The Heroic Transformation Of Beowulf

In the epic poem Beowulf, characters with vast differences and similarities appear and blend together to foil each other to make for a very interesting read. Many examples of dichotomies exist in the multitude of characters introduced throughout the poem. One of the most prevalent examples is demonstrated by the relationship between Beowulf and Grendel. There are varying dichotomies that continuously show up throughout the poem, and Beowulf and Grendel embody several themes that overlap with one another. The most evident dichotomy is good versus evil, but other dichotomies displayed align with the overarching theme of good versus evil, such as bravery versus cowardice, and dark versus light. This essay focuses on bravery versus cowardice as a theme for the main characters Beowulf and Grendel, but this dichotomy is also demonstrated by other characters such as Wiglaf and the other soldiers because of their fear of the dragon, and when Beowulf’s soldiers stay with him to help fight Grendel despite not really having a chance to beat him.

Eventually, at a ripe old age, Beowulf finally suffers the wrath of the dragon. He epitomizes the values of a warrior society which include bravery, loyalty, and prowess in battle.

Beowulf starts out as a mighty warrior with nothing to lose, in contrast to his mentor, King Hrothgar, a wise king who wishes to protect his people. Beowulf learns from Hrothgar gaining the qualities fit for a king.

Beowulf is a story of a fearless hero named Beowulf who has many different traits, some good while some bad. His courage and pride make up his good traits, while his greedy strive for glory and being extremely cocky make up his bad. In my opinion, Beowulf manages to stay a static character throughout the epic poem, his character doesn't change even when he is a very old man. In the battle of Grendel, we see a very confident and prideful Beowulf, who brags about his power and might before the battle. Though he did not get the chance to take Grendel on one on one due to the monster's ambush, Beowulf still managed to kill Grendel, showing his immense courage and fearlessness. We see this from Beowulf throughout the entire story and with many events.

In the length of the poem, Beowulf goes from abandoned child to gallant warrior to King. This transformation, expressed in the tone and content of the poem, shows the importance of the relationship between lord and thane and expresses the ultimate value of that connection. From the difference in battle scenes to Beowulf’s speeches, it is clear that he has gone from a somewhat self-loving hero to a selfless king. Within this change he also goes from serving a lord to becoming a lord, and in that way the poem shows us the importance of both sides of the relationship.

Beowulf began this story as a young warrior. He is fearless and brave when he starts out. Hrothgar was a mentor to him and taught him how to act as the ruler he will eventually be. However, he doesn't become king for many years because the rightful heir came into power. When he died, Beowulf came to power. Being a reputable warrior, it prepared him to be a king and showed him how to protect his people. Beowulf always looked out for the interest of his people rather than himself. He will go to great lengths to protect his people and will tackle any challenge that comes his way. In this, he is selfless. Beowulf realizes that he may die, but he persists.Throughout the story as a whole, he simply transforms from a boy into a man.

Throughout Beowulf’s life, Beowulf protects his kinships and nurtures his kinsman. Defeating Grendel without the use of swords and shields greatly increased Beowulf’s fame and reputation as a warrior, far and wide across the world. Hrothgar was fairly impressed by Beowulf’s strength, matured mind, and strong speech. Beowulf’s potential to be a king is first revealed in the poem when Hrothgar as a king advices Beowulf, “If it should come to pass / that Hrethel’s descendant dies beneath a spear, / if deadly battle or the sword blade or disease / fells the prince who guards your people/ and you are still alive, then I firmly believe / the seafaring Geats won’t find a man /worthier of acclaim as their king and defender / than you, if only you would undertake the lordship of your homeland”.

Beowulf is a honorable king.” He is so great he needs no weapons and fears none” . If Beowulf tells his people he’s going to do something then he will do it. Beowulf is no coward. He has honor.

After the first victory, Beowulf’s “comrades willingly go with him because of their confidence in his ability to lead them and to achieve their objectives” (Loughman). Beowulf becomes a role model not only for his thanes, but for the Danes of Heorot as well. Following defeat of Grendel’s mother, Hrothgar gives a sermon before the celebration honoring Beowulf begins. Hrothgar says “Beowulf, my friend, your fame has gone far and wide, you are known everywhere….forever you will be your people’s mainstay and your own warriors’ helping hand” (McArthur). King Hrothgar informs Beowulf of his significance to the Danes and how he serves as the backbone of his group of warriors.

Beowulf remains one of the most important works of English literature though it was written centuries ago. One reason for this fact is that many of the themes that it touches on are still pertinent in today's extremely different society. One of the most prevalent themes found in Beowulf is the importance of the heroic code. Much of this epic poem is dedicated to conveying and exemplifying the heroic code which values such attributes as strength, courage and honor. Conflicting with this ideology are other factors such as Christianity, and these tensions affect the lives and decisions of the narrative's characters.

Beowulf is an epic poem that, above all, gives the reader an idea of a time long past; a time when the most important values were courage and integrity. The only factors that could bestow shower fame upon a person were heroic deeds and family lineage. Beowulf, as the paradigm of pagan heroes, exhibited his desire to amass fame and fortune; the only way to do so was to avenge the death of others. This theme of retribution that is ever present throughout the poem seems to color the identities of its characters.

This is his second battle, his second victory, and he is more determined than ever. Once he has lifted the sword, he then uses it to chop Grendel’s mother's head off. Finally, Beowulf displays strength in third and final battle, but this time with the dragon. On top of him being involved in several altercations thus far, this is his first time wearing any protective gear. As protection he carries a sword, and wears a mail shirt.

When Hrothgar heard of Beowulf and his extraordinary power he knew that Beowulf could take care of the evil Grendel that had terrorized his town for twelve years, then came Grendel’s mother who was strong and challenged Beowulf more than her son but in the end Beowulf came out victorious. Beowulf has not even thought about it twice when they have asked him to fight off plagues, demons, or anything that may come his way as long as he serves the sole purpose of saving his people. The problem was that in his youth Beowulf was only revered by his strength and courage and he loves the attention and the fact that everyone recognizes his abilities. Parties and gifts were thrown to him left and right and even though he gave most of his gifts to Hyglec when he returned home, his pride and confidence just shot through the roof. However, Hrothgar saw the potential that Beowulf had to become just as great or an even better ruler than him and so he takes Beowulf in like a son and mentors him. Preparing Beowulf to one day rule and keep his people

“No better king had ever lived, no prince so mild, no man so open to his people, so deserving of praise.” This is an ultimate description of the heroic events of Beowulf, an old Anglo-Saxon poem about a warrior who battles and destroys three horrifying monsters. Although written long ago, the emotions expressed within this work, emotions of bravery, valor, and ethics still speak to us centuries later. The anonymous author of the poem convinces us through the masterful use of various literary elements that emphasize its meaning and message. Conflict, imagery and setting are three literary elements that contribute to the effectiveness of the poem.

Beowulf killed Grendal's mother just like Grendal. He fought again with no regards of the possible outcomes. He did it for the glory he would receive from the kill. Hrothgar compliments Beowulf after killing Grendal's mom by saying "forever you will be your people's mainstay and your warriors helping hand”. (Beowulf,1707-1709). Hrothgar is one who tries to understand a man's mortality. He informs Beowulf that he should "learn true values and he has wintered into wisdom”. (Beowulf,1722-1724). He alerts Beowulf to the notion that one day he will die. Hrothgar tells Beowulf that no amount of treasure or victories can gain a man's immortality. Beowulf is advised to not act as Heremod once did. Heremod's rule only brought "death and destruction to the Danish people.’(Beowulf,1712-1713). He killed his “fellow comrades” and vented rage on any who wrong him. (Beowulf,1713-1715). Hrothgar does not want Beowulf to be absent minded and ignore the "shape of things to come."(Beowulf,1752). It appears that Hrothgar wants Beowulf to be cautious of his actions. He tells Beowulf to choose "eternal rewards" and not "give way to pride."(Beowulf,1760). That is Hrothgar's approach to Beowulf about having and representing Christen behaviors. The course of all the advice given by Hrothgar was because he wanted Beowulf to accept his mortality. He told Beowulf that although his "strength is in bloom it will fade