English 12

18 December 2017

Won the Battle, Not the War

“A hero is somebody who is selfless and who is generous in spirit”- Debi Mazar. The self titled epic Beowulf is a tale that has been passed down orally through generations. In the epic, the main character, Beowulf, travels to a far away land, ridden with monsters. The brave Beowulf battles demons continuously, from Grendel’s mother, a dragon to even Grendel himself. Contrary to his heroic acts, Beowulf does not exude heroism, he is however violent, conceited and self serving.

            To start our story, Beowulf comes to the aid of the Danes, armed and ready in a brute like fashion. His first display of brutality occurs when he has to battle Grendel, a descendant of Cain who lashes out against Hrothgar’s men due to their taunting. In their battle, Beowulf makes it very clear who’s superior, and he wants Grendel to know as well. Cunning Beowulf gets Grendel in his grasp, refusing to release until his life comes to an end. “... meant to hold the monster till it’s life leaped out”(368). A true hero doesn’t feel the need to use excessive force to win a battle. Beowulf comes into the battle aiming to kill, not necessarily to protect. Therefore, Beowulf is violent.

            Furthermore, Beowulf is excessively conceited. On many occasions throughout the epic poem he puts his vanity on full display. From the moment he steps off his boat his boastful attitude is present. “My father was a famous soldier, known far and wide as a leader of men”(174). Due to his well known father, Beowulf is accustomed to everyone’s praise and expects it. He is also dead set on defeating his foe as a result of the need to be the sole receiver of praise. “That I...may purge all evil from this hall”(260). Regardless of a true hero’s humble nature, Beowulf remains consumed by his vanity.

            Lastly, Beowulf shows his true colors during his battle with Grendel’s mother. Despite his trials and tribulations, Beowulf knows the true end result of his battle; fame. Grendel’s mother was in dismay following the death of her son. Dampening his pride, while Beowulf is in her clutch the other sea monsters gather around to take part in witnessing the power struggle. His reputation and fame become more valuable, giving him the strength to over power the she demon, chopping her head off in the process. “But Beowulf longed only for fame...so fame comes to the men who mean to win it and care about nothing else”(503-509). Throughout the text it becomes apparent that Beowulf does not really care about the people he’s saving. Therefore, Beowulf is self serving in nature. 

            Beowulf does not radiate heroism. He is, however, violent, conceited, and self serving. He’s violent as he makes it his goal to steal the life from those he encounters in battle, showing no remorse. Through his boasting to Hrothgar and his men Beowulf exhibits just how conceited he truly is. Furthermore, Beowulf’s self serving essence is revealed when his fame is put on the line. A true hero is selfless while also generous in spirit. Thus, someone who possesses the qualities Beowulf does is not a true hero.