Beowulf

Beowulf is an epic poem about a mighty warrior of the same name. He goes on a grand adventure that brings glory to him and his people. In this warrior society the idea of honor, or glory, is the key to noble life. These ideas are not written down, but are well known amongst the warrior class. “Let him who can acquire glory before death; that is best for a warrior in the end, when life is gone” (38). This distinction is earned through the actions of the individual. A glorious man has a reputation of bravery in battle, generosity with his treasure, and loyalty to his kin and king.

Courage in combat is crucial to earning glory. “(H)e himself did not dare to venture his life to accomplish deed of valor under the waves. Thus he lost an opportunity to win glory and fame for courage” (39). A warrior must jump at an opportunity to win honor. They are rarely able to earn this valuable trait while feasting in the mead hall. Boasting of courageous intentions is acceptable up to a point. Eventually, action is needed to back up the claim. “An acute warrior who has a clear mind should be a judge of both words and deeds” (10). Beowulf is a man of his word and performs courageously in the battle against Grendel. His bravery increases his honor, which in turn increases his wealth.

Once a warrior is no longer able to earn glory through battle, the best thing to do is become a king or lord. This way the individual can still achieve prestige through the giving of gifts. A good lord rewards his brave and loyal subjects handsomely and frequently. “The glorious lord, guardian of the treasure of heroes, paid for the combat with horses and treasure in such a many fashion that no man with a regard for the truth could find fault with him” (29). This “glorious lord” is King Hrothgar of Danes rewarding Beowulf for his courageous victory over Grendel. The author uses the term “manly fashion” as a metaphor for the generosity of the king.

The charitable giving of treasure not only rewards the brave. It also solidifies alliances, and helps control possible rebellious thanes. “I settled the feud with money. I sent ancient treasure over the water to the Wylfings; in return, Ecgtheow swore oaths to me” (14). King Hrothgar essentially buys the loyalty of his enemies. This contribution seems like a sweet deal for nobleman, but there is a catch. The king expects these bribed aristocrats to stand by his side in battle. “Hygelac gave me land and a splendid dwelling. I repaid him for the treasure he gave me with my bright sword in battle, as it was given me to do” (65). This makes the treasure seem less like a gratuity, and more like a paycheck.

Unfortunately, giving out riches does not guarantee loyalty. The author describes Beowulf as a good king who is heroic in battle, and generous in the mead hall. However, when fighting for his life only his nephew Wiglaf helped out. “No band of noble comrades stood courageously about him: they had fled into the wood to save their lives. But there was one among them who was deeply grieved. Ties of kinship can never be put aside by a right-thinking man” (67). This illustrates the strong loyalty among family members, and the lack of loyalty that can occur between lord and thane.

These disloyal men do not get away with their cowardly behavior. There noble lives and the hope for future glory are gone. “Now the receiving of treasure and giving of swords, all the enjoyment of hereditary estate and comfort, shall cease for you and your kin; every man of your clan will have to turn away, deprived of the landowner’s privileges, when nobleman far and wide hear of your flight, your shameful act.” (74). The loss of glory taints the family name for generations. Descendents of dishonorable warriors receive no noble privileges, and will live in disgrace. This is the price for breaking the unwritten code of honor.

Wiglaf sums up the significance of glory best; “Death is better to every noble warrior than life in disgrace!” (74). Being pusillanimous, greedy, and unfaithful are actions unbecoming of a warrior. The penalties for these deeds are fierce and enforced for generations. Death in battle is considered a very glorious act, for it illustrates loyalty and bravery. For having such a noble ancestor, the warrior’s kin will receive treasure. This reinforces the bond between lord and thane using the ideas of honor. The young men will see the praise given to their fallen relative and try to imitate their life. The glories of generations past will continue through the glory of generations present.