How Fate Is Portrayed In Beowulf

Beowulf written between the seventh century and the ninth century is a “rich oral” epic written by an unknown author (Beers 409). From 449 to 1066, concepts such as loyalty, personal indebtedness, and fame were all cherished. Beowulf mirrors multiple traits such as concepts, religion, and characteristics of an epic considered valuable during the Anglo-Saxon Ages.

Many concepts that were appreciated during the Anglo-Saxon period are demonstrated throughout Beowulf. During this time period the Anglo Saxons were a firm believer in personal indebtedness. The Anglo Saxons believed that when doing one a favor, the other person owed them a favor in return. During the battle between Beowulf and the dragon, personal indebtedness is demonstrated when Wiglaf expresses his thoughts when the warriors run in fear: “Needed us, he who gave us these swords / And armor: all of us swore to repay him, / When the time came, kindness for kindness / -With our lives, if he needs them” (Beowulf ll. 105-108). Wiglaf feels as if the vows he, and the warriors made were in a way

returning the favor of Beowulf supplying them with armor. Another concept that the reader sees in Beowulf, would be the loyalty and devotion Wiglaf has for his leader, Beowulf. Wiglaf’s true intentions are shown when he says “I’d rather burn myself than see / flames swirling around my lord” (Beowulf ll. 121-122). This quote again relates back to his promises he once made to Beowulf. Wiglaf remains loyal to his word, as well as Beowulf when it comes to defending Beowulf’s honor. The last concept that is made obvious throughout this epic is fame. During the Anglo-Saxon period, the Anglo Saxons believed that fame provided their tribes with immortality, and Beowulf shows his pride when he tells Wiglaf to build a tower in remembrance of him: “Have / The brave Geats build me a tomb, / When the funeral flames have burned me, and build it / Here, at the water’s edge, high / On this spit of land, so sailors can see / this tower, and remember my name” (Beowulf ll. 207-212).
The composer’s religious beliefs of Christianity are portrayed throughout Beowulf although the concept of fate is retained.

This would be the way in which the writing reflects the time period the poet himself lived in. throughout the epic, many comments are made about God and him “Who will be given to death’s cold grip” (Beowulf ll 174-175). The writer’s faith and beliefs are exposed when Beowulf thanks his “Father in Heaven, Ruler of the Earth” for the life he was able to live and the people he was able to lead (Beowulf l. 201). Another example of the poet expressing his religious beliefs would be when the Geats “Thanked God that their leader had come back unharmed,” the poet is giving God recognition for allowing Beowulf to have returned safely (Beowulf l. 582). With that being said, the poet also throws in there the view point of Beowulf when it comes to his destiny: “Fate will unwind as it must!” (Beowulf l.

189).
Lastly, Beowulf displays the characteristics of a great epic through the adventures of Beowulf himself. The characteristics of an epic include a hero, the adventures they take, and their supernatural strength. Throughout the pieces read, there are three major adventures in which Beowulf encounters, including Beowulf against Grendel, Beowulf against Grendel’s mother, and Beowulf against the dragon. It is made clear that Beowulf is considered a hero when “None / Of the wise ones regretted his going, much / As he was loved by the Geats: the omens were good, / And they urged the adventure on” (Beowulf ll. 116-119). Beowulf is famous for his strength; he was known to be “stronger than anymore anywhere in this world” (Beowulf l 111). The reader sees how strong Beowulf actually is when he informs Hrothgar of the time when he “drove / Five great giants into chains” (Beowulf l. 153-154), or the time he tore Grendel “limb from limb” (Beowulf l. 10)
Beowulf demonstrates many valued concepts from the Anglo Saxon period. The reader is able to grasp hold of the importance of loyalty, fame, and personal indebtness, as well as the many characteristics of an epic. The composer not only incorporates the religious beliefs of Paganism, but also his beliefs of Christianity. Beowulf gives the reader more of an insight of what the Anglo Saxon period was like, as well as a clear understanding of what was considered valuable during that time.