Beowulf: The Development of a Hero

Beowulf: The Development of a Hero

Beowulf, one of the first great works in the English language was composed around 700 A.D. and written 1000 A.D. by a Christian monk. Beowulf, meaning bear, is a Geat from Sweden who is called upon by the King of Herot, Hrothgar, to rescue the mead-hall from the monstrous Grendel who has massacred and terrified his men for twelve long years. Beowulf is their only hope because of his known strengths and abilities. Thereafter the defeat of Grendel, Beowulf has to battle with Grendel's angry and revengeful mother. Fifty years later as king, he is faced with protecting his own land from an evil spreading dragon. Initially as a warrior, Beowulf possesses the need for fame and popularity by flaunting about his abilities and retelling tales of his successes. Throughout each battle, he matures, and there becomes a transformation from his arrogant, overly confident character into a much greater figure. Beowulf's development as a hero can be seen in his methods and approach when fighting three battles against Grendel, Grendel's mother, and the dragon.

Fearless anticipating Grendel's arrival into Herot, Beowulf is ambitious and anxious to show off his power and capabilities by defeating the ferocious monster. When entering into Herot, Beowulf is boastful, showing great confidence, which is interpreted as arrogance. He tells stories and tales of his past battles to not only prove what he can do physically, but to make others envious of him. He states that, "No man swims in the sea as I can, no strength is a match for mine" (266-67). He is motivated by competition because it allows him to demonstrate his aptitude by coming out on top. During the celebration in the mead-hall before the anticipated event, Beowulf informs the Danes that, "My hands alone shall fight for me" implying that he will use no weapons and places his faith in God and fate in order to defeat Grendel (266-67). The only matter at stake for Beowulf, in which he hopes to gain, is fame and reputation. The goal of actually defeating Grendel to protect Herot is just an obstacle to reach the honor and fame he so wishfully desires. The only heroic qualities Beowulf portrays before entering this battle is his courage to face a seemingly more powerful figure and his connection with the Danes, replenishing their hope and faith. When battling Grendel, Beowulf's fearlessness is channeled when he fiercely rips Grendel's arm off. After Grendel flees the scene armless, Beowulf hangs the arm of the monster high, upon the rafters for everyone to see. His act of doing this displays Beowulf's need for attention and praise. Ultimately, the battle with Grendel is a testimony of how the heroic qualities that Beowulf does possess, is overshadowed by his overly confident ways.

Right upon the defeat of Grendel, Beowulf is asked by Hrothgar to save Herot once again by seeking Grendel's monstrous mother who attacks the mead-hall in grief and revenge. Hrothgar "believed in Beowulf's bold strength and the firmness of his spirit" (342-43). Once again, Beowulf courageously steps up and accepts the tasks. It is suggested that Beowulf does so to have further proof and evidence of his greatness and still "longed only for fame" (605). A greater effort is required by Beowulf as he has to search for Grendel's mother in an unknown area. Displaying some fear and anxiousness, he admits his need for weapons