The Theme Of Honor In Beowulf

It is clear the Beowulf’s boast regarding how he will definitely kill Grendel continues to lift the spirits of the men in the mead-hall so that their pre-battle celebration was as lively as ever. Additionally, Beowulf’s formal boast is another source of comfort again when it is revealed that Aeschere has been taken by Grendel’s vengeful mother. As King Hrothgar mourns for his lost advisor, Beowulf is sure to include in his formal boast to Hrothgar that “it is always better / to avenge dear ones than to indulge in mourning” (ln. 1385-1386).

Beowulf, born in the land of the Geats, makes the voyage over to the Danes upon hearing the problems troubling the Danes. Even though Hygelac told Beowulf not to, Beowulf went on ahead and he proves his worth, both to his king and the Danes’ king. In the time of crossing the waters, Beowulf kills Grendel, Grendel’s mom, and then a dragon and he inspires one young man named Wiglaf. Wiglaf makes a valiant speech to get Beowulf’s men hustling in the line of defense, but ends up fighting alone. “He picked us out from the army deliberately, honoured us and judged us fit for this action, made me these lavish gifts- and all because he considered us the best of his arms-bearing thanes”

Demonstrated in lines 197-203, Beowulf (the hero of the Anglo-Saxon period) is described as the “mightiest” man on Earth; he is also considered “highborn” and “powerful.” These are some of the necessary traits a hero needs to the Anglo-Saxons. Also, this hero must be a generous person; when the honorable Hrothgar needs a protector

Beowulf, the eponymous epic telling the tale of a heroic warrior, embodies the philosophy of honor. Beowulf battles three separate enemies, each more formidable than the last. However, the protagonist, known as “the Geatish hero,” ensures that during his fight, there will be “no weapons, therefore, / for either this night” (683-684). Consistent with the morals of the time period, Beowulf intends to battle Grendel without armor or weapons, thus adhering to his honorable persona. Moreover, Beowulf maintains his obstinate confidence even as his challengers grow in strength and size; he conveys his honor by battling as if he is not challenged.

Masculine Ideals in Anglo-Saxon Society The concept of a hero is prevalent through all generations because it presents a template for ethics and behavior. Beowulf is a pivotal epic told by poets throughout early european society and mirrors the manly nature of their ideal hero. The patriarchal values of the Anglo-Saxons are displayed through the epic Beowulf. The characters’ loyalty to their leaders as well as their conventional sense of masculinity indicate that the values of a society determine the values of an individual.

The epic poem “Beowulf”, translated by Burton Raffel, focuses on a hero by the name of Beowulf who goes on a quest to rescue King Hrothgar and his people from an egregious monster by the name of Grendel. This Anglo-Saxon tale gives insight into the values and beliefs of the people from whom the story originated. Their war-centered ideology and views on loyalty and courage were the principles that the Anglo-Saxon culture was founded upon. While warfare was a focal point in their lifestyle, it was far from a savage, barbaric state of fighting. Honor and prestige were bestowed upon those who died during battle and selflessness for fellow warriors was a fundamental belief.

Meaning Beowulf found himself doing these tasks to appease others because it was for his honor in which he did them. This is such a prime motivation for others too now. Men in the United States Armed Forces are told to fight with honor. Let your actions be  that of which would make your country proud to call you their

The continued honor shown in Beowulf’s character shines through when Beowulf never mentions that Unferth’s trusted sword was no match for Grendel’s mother. Beowulf could have simply boasted how the sword was useless and ineffective against the female beast, yet he was silent out of respect for Unferth. Finally, during Beowulf’s time as ruler (fifty winters), another beast arrives: a dragon. This time, Beowulf is much older and is in a much weaker state than when he first defeated Grendel and his mother. However, that does not deter Beowulf from going out and defending his kingdom.

Beowulf embodies many universal societal heroic values that are signified in the modern world like courage, bravery, and strength. In the poem, Beowulf displays courage. “Now, I mean to be a match for Grendel, settle the outcome in single combat” (Heaney 425-426). This quote shows courage because he’s telling them that he can fight Grendel and wants to weather he wins or loses.

Beowulf's men were loyal to him, as they stayed and waited for him to surface from the water during the battle with Grendel's mother, even when the Hrothgar's men had given up during the battle with Grendel's mother. Furthermore, during Beowulf's battle with the dragon, only Wiglaf stayed, while the rest of his men were too scared to fight and ran away. Because of this, they were banished from their country, a fate that is considered worse than

His combat prowess and warring behavior also contrasts with the euphonious and connotative diction that enshrouds Beowulf. Although Beowulf is an honorable warrior, even removing his armor to give Grendel the fairest chance of battle, he proved very sadistic during the gruesome brawl. Once grappling Grendel’s arm and locking it down, Beowulf proceeded to crush and dislocate Grendel’s whole arm, “Bound fast, Higlac’s brave follower tearing at his hands. The monster’s hatred rose higher but his power had gone. He twisted in pain.

He traveled with a small comitatus to face the dragon. The fight was glorious as tried to shield himself from the inferno and the razor sharp claws of the drake. It burned his shield to cinders and melted his sword to nothing. The beast’s mere presence was so fearful, that Beowulf’s band ran away, a disgrace to his name. All except one, Beowulf’s cousin Wiglaf still stood and rushed by his King’s side to defend him, a true warrior indeed.

Moreover, through Beowulf, the reader has the ability to take some of their values and apply them to their life, and the overall human condition. These values and traits include, Honor, Bravery, and Loyalty, which considering their time they have become some of the most valuable traits in a person, and even a valiant warrior. Similarly, Beowulf, Hrothgar, Wiglaf, and various others demonstrate honor throughout this epic. Honor, described as respect and esteem, seen through Anglo-Saxons belief and the human condition. In the text the Geats and the Danes “honor” Beowulf after his last battle, by following his wishes of being cremated and placed with the treasures of the dragon, in a large burial tower by the sea, which was supposed to be seen by all voyagers.

Loyalty, one of the main themes throughout Beowulf, is an important aspect of the Germanic culture. Loyalty in the Heroic Code is a bond between the king and his warriors; loyalty to the king is first above all, even family in this text. If the warriors lack the loyalty for their king, the urge to protect their king and tribe is diminished. Beowulf’s king, Hygelac, gave him permission to help the Danish king and his people. Beowulf exerts his loyalty to Hrothgar by protecting the king’s people, and killing Grendel.

His loyalty shows when he tries to inspire his fellow warriors to help Beowulf. “I remember that time when mead was flowing, how we pledged our loyalty to our lord in the hall… now the day has come when this lord we serve needs sound men.” (Beowulf 764). Wiglaf’s willingness to give his life for another shines though when Beowulf attempts to kill a dragon but seems to be losing the fight. Wiglaf in an attempt to inspire his men exclaims “As God as my witness I would rather my body were robbed in the same burning blaze as my gold-giver’s body than go back home bearing arms.”