Section Two – Summary and Analysis: Beowulf, the Hero

Beowulf’s reputation as a hero spreads far and wide after he helps a neighboring kingdom defeat some of their evil elements. King Hrothgar and his warriors are unable to control Grendel. During their meetings in Heorot, the citadel of Hrothgar’s rule, they rue their inability to control the “superhuman creature,” even though many of the warriors are renowned for their prowess on the battlefield. Their dispiritedness is often viewed as a sign of Pagans gaining the upper hand over Christians.

As a young man, Beowulf yearned to become a famous, well-respected warrior. When Hrothgar seeks his help to confront Grendel, Beowulf uses this opportunity to further his reputation. He also accepts to help Hrothgar since Hrothgar had helped his father when he was in distress.

Beowulf is the nephew of King Hygelac, whose royal lineage can be traced to King Scyld. He is a sincere adherent of the code of comitatus and strives to be true to his warriors. During his fights, he sets an example of how a leader ought to care for and protect his retainers. Beowulf travels to Denmark with fourteen of his warriors to help King Hrothgar. Fiest, he pursues Grendel’s mother; when she flees, he even dives into her swamp all by himself in order to locate and attack her.King Hygelac, whose royal lineage can be traced to King Scyld. He is a sincere adherent of the code of comitatus and strives to be true to his warriors. During his fights, he sets an example of how a leader ought to care for and protect his retainers. Beowulf travels to Denmark with fourteen of his warriors to help King Hrothgar. Fiest, he pursues Grendel’s mother; when she flees, he even dives into her swamp all by himself in order to locate and attack her.

By doing so, Beowulf manages to impress the Danes. When he first lands on the shore of Denmark, the guard watching the coast is captivated by his physique. His impressive personality also plays a significant role in convincing Hrothgar and other Danes of his capabilities as a warrior.

Although Beowulf, who is from Wulgar, is a stranger to many Danes, Hrothgar’s herald announces his arrival with pomp, and encourages Hrothgar to meet Beowulf. Hrothgar is pleased to meet a renowned warrior and hopes that Beowulf can put an end to the menace posed by Grendel. Besides, Hrothgar knows that Beowulf is indebted to him for having saved his father Ecgtheow from the trappings of a blood feud. He has also heard about Beowulf’s accomplishments as a brave warrior, and his reputation as a trustworthy person who abides by the code of comitatus. Hrothgar is confident that Beowulf would be able to help him.

Beowulf presents himself before King Hrothgar and conveys his intent to him. Thrilled at the prospect of being free from Grendel’s attacks, Hrothgar organizes a banquet in honor of Beowulf. At the banquet, Beowulf describes his achievements and strengths at length. Beowulf’s elaborate description reminds readers of the way of life that prevailed before the advent of writing when oral communication was the norm. His elaborate description, therefore, should not be misconstrued as an act of vanity. Beowulf informs his audience that he has vanquished sea monsters, giants, and that he has emerged victorious in several wars. Beowulf presents himself not only as a highly accomplished and capable warrior but also a deeply ethical person. Since Grendel has attacked Heorot with his bare hands, Beowulf declares that he too would rely on his bare hands alone.

Though he is confident, Beowulf is aware that his fight with Grendel could go either way. He gives his warriors detailed directions about managing his affairs if anything untoward were to happen to him. In other words, Beowulf is both confident and cautious, and this rare quality makes him more heroic.

Hrothgar and his warriors are enamored by Beowulf’s physical appearance and the glorious image he gave of himself. However, one of Hrothgar’s retainers, Unferth, is jealous of this reception. He sees Beowulf as an unworthy foreigner and wishes to tarnish Beowulf’s larger-than-life image by describing a swimming match Beowulf had lost to his childhood friend. Expectedly, Beowulf counters Unferth’s account of the incident: he says that he had to battle water monsters on the fifth day of the match.

Unferth responds to Beowulf’s justification in a distasteful manner, which projects him and Hrothgar’s warriors in poor light. Provoked by Unferth’s taunts, Beowulf presents a more elaborate picture of his valor and success. Beowulf then asks why the warriors, who claim to be distinguished fighters, have not been able to defeat Grendel. While Hrothgar’s advanced age exempts him from Beowulf’s allegation, the other warriors, including Unferth, have no valid justification for their failure. Moreover, Beowulf is aware that Unferth had killed one of his (Unferth’s) brothers. Alluding to this fact, he questions Unferth’s credibility. In doing so, Beowulf makes it clear to Unferth and the gathering that he does not take insults lightly.

It is worth noting that Unferth and Grendel are both accused of fratricide. Grendel is described as a descendant of Cain, the Biblical character who killed his brother out of jealousy. As punishment, Cain was banished from paradise. Even his descendants were cursed and forbidden from entering paradise. In fact, Hrothgar’s honor is at stake for permitting a person involved in fratricide to be part of his group of retainers in Heorot.

Queen Wealhtheow officially hosts the feast held in honor of Beowulf. She is the only female character with lines in the poem. She wears several jewels and is accompanied by maidens. She serves the guests and interacts with them, including with Beowulf. She is thrilled and grateful that Beowulf has agreed to deal with Grendel. Her active participation in the feast shows that she is happy to welcome Beowulf, unlike some of Hrothgar’s warriors.