Beowulf Essay: Heritage And Reputation

The movie adaptation of the ancient epic poem, Beowulf, that was written hundreds of years ago, and has themes of heritage and reputation, and the expectations that come with it, themes that still apply in today’s world. Beowulf’s heritage, is a burden that he carries with him for his life, being expected to be as great as his father, Edgetheow. Similar to the expectations people have for me, coming from a successful family. Beowulf has a stellar reputation, one that he has crafted himself with the help of others, is challenged. I also am having my reputation challenged in this transformational period in my life. The same themes of life apply, no matter what century.

Beowulf’s father was helped by Hrothgar, many years before Beowulf was a hero. When Beowulf’s father, Edgetheow passed away, the expectation that he would repay Hrothgar one day was passed down to Beowulf. Beowulf felt inclined to help, and he did. Much like how I feel inclined to inherit my heritage of supposedly successful genes. To follow the stereotypical path …show more content…
Beowulf slept with Grendal’s mother in order to preserve his reputation as a fearless hero. This act created a dragon baby, one out to kill Beowulf. Whether or not he chooses to, Beowulf’s son disregards his heritage, and the expectation of being a great monster slayer that accompanies it. Beowulf’s son proceeds to kill him and many of his men. Beowulf accepted his defeat. He probably would have rather been killed by his son, in battle, instead of being called a coward years ago. I understand that movie did not follow the original text in many ways but I believe my ideas still apply to the first text. I choose to have a much less gruesome future, utilizing the advantages that my heritage and reputation give me. I have also decided I can ignore people’s expectations for me, and focus on goals for myself, like being