beowulf honor essay

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Representation of the Themes of Honor and Heroism in Beowulf

This essay about the themes of honor and heroism in “Beowulf” examines how these central motifs define the protagonist and the broader Anglo-Saxon cultural ethos. It discusses how Beowulf embodies honor through his deeds, such as his decision to aid King Hrothgar and combat Grendel without weapons, adhering to a moral code that emphasizes fairness and valor. The essay also explores heroism beyond physical combat, highlighting Beowulf’s wise governance and his protective instincts during his kingdom’s peril from a dragon in his later years. Furthermore, it touches on the societal structure of loyalty and duty depicted in the poem, particularly through the relationship of mutual commitment between a lord and his warriors. The narrative culminates with Beowulf’s death, where his funeral rites and the construction of a memorial barrow underscore his lasting impact as a model of heroic and honorable conduct. Through these analyses, the essay articulates how “Beowulf” intertwines personal and communal ideals to reflect and perpetuate the values of its time.

How it works

The epic poem “Beowulf” has long been at the heart of scholarly discussion due to its profound representation of the themes of honor and heroism. This exploration delves into how these motifs are woven through the narrative, defining the characters and their interactions within the socio-political landscape of the time.

In “Beowulf,” honor is not only a personal trait but a societal cornerstone. The protagonist, Beowulf, embodies this through his actions and the way he relates with other characters. His journey begins with his decision to help King Hrothgar, whose kingdom is plagued by Grendel, a monstrous creature.

This decision is driven by more than mere bravery; it is an act of balancing the scales of honor, repaying the kindness once shown to his family. Beowulf’s fight against Grendel is a vivid depiction of honor as a driving force. He chooses to fight the monster with his bare hands, leveling the playing field and adhering to a code of fairness that elevates his heroic status.

Heroism in Beowulf is multifaceted and extends beyond physical prowess. It encompasses wisdom, leadership, and a profound sense of duty. After defeating Grendel and his mother, Beowulf returns to Geatland, where he eventually becomes king. His rule is marked by peace and prosperity, highlighting another aspect of heroism: governance and the welfare of his people. His final act of heroism comes many years later when he confronts a dragon that threatens his kingdom. Though older, Beowulf’s commitment to protect his people underscores the enduring nature of his heroic qualities.

The portrayal of these themes is also deeply interconnected with the Anglo-Saxon code of comitatus, or loyalty between a lord and his warriors. This relationship is critical to understanding the societal fabric of the time. The reciprocal loyalty between Beowulf and his men is highlighted during the battle with the dragon. Though his warriors flee, except for Wiglaf, the scene paints a complex picture of heroism that includes perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds and the consequences of loyalty failures.

Moreover, Beowulf’s death and the subsequent mourning of his people illuminate the theme of heroism in a somber light. The elaborate funeral rites and the construction of a towering barrow by the sea serve as a testament to his heroic deeds and the high esteem in which he is held. This act ensures that his legacy of honor and heroism will continue to inspire future generations, underscoring the poem’s exploration of immortality through valor.

In summary, “Beowulf” provides a rich tapestry of honor and heroism interwoven with the threads of loyalty, duty, and fairness. These themes not only define the titular character but also reflect the values of Anglo-Saxon society. Through its vivid storytelling and complex characterizations, “Beowulf” remains a seminal work that continues to offer insights into the ancient past and its relevance to universal questions of ethical conduct and societal organization.

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Representation of The Themes of Honor and Heroism in Beowulf. (2024, Apr 22). Retrieved from https://papersowl.com/examples/representation-of-the-themes-of-honor-and-heroism-in-beowulf/

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PapersOwl.com. (2024). Representation of The Themes of Honor and Heroism in Beowulf . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/representation-of-the-themes-of-honor-and-heroism-in-beowulf/ [Accessed: 20-Aug-2024]

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Loyalty in Beowulf: How Does the Epic Warrior Hero Show Loyalty? 

Together with this, there were other characters too who showed their loyalty to Beowulf. Read this to find out how Beowulf and the other characters showed loyalty.

How Does Beowulf Show Loyalty?

Beowulf shows his loyalty by rushing to help the king of the Danes in their time of need, King Hrothgar . He arrived on the Danish shore, and he sent word to the king that he was ready to help him fight against the monster.

The king remembers him, mentioning that Beowulf is “ Here to follow up an old friendship ,” as quoted from the Seamus Heaney translation of the poem. Beowulf had some debt to repay to the king, due to his loyalty, he traveled across the sea, risking his life to help them .

In this culture and time period, chivalry and the heroic code were all important. Men needed to be strong, courageous, loyal, focused on honor, and fighting for what is right. Loyalty was one of the most important aspects of this code , and even if one wasn’t blood-related to someone, they still should have been loyal. In this case, Beowulf came to help the Danes showing loyalty to their king King Hrothgar, however, even after fulfilling his duty, defeated Grendel’s mother as well.

Together with being loyal to the Danes, Beowulf kept his loyalty to the cause, which was to remove evil from the world. He insisted on helping the king so that they will, once again be free from a monster. However, achieving this loyalty brought him just what he wanted: honor and recognition for his achievements .

Beowulf Examples of Loyalty: Other Characters Are Also Loyal

Beowulf wasn’t the only character in the poem who proved his loyalty ; King Hrothgar is loyal as well as Grendel’s mother, followed by Beowulf’s soldier and kinsman, Wiglaf.

King Hrothgar of the Danes is loyal because he was true to his word about rewarding Beowulf if Beowulf was successful. After Beowulf came to him with evidence of Grendel’s death, the king granted him treasures to return to his own king. After a while, this king also gave parts of that treasure for Beowulf to keep.

Another example of a loyal character is Grendel’s mother. Even though she was an antagonist, illustrating her wild and dangerous side, she showed loyalty to her son by avenging his death . In Seamus Heaney’s version of the poem, it says, “But now his mother Had sallied forth on a savage journey, Grief-racked and ravenous, desperate for revenge.” She came to kill to avenge her son, but even so, she was sought out by Beowulf and killed.

However, as his men saw that he was in need of their help, they fled in fear, but Wiglaf was the only one who stayed. He helped Beowulf defeat the dragon, watched his lord die, and got a crown as a reward .

Loyalty Quotes in Beowulf: Quoted Examples of Loyalty and Chivalry in Beowulf

Loyalty was part of the chivalric or heroic code in this period of time. It was so important that it is one of the major themes of Beowulf and comes up time and time again.

Take a look at the following loyalty quotes in Beowulf from Seamus Heaney’s version which show its importance to the story:

• “ My one request Is that you won’t refuse me, who have come this far, The privilege of purifying Heorot ”: here, Beowulf is begging King Hrothgar to allow him to stay to fulfill his loyalty to the Danes in fighting Grendel
• “ And I shall fulfill that purpose, prove myself with a proud deed Or meet my death here in the mead-hall ”: Beowulf tells the queen of the Danes that he is there to prove his loyalty, and he will die if needs must
• “ But now his mother Had sallied forth on a savage journey, Grief-racked and ravenous, desperate for revenge ”: after the death of her son, Grendel’s mother was loyal to him, and she went to take vengeance against the Danes for his death
• “ I remember that time when the mead was flowing, How we pledged loyalty to our lord in the hall ”: after Beowulf becomes king and tends to fight the dragon, his kinsman Wiglaf scolds the other men for not wanting to help their king

The Young Soldier Wiglaf: The Most Loyal Character in Beowulf

While loyalty is shown throughout the famous poem, Wiglaf is likely the most loyal character . At the end of Beowulf’s life, he has to fight a dragon. Holding his pride high, Beowulf wanted to fight alone, that is why he didn’t realize that he was older in age now and couldn’t fight as fiercly as he used to. His other soldiers raced away in fear as they saw Beowulf struggle, however, Wiglaf was the only one who stayed with him.

Wiglaf even scolded the other soldiers who were trembling in fear, reminding them of what their king has done for them . In Heaney’s translation, Wiglaf says,

“I well know

That things he has done for us deserve better.

Should he alone be left exposed

To fall in battle?

We must bond together.”

As Wiglaf went to find Beowulf, he told his king,

“Your deeds are famous,

So stay resolute, my lord, defend your life now

With the whole of your strength.

I shall stand by you.”

Facing his fear, Wiglaf showed loyalty to his king by helping him fight the dragon .

Together, they brought the dragon down, however, Beowulf died . With his dying breath, he implies that Wiglaf will become the next king.

What Is Beowulf? Background Information on the Epic Poem’s Hero

Beowulf is an epic hero, showing loyalty in warrior culture. Taking place in the 6th century Scandinavia, Beowulf is an epic poem written by an anonymous author . Between the years 975 to 1025, in the language of Old English, the story was first orally told and passed down to generations, until someone wrote it down  The plot speaks about the times of an epic war hero called Beowulf, who travels to help the Danes get rid of a monster.

The Danes are at the mercy of a bloodthirsty monster, and no one can seem to defeat him. But Beowulf is a unique warrior, full of strength and courage. He fights against Grendel, defeats him, and is seen as a hero . He also fights Grendel’s mother, and later in his life, he fights a dragon, dying in the process after he kills the dragon.

Beowulf is one of the most important works of literature for the Western world. It gives us an insight into the past, especially about cultural themes. It also shows the transition of Scandinavia from paganism to Christianity . And it’s relatable because of its overall theme of good vs. evil.

• Beowulf shows loyalty time and time again: he helps the king of the Danes and then continues to battle the second monster to help him
• He is constantly loyal to the cause of fighting for what is right as well as removing evil from the world
• But there are also other characters who show loyalty in the poem
• Loyalty is one of the main attributes of the heroic or chivalric code, a very important way of life for the culture and time period
• In Beowulf, the other characters who show loyalty are Wiglaf, his kinsman, Grendel’s mother, and King Hrothgar
• King Hrothgar is loyal to his word, and once Beowulf kills Grendel, he is given the rewards due to him
• Grendel’s mother is loyal to her son, and so she emerges from the murky depths to take vengeance for her son’s death
• Wiglaf, Beowulf’s later kinsman, goes into battle with Beowulf to fight the dragon. He is the only soldier who chooses to fight with him while the others run in fear
• Beowulf is an epic poem written in Old English between 975 and 1025, taking place in Scandinavia, and it follows the adventures and times of Beowulf, a warrior
• The Danes are having trouble with a monster named Grendel, and Beowulf offers his service, due to an old debt that needs to be paid, Beowulf comes to help King Hrothgar
• Hrothgar helped Beowulf’s uncle and father in the past, and Beowulf wants to show him honor by helping him

Beowulf is a perfect epic hero because he displays the main characteristics of the code: honor, courage, strength, and loyalty . He shows loyalty by traveling to help the Danes and risking his life against a monster to pay back an old debt. But even though Beowulf is the main character and very loyal, it’s likely that his lowly kinsman is the most loyal of all.

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What is Beowulf ?

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Beowulf is a heroic poem, considered the highest achievement of Old English literature and the earliest European vernacular epic. It deals with events of the early 6th century CE and is believed to have been composed between 700 and 750. Although originally untitled, it was later named after the Scandinavian hero Beowulf, whose exploits and character provide its connecting theme.

Where does Beowulf take place?

Beowulf takes place in early 6th-century Scandinavia , primarily in what is known today as Denmark and Sweden .

Who was Beowulf written by?

The author of Beowulf is unknown. It is possible that the poem was composed by and transmitted between several different poets before it was preserved in a single manuscript that dates to about 1000.

What does Beowulf present to Hrothgar?

Upon his return to Heorot, Beowulf presents to King Hrothgar Grendel ’s decapitated head and the jeweled hilt of the sword he used to kill Grendel’s mother.

Was Beowulf real?

There is no evidence of a historical Beowulf, but other characters, sites, and events in the poem can be historically verified. For example, the poem’s Danish King Hrothgar and his nephew Hrothulf are generally believed to have been based on historical figures.

Beowulf , heroic poem, the highest achievement of Old English literature and the earliest European vernacular epic . The work deals with events of the early 6th century, and, while the date of its composition is uncertain, some scholars believe that it was written in the 8th century. Although originally untitled, the poem was later named after the Scandinavian hero Beowulf, whose exploits and character provide its connecting theme. There is no evidence of a historical Beowulf, but some characters, sites, and events in the poem can be historically verified. The poem did not appear in print until 1815. It is preserved in a single manuscript that dates to circa 1000 and is known as the Beowulf manuscript (Cotton MS Vitellius A XV) .

Beowulf falls into two parts. It opens in Denmark, where King Hrothgar has a splendid mead hall known as Heorot, a place of celebration and much merriment. However, the joyous noise angers Grendel , an evil monster living in a nearby swamp. For 12 years the creature terrorizes Heorot with nightly visits in which he carries off Hrothgar’s warriors and devours them.

After learning of the Danes’ trouble, young Beowulf, a prince of the Geats in what is now southern Sweden, arrives with a small band of retainers and offers to rid Heorot of its monster. Hrothgar is astonished at the little-known hero’s daring but welcomes him. After an evening of feasting, much courtesy, and some discourtesy—at one point, one of Hrothgar’s men insults Beowulf—the king retires, leaving Beowulf in charge. During the night, Grendel comes from the moors , rips open the heavy doors, and devours one of the sleeping Geats. He then grapples with Beowulf, who refuses to use a weapon. Beowulf grips one of Grendel’s hands with such force that the monster finally wrenches himself free only when his arm is torn off at the shoulder. Mortally wounded, Grendel returns to his swamp and dies. Beowulf then displays the monster’s arm in Heorot for all to see.

The next day is one of rejoicing in Heorot, and a feast is thrown in Beowulf’s honour. However, as the warriors sleep that night, Grendel’s mother, another swamp monster, comes to avenge her son’s death, and she kills one of Hrothgar’s men. In the morning Beowulf dives into her mere (lake) to search for her, and she attacks him. They struggle in her dry cave at the mere’s bottom, and Beowulf finally kills her with a sword. In the cave, Beowulf discovers Grendel’s corpse, whose head he cuts off and takes back to Heorot. The Danes rejoice once more. Hrothgar makes a farewell speech about the character of the true hero, and Beowulf, enriched with honours and princely gifts, returns home to King Hygelac of the Geats.

The second part passes rapidly over Hygelac’s subsequent death in a battle (of historical record), the death of his son, and Beowulf’s succession to the kingship and his peaceful rule of 50 years. However, the tranquility ends when a fire-breathing dragon becomes enraged after a man steals from its treasure-filled lair. The creature begins ravaging Geatland, and the brave but aging Beowulf decides to engage it, despite knowing that he will likely die. The fight is long and terrible—a painful contrast to the battles of his youth. Painful too is the desertion of all his retainers except for his young kinsman Wiglaf, who comes to his aid. They ultimately kill the venomous dragon, but Beowulf is mortally wounded from a bite in the neck. Before he dies, he names Wiglaf his successor. Beowulf is cremated on a funeral pyre, and his remains are buried in a barrow built by the sea. As his people mourn his death, they also express the fear that, without Beowulf, Geatland will be invaded by nearby tribes.

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Beowulfs Traits of an Epic Hero

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Published: Mar 14, 2024

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