The Inevitability Of Death In Beowulf

In Beowulf, a key theme that is developed throughout the story is that death is inevitable. In the epic poem many of the characters die, even those that are well known for the legacy they left behind. In the world today , many feel as if they’re untouchable and do everything imaginable to live longer. The reality of death is that no matter who you are, your time on earth will come to an end.
We see this theme displayed in Beowulf’s aging. It starts off with Beowulf being a young man who is brave and ready to take on anything that will build his legacy. Beowulf tells the Danes about him and the battles he’s encountered, and how he’s escaped death many times. When the battle with Grendel occurs and victory is Beowulf, many start to hold him at a higher standing, almost god-like. Which gives us reason to believe Beowulf might live on forever, but when Hrothgar uses the contrast between Beowulf and Heremod to tell Beowulf the dangers of wealth and pride, which can make men forget that they're destined to die and that God is in charge. When we hear about all the great men that have passed we are reminded of the morality that these men poses. Hrothgar tells Beowulf, “ Your piercing eye will dim and …show more content…
Everything is going well for Beowulf and the Geats, but then we are told about a dragon who is angered because of his stolen treasure. The dragon attacks the Geats, and Beowulf wants to be the one to kill the dragon, we are reminded of the pride Beowulf carries. The dragon represent the end or the fate of Beowulf and he knows that. When Beowulf is bit on the neck by the poisonous fangs of the dragon, we know he will not survive, and when he starts to tell wiglaf that he doesn't have any sons to leave his armour to but is glad to have served his people, and leave them with some treasure. He knew it was his time and allowed it to