Kevin O’Connor
Rumination # 1
Throughout the poem, the narrator offers detailed accounts of Beowulf’s exploits, providing particular emphasis to the character traits the hero possesses. When describing the heroic adventures of the Geats, the narrator speaks of the royal line that Beowulf is from to describe his reasoning behind his efforts to help the Danes. After his defeat of Grendel, Beowulf is awarded treasures by the many Danish citizens, but the prince seems to be more concerned with the opinion of the people as they begin to heap their praise upon him. To him the testaments of the Danish citizens are measures of his worth, as the opinion of the people are the definitions of his character. Beowulf’s goal is to live up to the needs of the people, as he feels these duties fall in line with the traits worthy of royalty. This concern for his character is evident when Beowulf refuses to fight the unarmed Grendel, as he feels that fighting an opponent with a disadvantage would be a slight against his own character. In this moment Beowulf realizes that he must endure some matter of trials to know whether or not he is worthy of the praise of the Danish people.
When Grendel’s mother seeks revenge on the Danes for the slaughter of her son, Beowulf jumps at the chance to avenge the death of AEschere. This responsibility Beowulf feels towards the Danish people is that of protector, a duty he feels is synonymous with his royal blood. When Beowulf ventures into the water to fight Grendel’s mother he does so because he feels it his responsibility. He justifies his daring descent into battle by highlighting his kingly attributes. Instead of noting his own character traits, Beowulf recognizes the armor that he wears as being the armor worthy of royalty. The instance where Beowulf is almost struck a devastating blow only to be saved by this armor, offers the audience validation as why Beowulf is worthy of being a king.
Towards the end the narrative the narrator recalls the period of prosperity the Geats owe to Beowulf being their king. Yet at this point it is also brought to the attention of the audience that Beowulf has grown feeble in comparison to his glory days, highlighting the courageousness of the old man for choosing to battle the dragon. Even in his old age Beowulf puts the safety of his citizens before the safety of himself, choosing to venture into the cave to battle the dragon (although Wiglaf chooses to stay behind and help). When Beowulf dies he warns Wiglaf to ensure the dragon’s treasure be buried with him, so that the curse brings no harm on his people after he is gone. Beowulf’s actions throughout the course of the narrative convey a sense of heroism, yet for Beowulf his exploits are simply the social responsibilities of the king. When asked about his exploits as a boy, when he kills the sea-monster, Beowulf downplays this as something foolish. Instead, he chooses to focus on the task of protecting his people.
