In all timeless stories, we as readers discover a hero. The qualities of a hero are not static, as each story requires it’s own archetype of the crowning protagonist. In the heroic poem Beowulf, it becomes obvious within the first few stanzas that Beowulf, nephew of Geatish King Hygelac, will become a conquering hero. Although Beowulf is written post-Christianizing of Pagan, the heroic poem still holds many Anglo-Saxon ideals, while carefully mixing in various Christianity references as well. By merging both Pagan and Christian ideals and allusions, the author is able to create the ideal hero in Beowulf, as he exemplifies a mix of Pagan self-serving heroism with Christian selflessness.
Paganism modern practices rely on rituals evolved from …show more content…
In my opinion, the vengeance Beowulf seeks on Grendel’s mother is found through the desire for more fame, another sought after ideal in the Danish Pagan religion. It is easy to find a correlation between Beowulf’s insatiable desire for vengeance and the positive affirmation he receives from such aggression. While Grendel’s mother is directly responsible for the death of Hrothgar’s adviser, Aeschere, the reader may question why Beowulf agrees to pursue vengeance so quickly if not for the impending fame, as he could not have been too personally upset by a death of someone he does not know. Beowulf reiterates his hunger for fame again to Hrothgar in this scene when he says “wise sir, do not grieve. It is always better to avenge dear ones than to indulge in mourning. For every one of us, living is this world means waiting for our end. Let whoever can win glory before death” (1382-1389). This inappropriate acknowledgement of fame trumping grief is Beowulf’s first admission of the belief that aggressive vengeance correlates with …show more content…
In most cases, gold is given to Beowulf from a third party after a victory. It is interesting to note that Beowulf’s speech prior to his slaying of the dragon is the first time he acknowledges reaping his own reward as he tells the other soldiers “I shall win the gold by my courage, or else mortal combat” (2535-2536). Beowulf sees his fault in fighting alone once his helmet scalds him, and Wiglaf, a Shylfing soldier, rushes to the aide. After an extraordinary fight between Beowulf, his esteemed comrade Wiglaf and the dragon, Beowulf collapses from a fatal bite while the dragon falls dead to the ground. Beowulf, again identifying with the Pagan characteristic of fortune, requests that Wiglaf bring him an armload of treasure, suggesting, “[my] going will be easier for having seen the treasure I have long maintained”
Paganism modern practices rely on rituals evolved from …show more content…
In my opinion, the vengeance Beowulf seeks on Grendel’s mother is found through the desire for more fame, another sought after ideal in the Danish Pagan religion. It is easy to find a correlation between Beowulf’s insatiable desire for vengeance and the positive affirmation he receives from such aggression. While Grendel’s mother is directly responsible for the death of Hrothgar’s adviser, Aeschere, the reader may question why Beowulf agrees to pursue vengeance so quickly if not for the impending fame, as he could not have been too personally upset by a death of someone he does not know. Beowulf reiterates his hunger for fame again to Hrothgar in this scene when he says “wise sir, do not grieve. It is always better to avenge dear ones than to indulge in mourning. For every one of us, living is this world means waiting for our end. Let whoever can win glory before death” (1382-1389). This inappropriate acknowledgement of fame trumping grief is Beowulf’s first admission of the belief that aggressive vengeance correlates with …show more content…
In most cases, gold is given to Beowulf from a third party after a victory. It is interesting to note that Beowulf’s speech prior to his slaying of the dragon is the first time he acknowledges reaping his own reward as he tells the other soldiers “I shall win the gold by my courage, or else mortal combat” (2535-2536). Beowulf sees his fault in fighting alone once his helmet scalds him, and Wiglaf, a Shylfing soldier, rushes to the aide. After an extraordinary fight between Beowulf, his esteemed comrade Wiglaf and the dragon, Beowulf collapses from a fatal bite while the dragon falls dead to the ground. Beowulf, again identifying with the Pagan characteristic of fortune, requests that Wiglaf bring him an armload of treasure, suggesting, “[my] going will be easier for having seen the treasure I have long maintained”