Beowulf Theme Analysis

Central Themes of Beowulf

Marshaya Hamilton

Themes within literature represent the underlying message(s) that are being conveyed throughout the story, themes are not only a connection to the author but also brings about a bridge that links the piece of writing to the real world. Often time themes are universal, reflected from the characters to the reader, in Beowulf this is no exception. Multiple themes are touched upon and explored in depth throughout this epic, all of which are major devices that support the story’s development.

Loyalty, a strong feeling of support or allegiance. Arguably loyalty is one of Beowulf’s most outward traits. Throughout the poem there is no doubt that Beowulf is a loyal man, the first example of his loyalty

is his courageous journey to Herot, there were various reasons for this adventure but Loyalty is key. “In his far off home Beowulf… Heard how Grendel filled nights with horror and quickly commanded a boat fitted out, proclaiming that he’d go to that famous king.”(109-114) Killing Grendel the monster who had been terrorizing the famed king Hrothgar and his kingdom would certainly increase his fame throughout the land but this is not his primary goal.

It is soon brought into light that Beowulf's prime intention for coming to Hrothgar’s aid is owed to a family debt, “Beowulf, you’ve come to us in friendship, and because Of the reception your father found at our court. Edgetho had begun a bitter feud, Killing Hathlaf a Wulfing warrior… In this nation i bought the end of Edgetho’s Quarrel.”(191-205) Beowulf’s father Edgetho received hospitality and friendship in his time of need so now many years later Beowulf is coming to return the favor by killing Grendel.

Beowulf’s character is embodied by loyalty throughout his life, after killing the two fiends terrorizing herot, Grendel and his Mother, Beowulf returns to the home of the Geats where he rises to the

throne. After 50 years pass as king Beowulf confronts his final challenge, now an elderly man he must fight a mighty dragon who is destroying the Geat’s land. Bringing 11 of his most battle-hardened men they march their way to the dragon’s lair. Loyal to the end as the king of the Geats, Beowulf in his aged form tells his men they do not need to fight. “Men at arms, remain here on the barrow, safe in your armour, to see which one of us is better in the end at bearing wounds in a deadly fray. This fight is not yours nor is it up to any man except me.”(679-684) Already at a disadvantage due to his age Beowulf is fighting a losing battle and without help as his ‘elite warriors’ abandoned their leader, “No help or backing was to be had then from his high-born comrades; that handpicked troop broke ranks and ran for their lives.”(746-748) Although not at all were disloyal, one man, a true warrior stayed to help his king slay the winged beast that has besieged their land, Wiglaf. “Wiglaf spoke wise and fluent words...how we pledged loyalty to our lord in the hall...As God is my witness, I would rather my body were robed in the same burning blaze as my gold-giver’s body than go back home bearing arms.”(764-784) Together the two soldiers of a rank higher than any ordinary man take down the behemoth, but this fight took not one but two lives. “that I have been thus allowed to leave my people so well endowed on the day i die. Now that i have bartered my last breath to own this fortune it is up to you to look after their needs. I can hold out no longer.” (805-809) A pure manifestation of loyal, even in death Beowulf has his people in mind, giving throne to a loyal warrior in his place and sending home a true bounty.

In the world there is without a doubt Good and Evil, the two constantly clashing, one attempting to overtake the other, in Beowulf this is no exception.

To start the poem off the first incarnation of evil is introduced, the leviathan that goes by the name of Grendel. “Grendel, who haunted the moors, the wild Marshes, and made home in a hell.”(17-19) This atrocity of nature has been decimating the land of herot for over 12 years. Then comes the avatar of good, the heroic man from the land of the fabled geats has traveled across the sea, touching down upon the the land of the Danes to uplift the horrid curse upon the land Herot, Beowulf. Soon after the arrival, the battle ensues, Good vs Evil, in another sense it may be seen as God vs Devil, a nod to the various religious points in the epic. “That Shepherd of evil, guardian of crime, Knew at once that nowhere on earth Had he met a man whose hands were harder… Screams of the Almighty’s enemy sang… Taut throat, hell’s captive caught in the arms of him who of all men on earth Was the strongest.”(432,467,470-473) As is usually geared towards, a part of evil is purged from the world when Grendel takes his last breath and the side of good is celebrating with the return of Beowulf and his

victory.
There are a wide array of themes that support Beowulf’s Epic, the sign of a great story. Loyalty and Good vs Evil are two very recurring themes throughout the poem, although they are not alone as in addition to those there is courage, selflessness, and heroism, those who possess these traits may be in the eyes of envy, this is Beowulf. Then there is the never ending loop of Good vs Evil, it may be argued that where there is good, evil will always be near and vice versa. To every place that Beowulf has took home there has been a significant evil lurking in some cavern, a hero was called for to expel their presence, that hero is Beowulf, spreading good faith and joy throughout the land as his achievements are extolled.