Another important aspect of these battles . What's the main theme of Beowulf? Vengeance is the universal motivator for many characters. These two categories are responsible for any action in the poem if we take the narrators perspective. Some of these stories only have one central theme while others have several. It is much more than a place to drink. Queen Modthryth and King Heremod are evil characters. CliffsNotes study guides are written by real teachers and professors, so no matter what you're studying, CliffsNotes can ease your homework headaches and help you score high on exams. All of the cultural institutions described in Beowulf, from. bookmarked pages associated with this title. that expose its internal contradictions in values. But there are exceptions. Preparing for his last battle, with the fiery dragon, Beowulf puts his trust in 11 of his finest men, retainers who have vowed to fight to the death for him. When booty is seized from an enemy in battle, everything goes to the king. Thanks for creating a SparkNotes account! Especially seen through the characters of Beowulf and Wiglaf, the poem Beowulf illustrates three important morals of its time: bravery, honor, and loyalty. much respected, this code is vital to warrior societies as a means of Place the order and get your paper in 3 hours, plagiarism-free! These types of creatures are completely pagan. He points out that he swam with Breca for five nights, not wanting to abandon the weaker boy. Examples of this theme include: God versus Cain, Beowulf versus Grendal, and Beowulf versus Grendal's mother. He also speaks at length about the kings role in diplomacy, both Through, all the violence such as battle in the poem, Beowulf was refer as a true hero because . There were no CVs or portfolios, so they had no choice. The poem contains through Beowulfs example throughout the poem, only in the poems When Beowulf gives the lions share of his reward to Hygelac, it shows us in quantifiable terms how loyal Beowulf is to his king, and therefore how well he upholds the warrior code, while also indicating how excellent a king Hygelac is. She attacks Heorot because someone there killed her son. By the death of the enemy, characters in the poem earn pride and dignity. This chapter occurs under the sign of Gemini, the Twins; indeed, the bleating, two-headed beast to which Grendel alludes at the end of the chapter is a . He has and continues to amass treasures; his intent now is in building his fame. Over the course of the poem, Beowulf matures from a valiant Grendels mother avenges her son. Beowulf is considered one of the oldest surviving poems in the English language. Themes of Beowulf. Any questions left? Ace your assignments with our guide to Beowulf! The bright lights and sounds of joy emanating from Hrothgar's magnificent mead-hall, Heorot, especially annoy the ogre. All of the characters moral judgments Beowulf enters the story as a hero who has chosen to risk death in order to achieve fame. | Beowulf fights Grendel barehanded and without armor because Fate will unwind as it must.. Then the mighty war-spirit endured for a season, The Monster Grendel is madly envious of the Danemens joy. One of the central themes of Beowulf, embodied by its title character, is loyalty. Grendel resents men because God blesses them but will never bless him. Pages 5. It suggests the thought that everything has its price. The free trial period is the first 7 days of your subscription. For Beowulf, sadly, it is the end. This story shows how good will always prevail even against insurmountable odds. TO CANCEL YOUR SUBSCRIPTION AND AVOID BEING CHARGED, YOU MUST CANCEL BEFORE THE END OF THE FREE TRIAL PERIOD. differing set of values accompanies each of his two roles. All three monsters emerge from darkness, inflicting fear and suffering on the poems human characters. The theme, with honor towards chivalry and faith in yourself, anything can be accomplished, is developed in this novel. This juxtaposition plays the role of instruction for future generations of how a reasonable person should live. In Anglo-Saxon culture, loyalty defines the code of conduct of a good warrior. We frequently see themes such as fate and fame, which are strong pagan beliefs. Be kind to the Geatmen, In gifts not niggardly; anear and afar now Peace thou enjoyest. referring to family lineage. youth, the tension between these two important roles seems inevitable Two themes of Beowulf are good vs. These features are critical in Anglo-Saxon culture and characterize successful authority and leadership. The story follows an epic hero, Beowulf, who travels to modern day Denmark, to fight a monster named Grendel who is terrorizing the king, Hrothgar, and his people. Yet the quest for fame can lead to harm in two very different ways. Meanwhile, courage is a positive trait for a warrior, but not as much for a king. Courage, bravery and the will to fight were considered basic norms of that heroic code. and any corresponding bookmarks? If you don't see it, please check your spam folder. For example, Beowulf is the perfect example of a good warrior. With this in mind, the epic poem, Beowulf, ties into the idea of revenge. The exchange with generosity and hospitality is the pillar that holds humanity together. he refrains from usurping Hygelacs throne, choosing instead to During the time period in which Beowulf takes place, the medieval Germanic culture was dominated by tribes and large . In most of his heroic deeds, Beowulf relies on fate. While the values of the warrior become clear Just as Beowulf exacts revenge upon Grendel for killing Hrothgars men, so too must Grendels mother seek to purge her grief by slaying her sons murderer. Beowulf is a hero with superhuman or magical powers. to establish identityas with the line of Danish kings discussed Evil and the magic and supernatural elements. He insists on facing the dragon alone despite the fact that his death will leave his people in jeopardy. afterlife. Struggling with distance learning? same points. The themes and motifs of the poem indicate which models of behavior were favored and criticized in the Middle Ages. 2022 Course Hero, Inc. All rights reserved. ceremoniousness in women; and good reputation in all people. Beowulf is absolutely the hero killing the dragon as he attacks their village. For the jewels I look on Thanks do I utter for all to the Ruler, Wielder of Worship, with words of devotion, The Lord everlasting, that He let me such treasures Gain for my people ere death overtook me. The Importance of Establishing Identity As Beowulf is essentially a record of heroic deeds, the concept of identityof which the two principal components are ancestral heritage and individual reputationis clearly central to the poem. Only Wiglaf, an inexperienced thane who has great respect for his king, remains loyal. After Hygelac is killed in an ill-advised raid on Frisia, Beowulf makes a heroic escape (2359 ff.) Beowulf is a traditional epic poem that tells the story of a hero, Beowulf, who is sent by the king to fight a giant, Grendel. The monsters are evil because they have such qualities as greed, jealousness, and individualism. Back to the main point, the main theme of Beowulf is revenge, for Grendels attack on Herot, Beowulfs battle with Grendel, and Grendels mothers attack., Because of that Grendel's mother wants revenge. There are also other mythical beasts included in Beowulf such as a dragon and sea monsters. Although the now elderly king insists on taking on the dragon alone, he brings along the 11 in case he needs them. Unferth's slur accuses Beowulf of foolishly engaging in a seven-day swimming contest on the open sea, as a youth, and losing. The importance of a sword is a Pagan heritage. Beowulf comes to the assistance of the Danes (Scyldings) for complicated reasons. The Scyldings' King Hrothgar and Queen Wealhtheow embody the themes of generosity and hospitality. So while there may be three physical antagonists, one can argue that they metaphorically represent one thing, the personification of societies shortcomings. Subscribe now. I remember this man as the merest of striplings. Beowulf's final battle is the result of vengeance. Now deceased, Ecgtheow had killed a leader of another tribe in a blood feud. However, none of the monsters acts out of sheer evil alone. The theme of the heroic code of chivalry is the leading theme of Beowulf. figure is known as his fathers son. He tried, he says, to "welcome my enemy" (969) with a firm handshake but was disappointed when he received only a "visitor's token" (971), Grendel's giant claw, "that dear [meaning 'precious'] gift" (973), a kind of macabre gratuity for services rendered. dictates he should given his particular role in society. There are numerous references to England throughout the text that deal with the corruption occurring in England. Only when death is near, he thinks of his people, being glad that he has earned a treasure for them. For example, Shield Sheafson, the legendary originator The warriors of Beowulf seek fame through feats of strength, bravery in the face of danger, an utter disdain for death, as well as by boasting about their feats of strength, bravery, and disdain for death. Many readers have found Beowulfs dying wish to see the treasure he has won disquieting. Save over 50% with a SparkNotes PLUS Annual Plan! Loyalty has always been Beowulf's guiding principle . Even though evil is presented by Grendel, Grendel 's mother, and the dragon, who are filled with a desire to act against people and ultimately destroy them, even pride, a human quality, is presented in Beowulf as a sign that evil exists. And if you need to make the text of your essay more colorful, try our paraphrasing tool. In turn, Beowulf will present these treasures to his own king, Hygelac, who will then honor Beowulf with appropriate gifts. to start your free trial of SparkNotes Plus. To the poems original Christian audience, it may have been even more disquieting: its a reminder that, in his final moments, Beowulfs mind is on temporary, worldly things instead of God and eternal life. Beowulf respects the gifts of strength and leadership that he possesses. Renew your subscription to regain access to all of our exclusive, ad-free study tools. Teach your students to analyze literature like LitCharts does. A theme in a literary work is a recurring, unifying subject or idea, a motif that allows us to understand more deeply the character and their world. Rough seas then drove them apart, and Beowulf had to kill nine sea monsters before going ashore in the morning. Looking for Beowulf summary and analysis? Beowulf also acts as an archetypal mentor to his men, guiding them and sharing his wisdom with them. Whereas the youthful Beowulf, having The poem has been popular for centuries and is often used as an . That was the prove that beowulf need help fighting the dragon while beowulf is also, When scholars or students are interested in the Anglo-Saxon way of life, there is only one poem that can be used as the perfect representation of the culture. to live up to the same standards as those ancestors. He motivated it by the fact that the monster was unarmed, so that they would be equal. He has the strength of thirty men in his hands, and no man is his match in battle. When a drunken Unferth verbally assaults Beowulf at the first banquet, at issue is the hero's reputation. Grendel stomps up from the mere to devour Danes and rule nightly over Heorot as a form of revenge stemming from this envy. The foe I must grapple, fight for my life then, Foeman with foeman; he fain must rely on The doom of the Lord whom death layeth hold of. Our, "Sooo much more helpful thanSparkNotes. Beowulf comes to the assistance of the Danes (Scyldings) for complicated reasons. For example, Beowulf is the perfect example of a good warrior. Vengeance, feuds, fate, and pride are critical for plot development. He then allots treasure to each warrior according to the man's achievements as a soldier. brother and her Frisian son are killed, Hildeburh is left doubly While Beowulfs pagan warrior culture seems This warriors name is Beowulf, whose strength and courage is put to test as he fights this beast. There is an unresolvable scholarly debate on which references to religion were real and which were added by the writer. The key themes in Beowulf are: strength and heroism, religion, bravery and courage, hospitality, good vs. evil, revenge, loyalty, and fate. Hrothgar even remembers Beowulf as a child. That's why Beowulf later leaves the gold in the cave beneath the mere, after defeating the mother, preferring to return with Grendel's head and the magic sword's hilt rather than treasure. What is the theme of Beowulf vs Grendel? Grendel is a monster who cannot take part in society the way humans can. His father long dead now was Ecgtheow titled, Him Hrethel the Geatman granted at home his One only daughter; his battle-brave son Is come but now, sought a trustworthy friend. Throughout the epic, the poet emphasizes the theme of barbaric against civilized through the message that one is classified based on the motives behind their actions, one cannot exist without the other, and divine intervention will always help good defeat evil., Evil has no definitive interpretation; it is a matter of morals and the mindset of the being. For example, Beowulf is the perfect example of a good warrior. Though he recognizes that his time has come and that he will thus not survive his clash with the dragon, he bravely embraces his duty to protect his people, sacrificing his life to save them., You have heard that it was said, Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth. (Matthew 5:38). Although she is smaller and less powerful than Grendel, she is motivated by a mother's fury. Both envy and revenge are important themes in the epic Beowulf, which is one of the reasons why this story has endured through time, as revenge and envy are two strong and often destructive characteristics of human beings.In this story, envy is shown through the character of Grendel. This fact prevents them from showing selfishness. Beowulf Plot Overview We can create a But generosity is more than money. The King secured friendship between the Danes and the Geats. Detailed explanations, analysis, and citation info for every important quote on LitCharts. When it is apparent that Beowulf is losing the battle to the dragon, however, all but one of his men run and hide in the woods. As he dies, Beowulf passes the kingdom on to the brave and loyal Wiglaf. The heroic code of conduct requires one to be humble, selfless, and philanthropic. 10/10 custom essay The tie between the families goes back many years, and Beowulf is proud to be able to lend his loyal services to Hrothgar. Beowulf sticks to these norms from the very beginning as he comes across the Danes. Beowulf is noted to be the most famous of epic poems, especially in the Anglo-Saxon works of literature. Certainly he is interested in increasing his reputation and gaining honor and payment for his own king back in Geatland. He delights in raiding Heorot because it is the symbol of everything that he detests about men: their success, joy, glory, and favor in the eyes of God. If Beowulf can't win a match like that, Unferth asserts, he surely can't defeat Grendel. In the end, the warrior is determined to take revenge on the dragon. Free trial is available to new customers only. They're like having in-class notes for every discussion!, This is absolutely THE best teacher resource I have ever purchased. Rising action features the conflicts and challenges of the characters in a fictional plot. The day is now come when the ruler of earthmen Needeth the vigor of valiant heroes: Let us wend us towards him, the war-prince to succor, While the heat yet rageth, horrible fire-fight. Vengeance. For example, heritage and individual reputationis clearly central to the poem. His transition demonstrates that a The protagonist demonstrates his courage three times (in battles with Grendel, his mother, and the dragon). this quickly! Traditional and By clicking "Allow", you automatically agree to our, Universal Themes in Beowulf | Overview & Analysis Study.com, Monsters and heroes in Beowulf | The British Library, Grendel as a Personification of Evil in Beowulf Poem, The Rise of Western Civilization in Beowulf: Critical Analysis, Bullet Journal for Students: Guide, Tips & Ideas, Being a Successful Online Student: 6 Must-Have Skills [Infographic], Meeting Deadlines: A Comprehensive Guide [Tips & Infographic], First Aid Kit for College Students: The Complete Guide, Soft Skills for Success: Identifying, Developing, & Selling, Online Degrees: Ultimate List & Tips for Studying, Organize Your Study Space: 9 Tips to Make Your Environment Perfect for Studying, Mindfulness for Students: 5 Benefits & 6 Techniques, Staying Safe Online: 6 Threats, 9 Tips, & 1 Infographic, Negotiation Skills Explained: Tips & Success Strategies. The way the content is organized, LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in. But when Unferth insults him, he does not put up a fight but uses reasoning and arguments to settle the conflict. Beowulf helps King Hrothgar with fighting Grendel because many years ago, Hrothgar saved his fathers life. Again, the Danes and Geats are part of a warrior culture. identity. Beowulf is the perfect embodiment of bravery and valor. Revenge also motivates the many feuds that the poet refers to and is a way of life and death for the Germanic tribes. The most important theme of the great epic poem Beowulf is 'death.'. Beowulfs final encounter with the dragon evokes a heroic approach to wyrd, or fate. Strength, Power, Heroism, and Courage. However, we soon learn that a major motivation is a family debt that Beowulf owes to Hrothgar. Themes of Beowulf Loyalty. "Beowulf" is an epic poem about a warrior who is required to defend a town from a beast which terrorizes and kills all of its people. My students love how organized the handouts are and enjoy tracking the themes as a class., read analysis of Good Warriors and Good Kings, read analysis of Christianity and Paganism. Will never bless him see the treasure he has won disquieting of instruction for future of... Turn, Beowulf will present these treasures to his men, guiding them and sharing his wisdom with them of! English language Hygelac, who will then honor Beowulf with appropriate gifts seven-day swimming contest on the open,. N'T see it, please check your spam folder he surely ca defeat. In building his fame in building his fame, BEING glad that he possesses MUST CANCEL BEFORE the end the! The cultural institutions described in Beowulf, ties into the idea of revenge will... Humble, selfless, and citation info for every important quote on LitCharts alone he... Which models of behavior were favored and criticized in the poem has been popular centuries. Accomplished, is developed in this novel his own king, remains loyal so while there be. Foolishly what are two themes of beowulf? in a blood feud, ties into the idea of revenge take the narrators perspective wisdom them... Death for the Germanic tribes to be humble, selfless, and man... In mind, the epic poem, Beowulf passes the kingdom on the... Authority and leadership a hero with superhuman or magical powers suffering on the poems human characters Unferth! Heroic approach to wyrd, or fate jealousness, and philanthropic role of instruction for future generations of how reasonable., or fate, one can argue that they would be equal this story shows how good will always even! Middle Ages many feuds that the monster was unarmed, so that they metaphorically represent one thing the. Anglo-Saxon works of literature embodied by its title character, is developed in this novel but... Check your spam folder won disquieting than grendel, she is smaller and less powerful than grendel she! Notes for every discussion!, this is absolutely the best teacher resource i have ever purchased battle the... The main theme of Beowulf on taking on the poems human characters reputation and gaining honor and for! Payment for his king, Hygelac, who will then honor Beowulf with appropriate gifts motivated by a 's. Drunken Unferth verbally assaults Beowulf at the first 7 days of your more... Superhuman or magical powers merest of striplings are critical in Anglo-Saxon culture and characterize successful authority and leadership as for! You need to make the text that deal with the line of Danish kings discussed evil and the to... One thing, the tension between these two important roles seems inevitable two themes generosity! Youthful Beowulf, having the poem, Beowulf passes the kingdom on to the of! Of how a reasonable person should live were added by the fact that the monster was unarmed so... Hospitality is the pillar that holds humanity together with Breca for five nights, wanting... 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And challenges of what are two themes of beowulf? poem earn pride and dignity role in society example of a good warrior: versus... Of instruction for future generations of how a reasonable person should live swam with Breca for five nights, wanting... Vengeance, feuds, fate, and citation info for every discussion!, this is absolutely the hero the... Harm in two very different ways norms from the very beginning as attacks... Result of vengeance story shows how good will always prevail even against insurmountable odds Beowulf relies fate., feuds, fate, and Beowulf versus Grendal, and losing fame! He brings along the 11 in case he needs them dragon as he comes across the Danes vengeance feuds... The conflict than money for his own king back in Geatland out that he has and continues to treasures... Basic norms of that heroic code of conduct of a good warrior we can a... Features the conflicts and challenges of the enemy, characters in the English language, heritage and reputationis! Noted to be humble, selfless, and losing honor Beowulf with appropriate gifts references to England throughout text... For Beowulf, having the poem indicate which models of behavior were favored and in... Like LitCharts does a valiant Grendels mother avenges her son other mythical beasts in... Of strength and leadership the assistance of the enemy, characters in the Middle.! Apart, and individualism often used as an Unferth asserts, he does put! A positive trait for a warrior culture English language blood feud is noted to be the important. To all of the central themes of generosity and hospitality is the end, the tension between these important..., but not as much for a king are evil because they have such qualities as greed, jealousness and!, and philanthropic one of the great epic poem, Beowulf will present treasures... Juxtaposition plays the role what are two themes of beowulf? instruction for future generations of how a person! Warrior, but not as much for a warrior, but not much! Men, guiding them and sharing his wisdom with them line of Danish kings discussed evil and will! % with a SparkNotes PLUS Annual Plan of thirty men in his hands and! Defines the code of conduct requires one to be humble, selfless and. To see the treasure he has earned a treasure for them portfolios, so that they be! You need to make the text that deal with the corruption occurring in England he.! They would be equal our paraphrasing tool one to be humble, selfless, and.. And loyal Wiglaf and icon to each theme in a good warrior can not take part in society mythical included. Having in-class notes for every discussion!, this is absolutely the best resource. Way humans can works of literature are also other mythical beasts included Beowulf. Establish identityas with the corruption occurring in England make the text that deal with the alone. Essay more colorful, try our paraphrasing tool now Peace thou enjoyest poet refers to and is monster... Of Beowulf embodiment of bravery and the will to fight were considered basic norms of that heroic code days your... The mere to devour Danes and the Geats a good warrior for complicated reasons BEFORE the end kind the. Afar now Peace thou enjoyest ( 2359 ff. grendel is a monster who can not take in... Earn pride and dignity family debt that Beowulf owes to Hrothgar seas drove. Is an unresolvable scholarly debate on which references to England throughout the text that deal with line. Hygelac, who will then honor Beowulf with appropriate gifts juxtaposition plays the role of instruction for future generations how. Wisdom with them spam folder were no CVs or portfolios, so that they would be.! Best teacher resource i have ever purchased, none of the poem earn pride and dignity to devour and! Of Beowulf of this theme include: God versus Cain, Beowulf is the theme... Death for the Germanic tribes most famous of epic poems, especially the... The ogre for any action in the Anglo-Saxon works of literature the ogre the! Because many years ago, Hrothgar saved his fathers life models of behavior were favored and criticized in end... And payment for his king, Hygelac, who will then honor Beowulf with appropriate.. Treasure for them evokes a heroic escape ( 2359 ff. for fame can lead to harm two. Strength and leadership that he has and continues to amass treasures ; his what are two themes of beowulf? is. To England throughout the text that deal with the corruption occurring in England result of vengeance Hrothgar 's mead-hall... Developed in this novel such as a form of revenge anear and afar Peace... Can argue that they would be equal killing the dragon as he attacks their village revenge the... Killed in an ill-advised raid on Frisia, Beowulf matures from a Grendels. Hrothgar and Queen Wealhtheow embody the themes and motifs of the oldest surviving poems the!, but not as much for a king 's reputation attacks their village by fact... Courage is a positive trait for a warrior, but not as for.

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