Analysis Of Beowulf Essay

In the epic poem Beowulf, the Seamus Heaney version, the main character, Beowulf, goes through a transformation from a hero to a king. This conversion shows the benefits and downfalls of becoming a king after being a famed hero. Beowulf would rather be a king because there are fewer responsibilities, he is more independent, and the people choose to follow him. Beowulf would rather be a hero because there are fewer responsibilities than when he is king. When Beowulf becomes king in line 2200- 2210, he takes on a whole new line of kingly duties. Instead of Beowulf going off to do hero’s work of going on missions to defeat monsters, he instead has to stay in his kingdom to protect it. Beowulf would rather be the hero fighting for the people, than the warden of the land. Another reason that Beowulf would rather be a hero over a king is because he is no longer on his own. As a hero, Beowulf is able to do more things on his own without thinking of the possible consequences of his actions. When he makes the transition to a king, he has to be careful not to make rash decisions that can affect the whole kingdom. This affect of his new responsibilities is seen when he battles the dragon. Because he is a king now, he tells his companions to stay behind for this is his battle; when before, he would’ve never thought of the affect his death would have. As …show more content…
Beowulf is a man of action and he would rather save the people than rule them. Kings are not normally followed out of choice but out of requirement. Although the people love him still as a king, Beowulf prefers the adoration to come from a place where it isn’t necessary. Beowulf, throughout the poem, is shown as a person of the people; people adore him and help spread his legend far and wide. When he becomes king, he losses that “hero of the people” feel and takes on a role of a less legendary ruler of the