Selflessness in Beowulf

The poem “Beowulf” is a big deal in old English literature, telling the story of a super brave hero named Beowulf. While lots of folks usually talk about how tough and fearless he is, there’s another side to him that’s just as interesting—his selflessness. This essay looks into how Beowulf’s actions show his selfless nature and what that tells us about being a hero back in medieval times.

Beowulf’s Selfless Acts

Beowulf’s selflessness shows up right away when he decides to help King Hrothgar of Denmark, whose kingdom is being torn apart by the monster Grendel.

Just getting to Denmark is dangerous, but Beowulf doesn’t think twice. He’s not in it for the glory or rewards but wants to help because it’s the right thing to do. Liuzza (2000) even says Beowulf’s trip is “a testament to his willingness to place himself in danger to help others.” The poem itself says he doesn’t fear dying at Grendel’s hands because “fate goes ever as fate must” (Beowulf, lines 455-456). This shows he’s ready to risk himself, a real sign of selflessness.

Beowulf also turns down money from Hrothgar, which shows he’s not interested in getting rich. He just wants to make sure Heorot, Hrothgar’s mead hall, is safe again. This kind of selflessness isn’t just about being brave; it’s about caring for others. Tolkien (1936) and other scholars point out that Beowulf’s heroism is tied to his moral values, which come through in his selfless deeds.

Facing Grendel’s Mother

The selflessness theme keeps going when Beowulf fights Grendel’s mother. After he kills Grendel, she attacks to get revenge. So, Beowulf dives into her underwater lair, showing he’s willing to face unknown dangers for the greater good. The poem says: “So must a man do who intends to gain / enduring glory in combat” (Beowulf, lines 1534-1535). This act of bravery not only makes him famous but also keeps Hrothgar’s kingdom safe.

This part of the story makes Beowulf’s selflessness even clearer. Fighting Grendel was tough, but at least it happened in the open. Going into Grendel’s mother’s lair means dealing with a scary, unfamiliar place. Beowulf’s choice to go there just to protect others shows his deep sense of duty. Irving (1989) mentions that Beowulf’s actions here reflect a “deep sense of duty and a readiness to sacrifice his own safety for the sake of others.”

Beowulf’s Last Selfless Act

Beowulf’s biggest act of selflessness comes in his last battle with a dragon. By now, he’s an old king, and he knows fighting the dragon could get him killed. But he decides to go for it anyway to protect his people. The poem says: “I risked my life / often when I was young. Now I am old, / but as king of the people I shall pursue this fight” (Beowulf, lines 2510-2512). This shows Beowulf understands his role as a leader and is willing to sacrifice himself for his people’s safety.

This final battle sums up Beowulf’s lifelong dedication to selflessness. He’s not just a fighter; he’s a protector ready to die for his people. Bloom (2007) says Beowulf’s death shows “the ultimate expression of his selfless heroism, reinforcing the ideal of the sacrificial leader.” The way his people mourn him shows how much they respected his selfless actions.

Wrapping Up

In “Beowulf,” selflessness is a key part of what makes the hero tick. From helping Hrothgar to fighting the dragon, Beowulf shows that true heroism is about more than just being strong or brave. It’s about being selfless and caring for others. By looking at Beowulf’s selflessness, we can see that medieval heroism was about having strong moral values, not just physical strength.

References

• Bloom, H. (2007). Bloom’s Modern Critical Interpretations: Beowulf. Chelsea House Publishers.
• Irving, E. B. (1989). Rereading Beowulf. University of Pennsylvania Press.
• Liuzza, R. M. (2000). Beowulf: A New Verse Translation. Broadview Press.
• Tolkien, J. R. R. (1936). Beowulf: The Monsters and the Critics. Proceedings of the British Academy.

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