Beowulf
by Nan Goforth

       The epic is a long narrative poem recounting actions, travels, adventures, and episodes of a protagonist or main character that is heroically larger than life. The action, often in battle, is composed of courageous and heroic deeds that frequently reveal the superhuman strength of the heroes. Long, formal speeches by the main characters and a journey to the underworld are common conventions found in epics (“Epic”). The main character is a hero, typically possessing extraordinary abilities or attributes, who is charged with a quest. The adventures of the hero take him to a supernatural world whose entrance is barricaded to normal human beings (“Elements”). The narrative introduces the deeds of the hero impartially by revealing his strengths and weaknesses (“Epic”). Epic poems have endured over time and exist today due to oral tradition handed down from generation to generation (“Elements”). Beowulf functions as an epic because the protagonist is charged with a quest, possesses superhuman abilities, travels to the underworld, and the narrative presents the deeds of the protagonist objectively.

The adventures of the epic hero take him to unfamiliar territory, yet he is willing and able to accept the challenge of the unknown. Grendel had terrorized Heorot for “twelve winters” before “the news was known over the whole world” (lines 147-50). After hearing of Grendel’s attacks, Beowulf accepts the quest to eradicate the problem and bring the peace back to Heorot  (194-229). Upon initially meeting Hrothgar, Beowulf states the reason for his visit, presents a résumé of his heroic deeds, and offers to fight Grendel weaponless (407-440). Beowulf’s self-confidence and willingness to give his all is evident when he boasts that he “had a fixed purpose” when he set forth on this journey and that he would “perform to the uttermost . . . or perish in the attempt” (632-35). Being the cautious and shrewd warrior he is, Beowulf is waiting and watching for Grendel to make the first move (735-37). The two engage in hand-to-hand combat with Beowulf being the victor after he rips Grendel’s arm completely from its socket (814-18). Beowulf proudly displays his gory trophy from the rafters of Heorot, victory is celebrated, and Beowulf’s fame spreads (832-73). The struggle between Beowulf and Grendel is the consummate struggle between good and evil. Although Beowulf rids Heorot of one evil, another lurks nearby drooling at the thought of revenge (1276-78). After Grendel’s mother kills Aeschere, Hrothgar entreats Beowulf to help and offers him a reward of gold (1376-82). Beowulf accepts the second challenge and “indifferent to death” departs on a quest to destroy the other menace terrorizing the Danes (1442-45). After swimming for most of the day, Beowulf finds the “swamp-thing from hell” and fights her in hand-to-hand combat after his sword fails (1495-1542). Seeing and seizing a gigantic sword, Beowulf strikes the fatal blow by wielding the sword to gracefully slice off the head of Grendel’s mother (1557-1569). After his victory Beowulf returns to Heorot, presents Hrothgar with Grendel’s head and the sword hilt, and ensures Hrothgar that the Danes are secure (1647-86). Beowulf’s prowess as a mighty warrior, literally and figuratively, won him the gold. Once again goodness triumphs over evil and the Danes are swaddled in a blanket of peace.

Beowulf was an imposing figure in many respects. The introduction to Beowulf states that Beowulf is fierce in battle (Beowulf, 1627). “In his day, he was the mightiest man on earth, highborn and powerful” (197-98). The watchman knew that Beowulf was no ordinary man simply by looking at him (247-51). The description of Beowulf as “the man whose name was known for courage” is a testament to his worthiness as a warrior (340). Hrothgar’s seamen brought tales that Beowulf has the “strength of thirty in the grip of each hand” (377-81). Beowulf’s swimming match with Breca exemplifies his superhuman strength. They each carried a sword while swimming to defend themselves against sea creatures. After struggling for five days and nights in icy waters, Beowulf was pulled under by a “sea-beast”. He defeated that creature as well as eight others making it safe for all sailors (530-68). Further evidence of Beowulf’s incredible strength is demonstrated when he rips Grendel’s arm from its socket during their struggle at Heorot (815-17). Likewise, superhuman strength was required to hoist and employ the gigantic sword found in the lair of Grendel’s mother (1558-62). Beowulf has a monopoly on the commodity of extraordinary strength. In addition to physical strength, Beowulf possesses great oratorical ability. Beowulf “unlocked his word-hoard” upon meeting the watchman (258). Although lengthy and somewhat prideful, Beowulf’s oratories are quite eloquent. His speeches have a spellbinding quality about them. The audiences, ancient and modern, wait with bated breath for him to continue.

All epic heroes must leave behind the comfort of their own world and face the unknown. Beowulf does exactly this when he ventures into the unfamiliar territory of Grendel’s mother where many species of eerie sea creatures inhabit the bloodshot, boiling water of the lake and the surrounding shoreline (1416-30). Although he possesses great swimming ability, it takes Beowulf the better part of a day to reach the bottom of the dark abyss inhabited by Grendel’s mother (1495-96). Beowulf must fight not only Grendel’s mother and other sea monsters, but he must fight from becoming disoriented in this dark, frightening underworld. Grendel’s mother drags Beowulf to her house of horror to gain the upper hand by preventing him from using his weapons against her (1506-09). After Beowulf’s sword fails, he realizes that “he would have to rely on the might of his arm” (1533-34). This presents no problem for the mighty warrior. The writing is on the wall—the sea-hag is going down. Beowulf and Grendel’s mother grapple back and forth like wrestlers trying to pin each other to the mat. Beowulf’s armor saves him after Grendel’s mother attacks him with a knife (1537-53). Beowulf swings the huge sword that fate allowed him to find and swiftly decapitates Grendel’s mother (1564-68). The underworld is no longer in darkness; it has been illuminated (1570). The evil spirit has been exorcised, thereby purifying the waters.

Beowulf returns home and takes his rightful place as the ruler of the Geats. He progresses from a brave warrior to a wise leader who rules for fifty years before the tranquility is shattered (2208-11). Rage is kindled in the dragon after an intruder unwittingly invades his treasure trove and steals a goblet (2214-20). In retaliation the dragon becomes an arsonist; the Geats become his targets (2270-2322). When Beowulf’s own home is “burned to a cinder,” he is mentally tormented and plots his own vengeance by commissioning the ironsmith to fashion a sword for battle (2324-41). Beowulf is too proud to assemble a large army, reminisces about defeating Grendel and his mother, and seems to have no fear (2345-54). Beowulf’s recollection of his past triumphs and the bravado he displays suggest that he is bolstering himself up for the coming challenge. In his eyes, Beowulf still sees himself as the invulnerable and fearless warrior of his youth. This self-confidence is evident when he decides to fight the dragon weaponless, reminiscent of his decision to fight Grendel unarmed (2515-21). However, this time Beowulf senses his coming death; fate will not allow him to be victorious (2420-24). Shouting at his opponent, Beowulf valiantly charges ahead to meet his destiny (2550). Surrounded by fire, Beowulf and the dragon battle (2569). Ultimately Beowulf realizes that his strength is not that of his youth (2575-80). Beowulf lunges at the dragon with his sword only to have the sword fail him. Smoldering with rage, the dragon sees his chance and goes for the jugular (2679-92). Beowulf takes a deep breath, gathers his courage, and fatally stabs the dragon with his knife (2702-06). However, Beowulf’s victory is short-lived as he realizes he is dying from the poisonous bite inflicted earlier by the dragon (2706-15). Being the dutiful leader, Beowulf sends Wiglaf to retrieve the dragon’s treasure to give as gifts to the Geats (2743-51). Ironically, much of the treasure is rusty and corroded (2762-63). Just like the treasure, Beowulf’s days of brilliance have faded. As a result, the Geats no longer have a protector and war is on the horizon (2910-13).  In hindsight, Beowulf’s decision to fight the dragon unarmed seems selfish and reckless because he has left his trusted subjects without a leader and vulnerable to attack. His overconfidence in his own invulnerability and indestructibility led to his downfall. Beowulf’s actions guarantee inevitable destruction for his people.

Epics are long narrative poems celebrating the trials and deeds of legendary or historical heroes. The epic hero ungrudgingly accepts his quest with anticipation and boldness. Destiny is calling and he must answer the call. Eloquent oratorical masterpieces by the main characters are typically found in epics. Equally important, the epic hero acknowledges his responsibility to be a great warrior and devotes his life to maintaining his reputation. Without hesitation or trepidation, he bravely journeys the paths to a completely foreign and frightening world to fulfill his mission in life. The superhuman strength of the hero is revealed during his numerous battles. His great physical strength is showcased by the spectacular choreography found in the action during the battles. A victory for the epic hero is the accustomed outcome of his incredible strength. Not only must the hero battle assorted demons during his adventures, oftentimes he must battle his own mortality. Furthermore, the epic hero may be required to pay the ultimate price to fulfill his destiny—his life.  Beowulf incorporates all of these characteristics of the classical epic.  

 Works Cited

Beowulf. The Norton Anthology of World Literature. Eds. Sarah Lawall and Maynard Mack et al. 2^nd ed. New York: Norton, 2002. Vol. B. 1626-1702.

“Elements of the Epic Hero Cycle.” A Story of Epic Proportion: What makes a Poem an Epic?. 20 Aug. 2004. 29 Mar. 2007. <http://edsitement.neh.gov/view_lesson_plan.asp?id=587>.

“Epic-In Depth.” About: Literature: Classic: Literary Times and Terms. 2007. About, Inc. 29 Mar. 2007. http://classiclit.about.com/ library/bl-terms/bl-lit-epic.htm