Beowulf's Motivations: A Study of Heroism

What are Beowulf’s motives?

In the epic poem Beowulf, it tells us a story of a man that. Fights three monsters, dies fighting in battle then asks to have the wealth shared, and wants to be remembered by a lighthouse. The reader gets to read a legendary poem that many sang about within mead halls. I can’t picture anyone who wouldn’t want a piece of this story. Without further ado, let us go forth thy young reader’s an witness a poem of epic triumph.

Three monsters, one man to slay them all! Beowulf’s first battle was with Grendel, who attacked a mead hall and ate most of the warriors within the walls. Later loses an arm by Beowulf, which he rips off with his mighty hands. Motives in the time of fighting Grendel, was his duty to his people

back in the home of the Geats. The second was Grendel’s mother, who had eaten one of Beowulf’s men. His motive was to teach the mother a lesson, which ended fairly well. The last monster was at the time he was old and a dragon came, terrorizing his people. He then went forth to defeat this beast along with help. This motivation was from his people who were being terrorized by this foul beast. Though in the end he died and went out as a legend.
After the battle with the fire breathing dragon, Beowulf was weary and on the brink of death. His last words touched those who read his poem to the bitter end. He asked that the gold from the dragons cave, be distributed throughout the people. He gave away the wealth of the dragon, with the thought in his mind that they would be glad to have such wealth in their possession. Even I have to wonder just how much was in that cave, thinking about all that money in the palm of my hand…makes me wish I was there.
If there has to be something that stuck out of all this poem it’s this, “I want to be remembered by a light house”. Thinking about I get a few ideas why, this lighthouse may represent something that will shape people throughout history. It may be a beacon for those warriors who want to be just like Beowulf, strong and tough like a hero. Maybe it’s a guide for those who he may want to follow in his footsteps. A ray of light that guides young warriors toward his ideals, “be a kind king”, “fight for your people”, “never forget who you are and what you fight for”.
In conclusion, each are a motive that shows a way that Beowulf had, it shows a whole new side of things. It’s not just Beowulf’s motivation, it can or may motivate others to be like a Beowulf. A kind, strong, tough person no matter who or where you are. Quite the poem, gets me pumped up.