Motivation In Beowulf

For the Glory
(An analysis of the three motivations behind Beowulf fighting Grendel)

Motivation, it’s what moves us through out every day. Without motivation a person has no reason to go on every day like they have done so before. These motivations come in many different forms. Some are for great things others are for small everyday things. Motivation to obtain a good grade is what makes me sit down and type this essay. In the poem Beowulf, the main character Beowulf fights against the monster Grendel, and Grendel’s Mother. In the story he defeats both of them. Beowulf’s motivation to fight Grendel was: his duty, he wanted to be a hero, and he wanted to be a leader. Initially, Beowulf’s first motivation to fight Grendel was because it was his duty. Beowulf had the strength far more superior to all those around him. He was capable of withstanding much more than the normal man could. “My people have said, the wisest, most knowing and best of them, that my duty was to go to the Danes’ great king. They have seen my strength for themselves.” (Beowulf, pg. 47, lines 244-246). Beowulf here explains that it is his duty …show more content…
Because of his success in defeating Grendel, Beowulf earned the status of becoming the leader over his own people. Beowulf proved himself when he fought the monster. “Into the hand of the aged leader, the gray-haired hero, he gave the hilt, the work of giants, the wonder of gold…” (Beowulf, packet pg. 6, line 1148-1150). In this Beowulf had been the leader of his people for quite some time. He had faced off a dragon that was threatening him and his people. Beowulf was successful in defeating the dragon, but the dragon had also taken his life in his declining old age. The great leader wanted to be remembered and honored by his people, so he was generous and distributed his gold out t ever person. His only request was that a light house be built in his