are the battles with Grendel, Grendels mother, and the Dragon. These encounters express various aspects of the heroic code that Beowulf personifies. Grendel character is guided by animalistic emotions and impulses, and hes exiled to the swamps of a dark and putrid underground. Grendels faults, too, are what cause him to falter. By genealogy, Grendel is a descendant of Cain, who slaughtered his own flesh and blood, Abel. Thus, Grendels ancestry has descended from an evil individual who exemplifies bitterness and malevolence. Hrothgar explains:

The Eternal took vengeance, / when Cain killed Abel.

No joy that kin-slaughter: / the Lord drove him out,

Far from mankind, / for that unclean killing

(55.108 110).

While accepting to fight Grendel with only his bare hands, Beowulf must now face the monster that has been terrorizing the mead-hall and killing so many of Hrothgars warriors. The poet explains, Then up from the marsh / under misty cliffs / Grendel came walking; / he bore Gods wrath (89. 710 711). Grendel takes his anger and aggression out on the world that has shunned him and made him an outcast. Thus, Grendels hatred for mankind is rooted deeply within his blood. As Grendel tares the door from its hinges with his bare hands and immediately devours a Geatish warrior, Beowulf carefully observes. Beowulf observes and studies his enemy, which makes him resourceful. The poet chooses to relate much of the battle from Grendels perspective rather than from Beowulfs. The poet states, At heart he feared / for his wretched life, / but he could not move (93. 753 754). The poet emphasizes the fear and pain that Beowulf inflicts upon the demon. This technique makes Beowulf seem even more godlike by making him an unstoppable heroic force. Beowulf summons energy deep within himself to defeat Grendel and the malice that dwells within his being. This once again proves Beowulfs heroic characteristics by showing his resourcefulness, stamina, and strength. It also depicts how Beowulf can adapt his technique of fighting to various opponents; this makes Beowulf a versatile warrior. Throughout the fight, Beowulf is treated as more than human. Beowulf shows himself stronger and more powerful than even the monstrous Grendel, and he seems completely invulnerable.

After defeating Grendel, Beowulf is honored greatly for his bravery and courage against the terror of the monster. Another banquet is held in Beowulfs honor and Beowulf is showered with precious treasures and armory. The poet states, Beowulfs deed was praised aloud; / many kept saying / that north or south, / between the two seas, / under heavens vault, of all shield-holders, / could ever be better, more worthy of kingdoms (99. 856 861). The battle with Grendel once again impacts Beowulfs reputation and helps Beowulf develop as a hero. Hrothgar asserts, But now, by yourself / you have done such a deed / that your [fame] is assured, / will live forever (103. 954 955). Hrothgars speech on the morning after the combat attributes Beowulfs victory to God without detracting from Beowulfs personal glory. Hrothgar feels himself to be bound in a new connection with Beowulf by this great act of service. Hrothgars appreciation and dedication to Beowulf is manifested in his promises that Beowulf will have the honors and rewards that is the appropriate compensation for faithful service to a powerful lord.

The battle that Beowulf faces with Grendels mother depicts another set of obstacles that Beowulf must face that further develop his heroic characteristics. The battle that takes place between Beowulf and Grendels mother is the second stage of Beowulfs heroic development and is also entirely different from the battle between Beowulf and Grendel. Grendels slaughter of Hrothgars men requires avenging, so does Beowulfs slaying of Grendel. As Beowulf tells Hrothgar, in a speech with central importance to his conception of the heroic code of honor, It is always better / to avenge dear ones than to indulge in mourning / . . . / When a warrior is gone, [glory] will be his best and only bulwark (129. 13841389). In this speech, Beowulf characterizes revenge as a means to fame and glory, which make reputation immortal. To honor lost kin is to avenge them. One of the most interesting aspects of Grendels mothers loyalty to the same vengeance-demanding code as the warriors is that she is depicted as not wholly alien. Grendels mothers behavior is justified because she is avenging her sons death.