Examples Of Exile In Beowulf

Beowulf: Home, Identity and Exile Beowulf is centered in a male-dominant society engulfed in danger and barbarity. An era where each warrior takes high value and honor of the heroic code. In the land of the Danes, King Hrothgar built a mead-hall, or Heorot for his noblemen to gather, feast, and trade war stories with one another. However, a monster known as Grendel, appeared and annihilated the place and the people of this land. This dire threat has succumbed the region. Thus, came Beowulf, a Geatish hero, who offered his assistance to King Hrothgar and his people. Willing to risk his own life, Beowulf comes face to face with Grendel, and with much success pried the demon’s arm from his body. The demon quickly retreats and eventually bleeds to death in the swamps. Beowulf, a well-known warrior of his day, portrays the theme of identity, home, and exile through …show more content…
For instance, when Beowulf initially meets the King, he states that his “… father was a famous man, a noble warrior-lord named Ecgetheow…” before even mentioning his own name, and thus, throughout the poem he was known as “…son of Ecgetheow…” (46,60). In addition, as Beowulf is greeted by Hrothgar’s herald, he refers the King of the Danes as “… son of Halfdane…” and requests to meet with him in order to “… report my[his] errand…” (48). This repetitive emphasis on patriarchal lineage portrays the pride and honor each men contains, by which part of their individual identity is intertwined with who their forefathers are. And while each warrior strives to act valiantly as they attempt to reach the same standards as their ancestors, a warrior’s individual character plays a major part in his identity as well. Beowulf exemplifies the qualities of the perfect hero. This Geats hero is characterized as “… the mightiest man on earth, highborn and powerful” (45). However, some villagers, specifically Unferth were