Beowulf: Major Themes & Motifs

Reputation

Beowulf’s bravery and wisdom help in protecting Geatland from invasions. His fame and reputation are inextricably intertwined. His reputation is partly based on the glory of his lineage. Hrothgar seeks Beowulf’s help not only because of his fame as a brave warrior but also for his lineage. Hrothgar had also helped Beowulf’s father, and Beowulf travels to Denmark to rescue Hrothgar from the danger posed by Grendel as a means of repaying the debt on behalf of his father. This further enhances Beowulf’s reputation.

It was common in Beowulf’s times for warriors to boast about their victories and doing so gave them confidence to reach greater heights. Beowulf’s actions suggest that he was deeply concerned by his reputation; in fact, he seems to have taken on challenges in order to be known as a brave, inspiring warrior.

Reputation also indicated a person’s stature; In Beowulf’s case, his reputation gave his kinsmen a deep sense of security. Similarly, during Beowulf’s reign, it is his reputation that assures his subjects that they will not be invaded by other races or kingdoms.

The Heroic Code (Comitatus)

Comitatus was a code of conduct prevalent among Germanic tribes before the advent of Christianity in Europe. The poem’s repeated focus on the code reflects the growing popularity of Christian ethics, which disincentivized the practice of the code. Beowulf’s time was characterized by the conflict between Germanic tradition and Christian values. According to the code, a hero necessarily had to possess qualities such as loyalty, courage, strength, reputation, and statecraft.

It is ironic that the heroic code extolled qualities that were antithetical to the principles of Christianity at the time. For example, the heroic code emphasized vengeance, which was in opposition to Christian ethics. Besides, the heroic code fails to guide an individual out of a moral dilemma. In the case of Queen Hildeburh, she is unable to decide whether she should support her husband or her brother in the war between them. Gradually, the heroic code loses its relevance and paves the way for the spread of Christian values.

Maturity versus Youth

The poem also compares maturity and youth. It describes Beowulf’s transition from youth to maturity. When Beowulf was a youth, he was credited with impressive feats. His aggressive, proactive approach in dealing with Grendel stood in contrast to Hrothgar’s subdued response to the problem. Over time, Beowulf draws from Hrothgar’s wisdom, but seems to have ignored perhaps the most important aspect about Hrothgar: that Hrothgar was a very able ruler even in old age because he was especially wise. He did not take undue risks and was dignified in acknowledging his diminished physical abilities.

On the other hand, Beowulf’s decision to fight the dragon in his old age urges readers to question his maturity and wisdom.

Motifs/Symbols

Monsters

Monsters play a predominant role in Beowulf. The combat between Beowulf and the three antagonists–Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and the dragon–are described in graphic detail. Grendel and his mother have demonic qualities, yet they are also accorded human emotions such as greed, hate, vengefulness, and maternal love. The humanoid bodies of Grendel and his mother represent the monstrous trait present in humans.

Light and Darkness

Light and darkness are presented as contrasting motifs in Beowulf. In Denmark, Heorot is a symbol of light, whereas Grendel’s lair and the swamp in which it is located are symbols of darkness. Civilization is equated with light, and the untamed wild with darkness. Seen from a Christian perspective, Grendel and his mother are related to darkness because they are descendants of Cain. Beowulf also hints at a common conception during the time period in which it is based: of Paganism as darkness and Christian ethics as enlightening.

Oral Traditions

History was transmitted orally prior to the invention of writing. Beowulf features scops, who narrated epics and heroic tales with several subplots. Even Beowulf orally describes his adventures at length before an audience. Oral tradition is a significant motif in Beowulf: the poem itself was handed down from generation to generation through the oral tradition before it became a written work. Beowulf’s rich symbolism is rooted in the Germanic tradition and correlates with the Pagan past as well as the growing influence of Christianity.

The Banquet

Hrothgar hosts banquets to celebrate Beowulf’s victories over Grendel and Grendel’s mother. The banquets are held in Heorot, the mead hall where Hrothgar and his warriors gather to indulge in revelry. That Heorot is abandoned after Grendel’s attack suggests that it is not just the mead hall that is under threat, but civility as well. The banquets mark the restoration of civilization in Heorot.