Set in sixth century Northern Europe, the Anglo-Saxon epic poem Beowulf recounts the exploits of a strong and skillful warrior and his heroic quest for greatness. Spanning over fifty decades, Beowulf, a loyal thane and the eventual king of Geatland, bravely defeats two man-eating monsters and a fire-breathing dragon to secure legendary prominence. By chronicling the glory-seeking adventures of the ode’s protagonist, the poet effectively juxtaposes Beowulf’s prideful thirst for glory against society’s greater good.
As a first example, the epic’s anonymous author illustrates Beowulf’s candid arrogance and pursuit of notoriety as he confidently predicts a swift and victorious battle with Grendel. Bragging that a warrior of his superior expertise would effortlessly defeat Cain’s spawn with his mighty sword, he brazenly asserts, “Grendel is no braver, no stronger / Than I am! I could kill him with my sword; I shall not, / Easy as it would be. This fiend is a bold / And famous fighter, but his claws and teeth / Scratching at my shield . . . / Beating at my sword blade, would be helpless. I will meet him / With my hands empty – unless his heart / Fails him, seeing a soldier waiting / Weaponless, unafraid” (Beowulf 677-85). Claiming the beast powerless against his masterfully brandished blade, Beowulf …show more content…
With every battle and decision prove his greatness to the masses, Beowulf’s self-centered quest for glory serves to undermine the Geats, bringing them closer to calamity and collapse. By furthering his own agenda, Beowulf’s death tragically leaves his followers without a worthy leader or the wealth required to endure over time. Crafted over one thousand years ago, Beowulf’s message regarding the perils of egotism transcends time, serving as a cautionary tale of the detrimental effects of valuing self over
As a first example, the epic’s anonymous author illustrates Beowulf’s candid arrogance and pursuit of notoriety as he confidently predicts a swift and victorious battle with Grendel. Bragging that a warrior of his superior expertise would effortlessly defeat Cain’s spawn with his mighty sword, he brazenly asserts, “Grendel is no braver, no stronger / Than I am! I could kill him with my sword; I shall not, / Easy as it would be. This fiend is a bold / And famous fighter, but his claws and teeth / Scratching at my shield . . . / Beating at my sword blade, would be helpless. I will meet him / With my hands empty – unless his heart / Fails him, seeing a soldier waiting / Weaponless, unafraid” (Beowulf 677-85). Claiming the beast powerless against his masterfully brandished blade, Beowulf …show more content…
With every battle and decision prove his greatness to the masses, Beowulf’s self-centered quest for glory serves to undermine the Geats, bringing them closer to calamity and collapse. By furthering his own agenda, Beowulf’s death tragically leaves his followers without a worthy leader or the wealth required to endure over time. Crafted over one thousand years ago, Beowulf’s message regarding the perils of egotism transcends time, serving as a cautionary tale of the detrimental effects of valuing self over