Beowulf's Heroic Words

Final Heroic Words in Beowulf Instead of thrashing about to delay what has to come, Beowulf embraces death and makes his last requests honorably. He demonstrates his heroism by accepting death as a facet of wyrd. Before entering combat with the dragon, Beowulf recounts both his past victories and his intentions of victory for this coming challenge. However, he also speaks of fate and accepts whatever happens to him, knowing he will be providing his best efforts. When he gives his second speech, Beowulf is aware that death is on his heels, and he passes on his battle gear and throne to Wiglaf in an respectable manner. He dies at peace that he has said and done all that he can for his nation. These two speeches present an image of an ideal hero …show more content…
This is his last breathing moment that many of his men witness, so it is important that they maintain a respectful image of their king. He exits full of anger and runs under the crag, instead of taking the “coward path” (2541). Instead of delegating the mission to his men, Beowulf takes full responsibility and says the fight belongs only to him so that he may prove himself by measuring his strength against the monster. Action occurs in between Beowulf’s narrations. Wiglaf, the bravest remaining soldier, gives his own speech. He remembers how the men all pledged loyalty to Beowulf when mead was following and times were good, so they must uphold that in this more difficult time. Wiglaf calls for help, but he ends up having to help and encourage Beowulf on his own. Together, they take the dragon’s life, but it is at the cost of a deadly wound to Beowulf. The second speech is conducted because Beowulf is aware that he is dying. The earlier speech was more of a performative act, as it was (potentially) his last chance to speak to the Geats as their king. However, Wiglaf is the only audience member for Beowulf’s final words. In this speech, Beowulf finalizes his heroic image, but he also makes an effective transferal of power. He conducts necessary business with his last words, passing the throne down and planning his own …show more content…
“For fifty years I ruled this nation,” he remarks, with the intentional use of the past tense. He acknowledges that his time is over, and he wants a brief review of his achievements. He boasts about the respect and fear he cultivated for the Geats, as no neighbors would even dare to intimidate them. However, his abilities as a warrior are not all he values about himself; he also uses his limited breath to bring up his honesty, dedication, and integrity. To preserve his status as a hero beyond his death, Beowulf calls for the troops to construct a memorial to him. He requests they make a barrow, called Beowulf’s Barrow, to loom on the horizon at Hronesness to remind people of