FREE ESSAY ON BEOWULF THE HERO

BEOWULF THE HERO

The Anglo-Saxon Hero as defined by the Battles of Beowulf
Within the tale of "Beowulf" four character traits can be found which define the Anglo
Saxon Hero. The first is loyalty, as demonstrated by the relationship between Lord and
thane. According to page 23 of the "Beowulf" introduction, "a relationship based less on
subordination of one man's will to another than on mutual trust and respect." The second
and third characteristics are strength and courage. The importance of these specific
traits to the Anglo-Saxon people is clearly presented during the reciting of Sigemund's
tale within Heorot. As the song states, "He was adventurer most famous, far and wide
through the nations, for deed of courage - he had prospered from that before, the
protector of warriors - after the war-making of Heremod had come to an end, his strength
and his courage" (38). The final piece which comprises the Anglo-Saxon hero is the notion
of fame. The only after life a warrior could ever aspire to have was immortality through
fame. One again this is explained by the introduction to the story, "Beowulf's chief
reward is pagan immortality the memory in the minds of later generations of a hero's
heroic actions" (24-25).
By understanding what defines a hero it is a simple matter to comprehend why Beowulf is
considered by some to be the greatest of all. He posses unfaltering loyalty to his king
and allies, and save for his final battle his thanes show the same devotion to him. His
strength is unparalleled, as he is able to defeat each of his opponents and perform feats
of unmatched endurance. Beowulf's courage, though motivated primarily by his own notion
of fate, is, none the less, unwavering. And as a hero he achieved his desire for
immortality through the poem itself.
Each of the four heroic traits can be identified within the three battles in which
Beowulf participates: His battle with Grendel, his undersea struggle with the Grendel's
Mother, and his final fight with the dragon. Before going off to do battle with Grendel,
Beowulf gives a speech that may appear conceited to the modern reader, but is in
actuality a simple device used to insure his immortality through fame. Beowulf states, "I
claim myself no poorer in war strength, war works, than Grendel claims himself. Therefor
I will not put him to sleep with a sword... and then may wise God, Holy Lord, 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 battled the beast
without the aid of a weapon. 
This passage also shows Beowulf's unconquerable courage. It is important to note,
however, that this courage does not come from A strong mind, but rather from an
unquestioning belief in fate, which in turn, is completely at God's command. His courage,
therefor, comes entirely from his belief that he has done good in the eyes of the lord. 
Armed only with his strong belief in the goodness of the Lord Beowulf attacks the evil
Grendel ("enemy of god" according to page 37) and displays his awesome strength. When
Beowulf first grasps the arm of his opponent he is described as "he who of men was
strongest of might in the days of his life (37). He then proceeds to rip Grendel's arm
from his body while "more than enough of Beowulf's earls drew swords, old heirlooms,
wished to protect the life of their dear lord, famous prince however they might" (37) (a
perfect example of the importance of loyalty in the lord-thane relationship). 
In his second battle Beowulf again epitomizes the Anglo-Saxon hero by again exhibiting
the aforementioned traits. After Grendel's Mother swarms the castle in retribution for
the murder of her son (choosing to wage war instead of accepting wergild) Beowulf is
determined to do away with the descendent of Cain. "He was resolute, not slow of courage,
mindful of fame" (47). He is exceptionally strong since, in order to reach the dwelling
of Grendel's mother, he must swim for almost a day to reach the bottom of a lake. This is
of course no great ordeal for a man who can swim for seven days with his comrade Breca
and battle a horde of sea monsters all while wearing chain armor. 
During the battle Beowulf's men remain loyal to their leader and stay by the side of the
lake even after the Sycldings left the hill. They wait for hours even though they believe
their lord to be dead. And when Beowulf does finally resurface he has not only killed
Grendel's mother, but has come back with Grendel's head, as well. 
Beowulf's ultimate battle occurs over fifty years after his battle with Grendel's Mother.
Beowulf is now ruler over the kingdom of the Geats. He is forced to protect his Kingdom
from a fearsome dragon after a servant angers the creature by stealing an ornamented cup.

Before engaging in the battle Beoqulf remains confident of victory by recounting his past
exploits (again certifying a position of fame). Although he is armed for the battle he
wishes that he could "grapple with the monster, as [he] did of old with Grendel" (59).
Beowulf remains as just courageous and as ravenous for fame in his elder years as he does
in his youth.
Like the previous battles Beowulf again behaves like the Hero, with one striking
difference. This is the one battle in the poem where Beowulf looses the loyalty of his
men. As the battle between Beowulf and the dragon becomes increasingly violent all the
thanes flee. The only exception is Wiglaf, son of Weohstan, who quickly jumps into battle
to aid his lord. Before doing so, however, he scolds his fellow thanes for forsaking
their leader, explaining that it is better to fall in a fight. As Wiglaf himself
states,"God knows of me that I should rather that the flame enfold my body with my gold
giver" (61). Here it is Wiglaf who possesses the heroic traits. 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 dragon is vanquished, but Beowulf suffers mortal wounds. Having no
heirs he passes his kingdom on to Wiglaf, who Beowulf describes as the last of the race
of Waegmundings. Although Beowulf dies, he does achieve the goal of the hero - to be
imortalized. A shrine is constructed to honor the legendary hero - and so Beowulf's fame
continues to live on. Wiglaf, howver, although the new Ruler is destined for hardships
since he lacks the sheer strength which would make him a true hero. 
Strength, courage, loyalty, and fame. If these truly are the defining factors in each
great hero, how then are the heroes different from the villains. Doesn't Grendels mother
have all of the same qualities. She was strong courageous, loyal to her son, and though
she dies, famous through her battle with Beowulf. In the end the Anglo-Saxon hero is not
merely defined by his traits, but by his appearance through the eyes of his God (or at
least how the people perceive God's vision). The lord sees Beowulf as good, therefor he
is a hero. The grendel family, as well as the dragon are seen as abominations by lord, so
they are evil. Hero's are therefor nothing more than good looking villains who posses
social graces. And yet they still inspire us to be good. And so Beowuld remains a hero -
and an immortal.