Beowulf’s Internal Quest
In Beowulf the character, Beowulf, seems to be the strongest warrior throughout the whole story, defeating a man-eating demon, then his monster mother, and finally a dragon. He exudes an air of a masculine, valiant, strong, active, and confident demi-god. He seems like the perfect man, so it’s hard to believe that the strongest Geat would have the need for change.
The battles in the story are evidence of change in the story. For example, Beowulf’s fight with Grendel goes pretty quick after he realized weapons are useless. Beowulf is gallant and described in a very physical sense. He is rewarded many gifts by King Hrothgar and is very confident with his victory. Beowulf’s second fight with Grendel’s mother he was only able to win by using a weapon. The battle with Grendel’s mother can be seen as sort of a changeover since Beowulf could never win with just his fists. It is only when finds the legendary magic giant’s sword is he capable of defeating her. By relying on something other than his fists, could Beowulf be evolving into a wiser person rather than a glory wanting individual? After Beowulf enters a more discerning chunk of his life that will only get more difficult as time goes on.
His final battle with the dragon being his greatest and ultimate sacrifice. He knows that he would most likely die if he faced the dragon and it is the fact that he still goes is the greatest symbol of his change. He is conveyed as less self-assured and more distraught about the welfare of his people. This is the battle that illustrates the contrariety in the thick of the obligations of gallant fighter and those of a worthy crowned head. Though prideful Beowulf never let his people down even at the end. He did what he promised he would do he killed Grendel and he killed the dragon at the cost of his life. He gives himself up for the good of his people, even though he is shown wanting the dragon’s treasure. In the end his most heroic act was his death, gaining more glory when dead as he did alive.
It is after last fight another assertion of the significance of allegiance and solidarity in their culture. When the warriors abandon Beowulf. In their society that is the greatest stigma you can give to your leader, because the king is their greatest asset and you should proudly give your life for your leader with honor and no hesitation. Meaning the connection a king and his thane share is so great that it is nobler to die with the king than to abandon him to live.
Throughout the epic, Beowulf’s character evolves from a prideful kid that cares more for glory than what is right and the safety of others, he is too stubborn to ask for help even in crisis, and reckless enough to risk his life on a idiotic swimming bet. When Beowulf becomes king he is shown to care for his people’s safety and has matured enough to go as far to sacrifice himself for his people. This is shown when Wiglaf chooses to stay with Beowulf after the other warriors abandon him, proving that Beowulf has earned the respect of his subjects and that they even willing to die for him. Then there is sadness and woe that his followers indicated at his funeral, honoring Beowulf's heroic life with a heroic end.
In Beowulf the character, Beowulf, seems to be the strongest warrior throughout the whole story, defeating a man-eating demon, then his monster mother, and finally a dragon. He exudes an air of a masculine, valiant, strong, active, and confident demi-god. He seems like the perfect man, so it’s hard to believe that the strongest Geat would have the need for change.
The battles in the story are evidence of change in the story. For example, Beowulf’s fight with Grendel goes pretty quick after he realized weapons are useless. Beowulf is gallant and described in a very physical sense. He is rewarded many gifts by King Hrothgar and is very confident with his victory. Beowulf’s second fight with Grendel’s mother he was only able to win by using a weapon. The battle with Grendel’s mother can be seen as sort of a changeover since Beowulf could never win with just his fists. It is only when finds the legendary magic giant’s sword is he capable of defeating her. By relying on something other than his fists, could Beowulf be evolving into a wiser person rather than a glory wanting individual? After Beowulf enters a more discerning chunk of his life that will only get more difficult as time goes on.
His final battle with the dragon being his greatest and ultimate sacrifice. He knows that he would most likely die if he faced the dragon and it is the fact that he still goes is the greatest symbol of his change. He is conveyed as less self-assured and more distraught about the welfare of his people. This is the battle that illustrates the contrariety in the thick of the obligations of gallant fighter and those of a worthy crowned head. Though prideful Beowulf never let his people down even at the end. He did what he promised he would do he killed Grendel and he killed the dragon at the cost of his life. He gives himself up for the good of his people, even though he is shown wanting the dragon’s treasure. In the end his most heroic act was his death, gaining more glory when dead as he did alive.
It is after last fight another assertion of the significance of allegiance and solidarity in their culture. When the warriors abandon Beowulf. In their society that is the greatest stigma you can give to your leader, because the king is their greatest asset and you should proudly give your life for your leader with honor and no hesitation. Meaning the connection a king and his thane share is so great that it is nobler to die with the king than to abandon him to live.
Throughout the epic, Beowulf’s character evolves from a prideful kid that cares more for glory than what is right and the safety of others, he is too stubborn to ask for help even in crisis, and reckless enough to risk his life on a idiotic swimming bet. When Beowulf becomes king he is shown to care for his people’s safety and has matured enough to go as far to sacrifice himself for his people. This is shown when Wiglaf chooses to stay with Beowulf after the other warriors abandon him, proving that Beowulf has earned the respect of his subjects and that they even willing to die for him. Then there is sadness and woe that his followers indicated at his funeral, honoring Beowulf's heroic life with a heroic end.