Beowulf – heroism
Going back to the discussion of heroism in Beowulf, I’ve been noticing how part of Beowulf’s heroism is in how he treats his subjects and his companions, as well as just in his fighting abilities. True, the last few words of the poem tell us that he is “keenest to win fame,” but earlier in the same sentence, he is extolled as “the man most gracious and fair-minded, kindest to his people” above all the other kings on earth. When Beowulf defeats the dragon and gains access to the treasure, the narrator tells us that his “gaze at the gold treasure when he first saw it had not been selfish.” Wiglaf, too, points out the connection that Beowulf made between heroism and kindness: “He worked for the people, but as well as that he behaved like a hero.” For Beowulf, being a hero isn’t just about gaining as much glory as he can for himself–certainly there’s an element of that. But the tasks he chooses and the battles he fights aren’t for glory’s sake alone. He doesn’t simply go out seeking battles randomly–his battles are against those who threaten his kinsmen, his allies, and his country.
In a related note, he always keeps his glory-seeking in its proper place. When he has the opportunity to become the king over Geatland at Hygelac’s death, even though Hygelac has a son and heir, he doesn’t do it, despite the entreaties of Hygelac’s wife Hygd: “There was no way the weakened nation could get Beowulf to give in and agree to be elevated over Heardred as his lord or to undertake the office of kingship.” Instead, he pledges his sword and wisdom to Heardred, aiding the young king until he was mature enough to rule on his own. Beowulf’s patience would be rewarded, as he becomes king rightfully after Heardred’s death anyway. Note that this was also a wise move on Beowulf’s part, as well as one loyal to the rightful kingly succession–had he taken the throne earlier, Heardred could very well have resented him instead of respected him, and caused a whole new intrafamilial blood feud.
Beowulf’s generosity and kindness to his followers is contrasted throughout the poem with men who are selfish (Heremod), jealous (Unferth), and who disrespect their kin to the point of killing them (Grendel, Unferth); instead, he “took what came, cared for and stood by things in [his] keeping, never fomented quarrels, never swore to a lie.” Besides being heroic, he is truly honorable.
Actually Beowulf seems to be seen as a hero only by the way he uses his strength.
If he cared so much about his allys and was so much of a hero then why didnt he do it alone. When he killed Grendel he brought his friends to help him fight. But a true hero such as spider man did things by himself .. never once did he ever really ask for help.
courtney k. - October 1, 2008 at 6:15 pm |
Courtney, you deserve to be shot. You are comparing a modern comic book hero to an old english legend. It was honorable to go into battle with your army then. And yes there were times where “Spider-Man” needed help, there was even an episode where he ask Venom, his arch nemisis for help. DO RESEARCH BEFORE YOU SAY ANYTHING ABOUT A LEGEND OLDER THAN THIS COUNTRY!
Nicholas M. - December 15, 2008 at 2:53 pm |
Whoa, Nicholas, I agree with you in general, but let’s tone it down with the threats (however facetious they may be).
Definitely it was a different time then, and “hero” didn’t necessarily mean the same thing that it does now – especially since the advent of the superhero. In many ways, it meant more, which was what I was trying to get at in the first place.
Jandy - December 15, 2008 at 3:05 pm |
I was just kidding Jandy. I really enjoyed reading this poem and don’t want it to be ridiculed by someone who doesn’t know what they’re talking about =)
Nicholas M. - December 16, 2008 at 2:54 pm |