How Is Beowulf Relevant Today

A nation is bound to be either physically or culturally eradicated if feelings of safety and unity are not present. The poem Beowulf serves as a blueprint for an establishing nation as well as a standard by which the nation's leaders should strive to attain. The poem's main character, Beowulf, is a protector who brings serenity to a chaotic world. Through Beowulf's courage and ability to restore peace, he is made immortal in that his legacy and characteristics live on and are still relevant. Beowulf portrays qualities that make him an exemplary model for which to base a nation and its leaders for centuries following the nation's birth.

Beowulf's courage is matched only by his willingness to aid others. Such is the case when Beowulf sails to rescue Hrothgar's Herot hall from the grasp of the evil Grendel. Beowulf begs of Hrothgar that he "May purge all evil from this hall" ("Canto 6" l. 141). Beowulf is seen as a purifier of the land, one who can challenge the supernatural forces of evil and come

out victorious. His capabilities are tested again when "Beowulf agrees to fight Grendel's maker, 'this lady monster,' and to avenge the death of Aeschere" (parenthetical summary p. 38). Bear in mind Beowulf is not a citizen to Hrothgar's nation. Beowulf is fighting for fame and honor. "fame / Comes to the men who mean to win it / And care about nothing else" ("Canto 22" l. 406-408). The desire to attain glory at all costs was Beowulf's mindset and arguably the reason for his consistent successes. However, regardless of his motives, Beowulf restores tranquility within the nation, making him a savior. Even in old age, Beowulf is tasked with defending his nation from a fire-breathing dragon. Before the battle Beowulf proclaims "I've never known fear" ("Canto 35" l. 484). It is through refined and battle-tested courage, even in the face of death, that Beowulf consistently prevails against evil and becomes a renowned peacemaker.
Beowulf is the magnet that bonds a people to their nation. Beowulf first restored unity in Hrothgar's kingdom, where citizens lived in fear of Grendel. People scattered and did not use inter-reliance to become a strong nation simply because, with Grendel wreaking havoc, "Distance was safety" ("Canto 2" l. 90). A nation that is not unified due to safety concerns will not be successful and is prone to collapse. However, following the defeat of Grendel, "crowds surrounded / Herot" ("Canto 13" l. 278-279). The concentration of the once scattered populace signifies a sense of unity, safety, and desire to return to the old ways of success and dominance. This improvement of morale and well-being is all caused by Beowulf. Further proof of Beowulf's ability to maintain a prosperous nation can be found in his ruling of Geatland. Aside from the dragon, under Beowulf's rule it is said that "no neighboring people / Have tried to threaten the Geats, sent soldiers / Against us or talked of terror" ("Canto 37" l. 656-658). Beowulf ruled a nation that was secure, feared, prosperous, and united for fifty years, until his victorious death.
After Beowulf died, his people were faced with two fates. On one hand, they could decline into a weakened and vulnerable nation, much like how there was "Twelve winters of grief for Hrothgar" ("Canto 2" l. 95) before Beowulf came and liberated his kingdom. On the other hand, the country could rise above the ashes of their fallen leader and critique his successors so that they may strive to be as great as Beowulf. For "no better king had ever / Lived, no prince so mild, no man / So open to his people, so deserving of praise" ("Canto 43" l. 756-758). Beowulf achieved immortality through stories, literature, and other art forms. His story and characteristics were relevant for centuries to developing nations and arguably still are for the modern world.
Beowulf is an archetype of what a nation and its people should strive to be.

Beowulf was brave and he fought to be victorious at all costs, particularly when defeat seemed inevitable. A nation should also possess tenacity in the face of hardship. Beowulf was a great peacemaker and he kept unity amongst the nation's he helped and ruled. A unified nation is strong and capable of working towards goals to further their success. Beowulf serves as a prime example for leaders and how they should carry themselves. Beowulf was extreme in his honorability. He never manipulated the opportunities his successes created. He was truly was a man of his people; consulting them on issues and avoiding unnecessary wars. Modern leaders and citizens alike can learn a lot from Beowulf by admiring his paradoxical qualities which surprisingly equated for his fame and admiration. Beowulf serves as a symbolic lighthouse, lighting the way for people to follow the pathway of

success.