There is a breadth of themes that lie in the text of Beowulf. The idea of Good vs. Evil runs through the entirety. It is ultimately the simplest story to tell, but no less effective. Courage and fatalism flood the story as well, with the warrior's bravery coming from a completely fatalistic boldness regarding life and apathy to death. Loyalty and vengeance are reflected in the morals and philosophies of the characters in Beowulf and help to clarify the motivations of the numerous characters.
Throughout Beowulf’s extensive and renowned career, loyalty is the main drive behind his actions and the actions of his closest companions. At the beginning of his career, loyalty forces him to support Hrothgar and the Danes in conquering Grendel as recompense for Hrothgar assisting his father years earlier. By appreciating what defines a hero it is simple to comprehend why Beowulf is considered by some to be the greatest of all. He possesses persistent loyalty to his king and supporters, and except for his final battle, his companions show the same dedication to him. …show more content…
It is through an additional act of revenge that the tale picks up again and another brave opportunity bestows itself. A thief steals a “plated flagon” from the dragon’s lair (2009). “One treasure taken had tainted the rest” and the dragon, “waking in wrath,” saw the tracks of the one who had intruded its lair (2012-13). “…Eager and angry, /the hoard-guard hunted the thief who had haunted/his hall while he slept…” and it is this vengeful outburst that extends Beowulf another opportunity for heroism (2019-21). Beowulf comes to the protection of his people, in the end only supported by one person: Wiglaf. The dragon is bested but Beowulf loses his life. He is given a hero’s funeral accompanied by the riches of the dragon’s horde - his final
Throughout Beowulf’s extensive and renowned career, loyalty is the main drive behind his actions and the actions of his closest companions. At the beginning of his career, loyalty forces him to support Hrothgar and the Danes in conquering Grendel as recompense for Hrothgar assisting his father years earlier. By appreciating what defines a hero it is simple to comprehend why Beowulf is considered by some to be the greatest of all. He possesses persistent loyalty to his king and supporters, and except for his final battle, his companions show the same dedication to him. …show more content…
It is through an additional act of revenge that the tale picks up again and another brave opportunity bestows itself. A thief steals a “plated flagon” from the dragon’s lair (2009). “One treasure taken had tainted the rest” and the dragon, “waking in wrath,” saw the tracks of the one who had intruded its lair (2012-13). “…Eager and angry, /the hoard-guard hunted the thief who had haunted/his hall while he slept…” and it is this vengeful outburst that extends Beowulf another opportunity for heroism (2019-21). Beowulf comes to the protection of his people, in the end only supported by one person: Wiglaf. The dragon is bested but Beowulf loses his life. He is given a hero’s funeral accompanied by the riches of the dragon’s horde - his final