Beowolf Essay

Wendi M. Brooks

Core I: Kaplan, Matthews

October, 2003

Beowulf

1. The values of the Danish culture are embodied in the Germanic Heroic code. Those traits for men are courage, strength, and loyalty for their men as warriors. For their rulers and kings, hospitality, generosity and wisdom. For all of the people a good reputation was of the utmost importance. Beowulf had the traits of a perfect hero. He was brave and courageous, strong and loyal, and had commendable pride. An example of these traits is his courage and ability to fight the horrible monster Grendle. He also was very loyal to the King, even though it wasn’t his King, and was willing to give his life for the Danish people. His goals throughout the epic are to uphold the warrior code. He was conscerned with protecting his men and the people in his town. He also had a great desire for glory. He is rewarded with riches and honor, as well as a reputation as a hero, and eventually the throne. The utmost example of his rewards is when he becomes King of the Geats.
2. The thane has an amazing relationship with the King. He will do anything for the king, and in return the King then has to provide him with protection and a mead hall. The reason this is a successful relationship is because they are mutually beneficial. They are each getting what they need. The thane gets a reputation and praise from the King, and the King is constantly protected and taken care of. One good example is the relationship between Beowulf and the King. Beowulf never tried to take away from Hrothgar’s power, and was extremely respectful and in return Beowulf was rewarded very generously and they became friends. Another example of a good thane is Wiglaf. When Beowulf was King, Wiglaf was the only warrior brave enough to defend him when he fought the dragon.
3. The three monsters were Grendel, his mother, and the dragon. Grendel had been exhiled to the swamp and was supposedly a member of Cain’s Clan. He represents the exact opposite of Beowulf. He is not brave, and is really more of a coward then anything else. He always sneaks up on people, and doesn’t have any traits of a hero. In the end he even runs away from Beowulf. Grendel’s mother was evil. She was also a coward because she ran into her lair and Beowulf came and defeated her. Now since both of these monsters are defeated, order can be restored in Denmark. Beowulf’s fight with the dragon is one of his weaknesses. He was so prideful, that he ended up leaving his people without a ruler. He defeats the dragon but in the process is killed himself. He refused to listen to his cousil when they told him he was too old to fight this dragon.