BEOWULFBEOWULF: OF MEN : OF MEN AND MONSTERSAND MONSTERS

FeracoFeraco

Search for Human PotentialSearch for Human Potential

10 December 200810 December 2008

Noteworthy Features of Noteworthy Features of the Poem’s First Halfthe Poem’s First Half

It’s largely triumphantIt’s largely triumphant The flush of heroic youthThe flush of heroic youth Only one setback (Hrunting’s failure) and one Only one setback (Hrunting’s failure) and one

minor failure (Grendel breaks Beowulf’s minor failure (Grendel breaks Beowulf’s grasp)grasp)

However, there’s real sadness in the However, there’s real sadness in the stories and myths King Hrothgar’s stories and myths King Hrothgar’s storyteller, the scop himself, recitesstoryteller, the scop himself, recites There are plenty of hints that darkness will be There are plenty of hints that darkness will be

coming – “The Shielding nation/was not yet coming – “The Shielding nation/was not yet familiar with feud and betrayal” (1017-18)familiar with feud and betrayal” (1017-18)

The first half also references many The first half also references many characters from either legend or the pastcharacters from either legend or the past We’ll study them, then move on to “modern” We’ll study them, then move on to “modern”

characters (present tense)characters (present tense)

Rogues’ GalleryRogues’ Gallery

First, however, let’s look at two of the four First, however, let’s look at two of the four most important men in Beowulf’s lifemost important men in Beowulf’s life We’ll talk about Hrothgar and Wiglaf laterWe’ll talk about Hrothgar and Wiglaf later

Ecgtheow – Father of Beowulf, husband to Ecgtheow – Father of Beowulf, husband to King Hygelac’s sister (so Beowulf is quasi-King Hygelac’s sister (so Beowulf is quasi-royalty)royalty) Killed Heatholaf years ago, starting a feudKilled Heatholaf years ago, starting a feud Ecgtheow’s people banished him – shades of Grendel Ecgtheow’s people banished him – shades of Grendel

(“Like a man outlawed/for wickedness” (976-77) – (“Like a man outlawed/for wickedness” (976-77) – out of fear over the war they knew would ensueout of fear over the war they knew would ensue

Feud was ended by a young King Hrothgar, who paid Feud was ended by a young King Hrothgar, who paid the “death-price” for Heatholaf by sending treasure the “death-price” for Heatholaf by sending treasure overseasoverseas

Hygelac – The king of the GeatsHygelac – The king of the Geats He will die wearing the torque Wealhtheow hands to He will die wearing the torque Wealhtheow hands to

Beowulf (in the wake of his victory over Grendel)Beowulf (in the wake of his victory over Grendel) Beowulf Beowulf willwill succeed him as king, but hasn’t when succeed him as king, but hasn’t when

the poem beginsthe poem begins

The Danes’ Family TreeThe Danes’ Family Tree

Shield Sheafson – The Danish king Shield Sheafson – The Danish king whose funeral marks the opening of whose funeral marks the opening of the poemthe poem

Beow – Shield’s son who follows in his Beow – Shield’s son who follows in his footsteps as kingfootsteps as king

Halfdane – Beow’s son; continues the Halfdane – Beow’s son; continues the family line of kings, and sires family line of kings, and sires Hrothgar, Heorogar, and HalgaHrothgar, Heorogar, and Halga Heorogar is actually king of the Danes Heorogar is actually king of the Danes

before Hrothgar; the latter takes the before Hrothgar; the latter takes the throne after his brother’s deaththrone after his brother’s death

Legend and SongLegend and Song

The scop/OEP thrusts himself into the story The scop/OEP thrusts himself into the story around line 880around line 880 Until then, Until then, BeowulfBeowulf is a straight story; afterwards, it is a straight story; afterwards, it

interweaves myths into a interweaves myths into a parallel structureparallel structure This helps the scop foreshadow events and flesh out his This helps the scop foreshadow events and flesh out his

characterization – e.g., “Role Models” referencescharacterization – e.g., “Role Models” references Sigemund – A dragon-slayer, Fitela’s nephew, Sigemund – A dragon-slayer, Fitela’s nephew,

and the subject of the royal storyteller’s songand the subject of the royal storyteller’s song He wins the dragon’s treasure-hoard after defeating He wins the dragon’s treasure-hoard after defeating

the monster the monster alonealone ( (very importantvery important)) Ironically, the scop is singing about Sigemund Ironically, the scop is singing about Sigemund

in order to honor Beowulf’s defeat of Grendelin order to honor Beowulf’s defeat of Grendel In actuality, the Sigemund tale foreshadows Beowulf’s In actuality, the Sigemund tale foreshadows Beowulf’s

battle with the dragon near the end of the poembattle with the dragon near the end of the poem It also introduces King Heremod, whose wrong-doings It also introduces King Heremod, whose wrong-doings

will be referenced later by King Hrothgarwill be referenced later by King Hrothgar

Legend and Song, Part IILegend and Song, Part II

Heremod – An old king of the DanesHeremod – An old king of the Danes Betrayed by his own men and forced Betrayed by his own men and forced

into exile; he’s the example of a “bad into exile; he’s the example of a “bad cyning,” while Shielf Sheafson and cyning,” while Shielf Sheafson and Hrothgar are “good cynings”Hrothgar are “good cynings”

Although Heremod is mentioned in Although Heremod is mentioned in order to contrast him with the noble order to contrast him with the noble Beowulf, the scop (once again) fore-Beowulf, the scop (once again) fore-shadows the young hero’s eventual shadows the young hero’s eventual fatefate He uses two wildly different examples to He uses two wildly different examples to

do this in the space of a single legend! do this in the space of a single legend! Remarkable… Remarkable…

Second Performance of Second Performance of Legend and Song (Line Legend and Song (Line 1070)1070)

Finn – The Frisian King mentioned by the scop Finn – The Frisian King mentioned by the scop during the second taleduring the second tale He reaches a truce with the Danes during their war, He reaches a truce with the Danes during their war,

and keeps the peace with the survivorsand keeps the peace with the survivors He allows the Danes to burn their dead on the funeral He allows the Danes to burn their dead on the funeral

pyre – an extremely honorable gesture to extend to a pyre – an extremely honorable gesture to extend to a defeated enemy defeated enemy

However, he does keep the Danes from returning to However, he does keep the Danes from returning to their homes; this decision eventually dooms him, as their homes; this decision eventually dooms him, as the Danes cannot tolerate exilethe Danes cannot tolerate exile

Homesick and resentful, the Danes betray and murder Homesick and resentful, the Danes betray and murder him before stealing his queen, whose complicated him before stealing his queen, whose complicated relationship with the two sides compounds her painrelationship with the two sides compounds her pain

This betrayal foreshadows another message This betrayal foreshadows another message from the second half – that “nothing is sacred,” from the second half – that “nothing is sacred,” and that those who violate their principles (and and that those who violate their principles (and mutual values) can defeat those who won’t do mutual values) can defeat those who won’t do the samethe same

Second Performance, Second Performance, Part IIPart II

Hengest – The Dane who assumes Hengest – The Dane who assumes command after King Hnaef is lost in command after King Hnaef is lost in the battle with the Frisiansthe battle with the Frisians

Hildeburh – A Danish princess who Hildeburh – A Danish princess who married Finn (the Frisian king); married Finn (the Frisian king); She’s the queen from the previous slideShe’s the queen from the previous slide In the end, she not only loses her brother In the end, she not only loses her brother

(Hnaef, the Danish king) and her son (Hnaef, the Danish king) and her son (another Dane), but Finn as well(another Dane), but Finn as well

Carried away by the Danes after her Carried away by the Danes after her husband’s slaughter, a tragic victim of husband’s slaughter, a tragic victim of pointless hatred and a symbol of pointless hatred and a symbol of revenge’s corrosive powerrevenge’s corrosive power

““Modern” FiguresModern” Figures

Beowulf – Not much left to be said Beowulf – Not much left to be said about himabout him He’s a Geat, and Ecgtheow’s sonHe’s a Geat, and Ecgtheow’s son One of Hygelac’s thanesOne of Hygelac’s thanes He will eventually assume the throne in He will eventually assume the throne in

Geatland – at least as long as the country Geatland – at least as long as the country remains intactremains intact

Hrothgar – The king of the Danes, he Hrothgar – The king of the Danes, he builds Heorot Hallbuilds Heorot Hall Hrothgar has sons of his own (Hrethric Hrothgar has sons of his own (Hrethric

and Hrothmund), but Wealhtheow urges and Hrothmund), but Wealhtheow urges him to break the line of succession by him to break the line of succession by passing the throne to Halga’s son, passing the throne to Halga’s son, Hrothulf (a bit after line 1170, right in the Hrothulf (a bit after line 1170, right in the middle of her long speech)middle of her long speech)

““Modern” Figures, Part IIModern” Figures, Part II

Wealhtheow – Hrothgar’s beautiful and Wealhtheow – Hrothgar’s beautiful and regal queen; helps bestow treasure upon regal queen; helps bestow treasure upon victorious warriors and loyal servantsvictorious warriors and loyal servants

Wulfgar – One of Hrothgar’s retainers, he Wulfgar – One of Hrothgar’s retainers, he introduces Beowulf upon his arrivalintroduces Beowulf upon his arrival

Aeschere – Hrothgar’s best friend Aeschere – Hrothgar’s best friend amongst the retainers – Govinda, but amongst the retainers – Govinda, but betterbetter Carried off and decapitated by Grendma Carried off and decapitated by Grendma

following Beowulf’s defeat of Grendelfollowing Beowulf’s defeat of Grendel His death is another hint of the darkness to His death is another hint of the darkness to

come in the poem’s second halfcome in the poem’s second half

Villains and KnavesVillains and Knaves

Unferth – Another one of Hrothgar’s men; Unferth – Another one of Hrothgar’s men; he envies Beowulf because he craves the he envies Beowulf because he craves the same type of praisesame type of praise Unferth is intelligent, but he is not respected Unferth is intelligent, but he is not respected

because he killed both of his brothersbecause he killed both of his brothers The scop/OEP had issues with fratricide – The scop/OEP had issues with fratricide –

remember Cain and Grendel?remember Cain and Grendel? Grendel – The beast who lurks in the Grendel – The beast who lurks in the

haunted merehaunted mere A descendant of Cain, and thus cursed by GodA descendant of Cain, and thus cursed by God

Grendel’s mother (“Grendma”) – A Grendel’s mother (“Grendma”) – A demon who attacks Heorot after demon who attacks Heorot after Grendel’s demiseGrendel’s demise

Now, for the Main CourseNow, for the Main Course

The characters are worth knowing The characters are worth knowing because they add substance to the poem because they add substance to the poem and help us better understand Beowulfand help us better understand Beowulf

That said, there really isn’t much depth That said, there really isn’t much depth or subtlety to most of themor subtlety to most of them Outside of Unfurth’s reversal (he gives Outside of Unfurth’s reversal (he gives

Hrunting to Beowulf – and it’s worth noting Hrunting to Beowulf – and it’s worth noting that Beowulf pledges to pass him his family’s that Beowulf pledges to pass him his family’s sword if he dies fighting Grendma), most of sword if he dies fighting Grendma), most of the characters don’t change at all (although the characters don’t change at all (although Beowulf does)Beowulf does)

The The themesthemes give give BeowulfBeowulf the bulk of its the bulk of its lasting power, as a great deal happens lasting power, as a great deal happens at at or or just beneathjust beneath the surface of the the surface of the poempoem

Just Sit Here and Wait for Just Sit Here and Wait for the End of the Worldthe End of the World

Although the first half of the poem is Although the first half of the poem is about preservation – after all, Beowulf about preservation – after all, Beowulf saves Heorot – the poem as a whole is saves Heorot – the poem as a whole is about the ways in which things endabout the ways in which things end The death of kings in war – and the The death of kings in war – and the

destruction of nationsdestruction of nations The funerals that bracket the poemThe funerals that bracket the poem

Shield’s death opens the tale; we barely see him Shield’s death opens the tale; we barely see him alive!alive!

The end of courage, heroism, and loyalty in The end of courage, heroism, and loyalty in a darkening agea darkening age

The inevitable toll that power takes on The inevitable toll that power takes on anyone, good or evil, who tries to hold itanyone, good or evil, who tries to hold it

Even the ending of Cain’s God-cursed line, Even the ending of Cain’s God-cursed line, celebrated by the scop, rams this point celebrated by the scop, rams this point homehome

I Will Protect MyselfI Will Protect Myself

In an interesting parallel, the poem is also In an interesting parallel, the poem is also about protection and restoration – about about protection and restoration – about trying to hold on to what’s yours even as trying to hold on to what’s yours even as it inevitably slips awayit inevitably slips away In the wake of Grendel’s attack, Heorot is In the wake of Grendel’s attack, Heorot is

rebuilt and restored to its old glory (only to be rebuilt and restored to its old glory (only to be attacked again when Grendma arrives!)attacked again when Grendma arrives!)

Faith Faith providesprovides protection: Beowulf’s arrival in protection: Beowulf’s arrival in Denmark is treated as a gift from God, and his Denmark is treated as a gift from God, and his defense of the hall smacks of salvationdefense of the hall smacks of salvation It also saves Hrothgar, as God-cursed Grendel cannot It also saves Hrothgar, as God-cursed Grendel cannot

approach the throne (it’s divinely protected)approach the throne (it’s divinely protected) Faith also Faith also requiresrequires protection – notice the poet protection – notice the poet

condemns those who burn pagan offerings in condemns those who burn pagan offerings in an attempt to save Heorot (after line 170)an attempt to save Heorot (after line 170)

Creaky TraditionCreaky Tradition

One of the ways that “protection” – the One of the ways that “protection” – the maintenance of what we already have – maintenance of what we already have – subtly influences the poem is in its treatment subtly influences the poem is in its treatment of ritual and traditionof ritual and tradition

These are our bulwarks against attacks from These are our bulwarks against attacks from the terrifying darkness, and the scaffolding the terrifying darkness, and the scaffolding that preserves society “as we know it” that preserves society “as we know it” (comforting!)(comforting!) The ways we treat our deadThe ways we treat our dead The ways we treat one anotherThe ways we treat one another The way we feast collectivelyThe way we feast collectively The way we collect and re-distribute treasureThe way we collect and re-distribute treasure The way we worship GodThe way we worship God The way we tell our storiesThe way we tell our stories The way we value family heritageThe way we value family heritage

Tradition and ReputationTradition and Reputation

Another way we see tradition and values upheld Another way we see tradition and values upheld is through the power of reputationis through the power of reputation

People routinely pay not only for what they do, People routinely pay not only for what they do, but for what they say – although action is more but for what they say – although action is more important than wordsimportant than words

For example, Unferth’s challenge to Beowulf For example, Unferth’s challenge to Beowulf centers around the latter’s supposed defeat in centers around the latter’s supposed defeat in a contest at the hands of his rival – a challenge a contest at the hands of his rival – a challenge Beowulf had loudly insisted he would win Beowulf had loudly insisted he would win (justifiably so, as it turns out)(justifiably so, as it turns out) He uses the “contrast” between Beowulf’s past He uses the “contrast” between Beowulf’s past

actions and words to argue that the Geat is an empty actions and words to argue that the Geat is an empty boaster who is unworthy of fame – and, therefore, boaster who is unworthy of fame – and, therefore, respectrespect

Unferth is eventually mocked because he dared Unferth is eventually mocked because he dared to insult Beowulf to insult Beowulf andand because he refuses to because he refuses to fight Grendma – he loses “fame and reknown”fight Grendma – he loses “fame and reknown”

Another Battle to FightAnother Battle to Fight

In short, tradition serves as the foundation of In short, tradition serves as the foundation of all social contracts between individuals and all social contracts between individuals and nationsnations

Yet there’s another battle to explore outside Yet there’s another battle to explore outside of that uneasy balance between tradition and of that uneasy balance between tradition and change, words and actions, the inevitability of change, words and actions, the inevitability of loss and the desperate need to “fight the loss and the desperate need to “fight the future”: the battle between good and evilfuture”: the battle between good and evil

Unlike the aforementioned comparison, this Unlike the aforementioned comparison, this battle is fairly obvious in the poem’s first halfbattle is fairly obvious in the poem’s first half Beowulf = Good; Monsters = BadBeowulf = Good; Monsters = Bad

This theme returns in a more subtle fashion This theme returns in a more subtle fashion during the second half of the poem, when during the second half of the poem, when Hrothgar delivers a speech about the dangers Hrothgar delivers a speech about the dangers of power and an exhausted Beowulf must of power and an exhausted Beowulf must defend his homeland against a marauding defend his homeland against a marauding dragondragon

Grendel’s Motive for EvilGrendel’s Motive for Evil

It’s worth noting that Grendel initially attacks It’s worth noting that Grendel initially attacks the hall (starting his “lonely war”) because he the hall (starting his “lonely war”) because he can’t tolerate the sounds of happiness or can’t tolerate the sounds of happiness or communal celebrationcommunal celebration A seemingly simple “mwa-ha-ha” motive that grows A seemingly simple “mwa-ha-ha” motive that grows

more complex once you realize that Grendel’s being more complex once you realize that Grendel’s being victimized for the sins of othersvictimized for the sins of others

Notice that the songs he hates glorify the being who Notice that the songs he hates glorify the being who punished him – and his family – “unfairly”punished him – and his family – “unfairly”

Once Grendel finds a formidable opponent in Once Grendel finds a formidable opponent in Beowulf, he only wants to flee homeBeowulf, he only wants to flee home Would he have attacked Heorot again? Did he Would he have attacked Heorot again? Did he needneed to to

die?die? When Beowulf kills Grendel, “he did not When Beowulf kills Grendel, “he did not

consider that life of much account/to anyone consider that life of much account/to anyone anywhere” (792-93); we’re about to see how anywhere” (792-93); we’re about to see how wrong he waswrong he was

Grendma’s Motive for EvilGrendma’s Motive for Evil

It’s worth noting that It’s worth noting that Grendma never attacksGrendma never attacks until Beowulf dismembers her sonuntil Beowulf dismembers her son The scop doesn’t like her very much, but it’s clear The scop doesn’t like her very much, but it’s clear

she wasn’t hurting our characters until she wasn’t hurting our characters until theythey hurt hurt herher Did she deserve to suffer, or is she a victim?Did she deserve to suffer, or is she a victim?

An overwhelming number of you said you would An overwhelming number of you said you would have gladly killed those who hurt your kin; while have gladly killed those who hurt your kin; while some of you conditioned that, it’s an ethical cheat.some of you conditioned that, it’s an ethical cheat.

If you’re going to insist that family ties overwhelm If you’re going to insist that family ties overwhelm morality (which is how you justified the desire to kill morality (which is how you justified the desire to kill to begin with), you’re talking about a connection to begin with), you’re talking about a connection based on blood, not on action…so why pretend their based on blood, not on action…so why pretend their actions change your ties? How do you “kick actions change your ties? How do you “kick someone out” when their blood runs through your someone out” when their blood runs through your heart?heart?

Aren’t you being the least bit hypocritical?Aren’t you being the least bit hypocritical?

The Reasons We Kill and The Reasons We Kill and the Futility of Revengethe Futility of Revenge

The motives for killing in the poem varyThe motives for killing in the poem vary Some are supposedly “noble” (i.e., Beowulf killing Some are supposedly “noble” (i.e., Beowulf killing

Grendel)Grendel) Some are decidedly less so (Finn pays for his truce Some are decidedly less so (Finn pays for his truce

with the Danes with his life)with the Danes with his life) It’s interesting, however, that killing always It’s interesting, however, that killing always

begets killing for specific reasons – defending begets killing for specific reasons – defending tradition, seeking a way home, wreaking havoc tradition, seeking a way home, wreaking havoc in the name of vengeance – and that there’s in the name of vengeance – and that there’s never a clear end to the battles as a resultnever a clear end to the battles as a result There’s always another enemy nation on the horizon, There’s always another enemy nation on the horizon,

or another monster to fight – and revenge only or another monster to fight – and revenge only perpetuates pain and sufferingperpetuates pain and suffering

““[Beowulf] had healed and relieved a huge distress / [Beowulf] had healed and relieved a huge distress / unremitting humiliations, / the hard fate they’d been unremitting humiliations, / the hard fate they’d been forced to undergo” (829-31) – until Grendma comes forced to undergo” (829-31) – until Grendma comes to make him pay, and it becomes clear that nothing is to make him pay, and it becomes clear that nothing is overover

Some ExceptionsSome Exceptions

Ecgtheow’s murder of Heatholaf Ecgtheow’s murder of Heatholaf doesn’t seem to have been motivated doesn’t seem to have been motivated by any greater, noble causeby any greater, noble cause

However, all things considered, it However, all things considered, it didn’t work out too badly; if didn’t work out too badly; if Ecgtheow had never killed the man, Ecgtheow had never killed the man, Hrothgar wouldn’t have salvaged the Hrothgar wouldn’t have salvaged the situation, and Beowulf may never situation, and Beowulf may never have sailed to Denmarkhave sailed to Denmark As it stands, Beowulf goes seeking glory, As it stands, Beowulf goes seeking glory,

but also to honor his lineagebut also to honor his lineage

Family TreesFamily Trees

I’ve mentioned lineage earlier, and I I’ve mentioned lineage earlier, and I want to stress its importance againwant to stress its importance again

I mainly want to make the ritualistic I mainly want to make the ritualistic nature of honoring one’s heritage nature of honoring one’s heritage clearerclearer Sons are always mentioned in the context Sons are always mentioned in the context

of their fathersof their fathers Family heirlooms are significant – Family heirlooms are significant –

especially considering the value these especially considering the value these cultures place on objects and treasurescultures place on objects and treasures

Everything returns to protection and Everything returns to protection and maintenance – continue the line, preserve maintenance – continue the line, preserve the kingdom, etc. – by any means the kingdom, etc. – by any means necessary (marriage, war, gifts, and so on)necessary (marriage, war, gifts, and so on)

Presents!Presents!

Good kings collect treasure in war and Good kings collect treasure in war and tributetribute from their subjects – then redisfrom their subjects – then redistributetribute that that wealth instead of hoarding it (lines 71-73, 80-wealth instead of hoarding it (lines 71-73, 80-81)81) The kings bought loyalty, in a way, but it was The kings bought loyalty, in a way, but it was

considered an honorable practice at the timeconsidered an honorable practice at the time These gifts provided individuals with a way to These gifts provided individuals with a way to

establish concrete ties with others (the torque establish concrete ties with others (the torque Wealhtheow presents to Beowulf, for example)Wealhtheow presents to Beowulf, for example)

Good subjects earn treasure for the ring-Good subjects earn treasure for the ring-giversgivers

Even good allies pay tribute – in gold during Even good allies pay tribute – in gold during good times, and in manpower for armies and good times, and in manpower for armies and defense forces in times of needdefense forces in times of need

Presents, in short, made the world go ‘roundPresents, in short, made the world go ‘round

Send It Home, Leave Me Send It Home, Leave Me HereHere

We see a slightly different side of the “presents” We see a slightly different side of the “presents” issue when Beowulf discusses what to do with his issue when Beowulf discusses what to do with his possessions – and his body – if he dies in battlepossessions – and his body – if he dies in battle For example, we mentioned how Unferth gets Beowulf’s For example, we mentioned how Unferth gets Beowulf’s

sword if Grendma kills himsword if Grendma kills him Before Grendel attacks, however, Beowulf tells Before Grendel attacks, however, Beowulf tells

Hrothgar (and later reminds him) that he doesn’t Hrothgar (and later reminds him) that he doesn’t need or want to be buried or sent home if he diesneed or want to be buried or sent home if he dies Grendel will probably have eaten his body anywayGrendel will probably have eaten his body anyway Most of the Geats don’t expect to make it home, and Most of the Geats don’t expect to make it home, and

Hrothgar only has to pay the death-price for one of Hrothgar only has to pay the death-price for one of them; contrast this with Grendel, who them; contrast this with Grendel, who onlyonly wants to “go wants to “go home”home”

However, it’s critical that Hrothgar send the However, it’s critical that Hrothgar send the chainmail Hygelac’s smith fashioned for him back chainmail Hygelac’s smith fashioned for him back to Geatland – that Beowulf’s king receive a final to Geatland – that Beowulf’s king receive a final repayment for the “debt of protection” his repayment for the “debt of protection” his subjects owesubjects owe

Death, Fate, and DivinityDeath, Fate, and Divinity

The scop presents an interesting relationship The scop presents an interesting relationship between fate/divine will, bravery, and deathbetween fate/divine will, bravery, and death

Beowulf tries to count on himself at the same time as Beowulf tries to count on himself at the same time as he places all of his faith in the Almighty – can you he places all of his faith in the Almighty – can you even do that, or are the two mutually exclusive?even do that, or are the two mutually exclusive?

Does Beowulf beat Grendel because he deserves to Does Beowulf beat Grendel because he deserves to on his own merits, or because he’s “armed by on his own merits, or because he’s “armed by divinity”?divinity”? ““But the Lord was weaving/a victory on His war-loom for But the Lord was weaving/a victory on His war-loom for

the Weather-Geats” (696-97)the Weather-Geats” (696-97) Is Beowulf brave on his own, or because he convinces Is Beowulf brave on his own, or because he convinces

himself the Almighty will protect him?himself the Almighty will protect him? Does Beowulf’s faith in fate make him wiser? (Check Does Beowulf’s faith in fate make him wiser? (Check

lines 572-73)lines 572-73) We talked about this in “What is Choice?”We talked about this in “What is Choice?”

He’s “dangerous in action/and eager for it always” He’s “dangerous in action/and eager for it always” (629-30)(629-30)

Is it Is it pridepride that’s Beowulf’s greatest source of that’s Beowulf’s greatest source of strength and weakness?strength and weakness?

The Meaning of Life The Meaning of Life When Life is ShortWhen Life is Short

Why does Beowulf love risking his life for glory?Why does Beowulf love risking his life for glory? It’s not that Beowulf sees life as something to It’s not that Beowulf sees life as something to

be wasted, or as something that isn’t his own be wasted, or as something that isn’t his own (and therefore trivializes it)(and therefore trivializes it)

It’s more that Beowulf is keenly aware that life It’s more that Beowulf is keenly aware that life is meant to be is meant to be livedlived, and that his ability to lead , and that his ability to lead a worthwhile existence is entirely dependent on a worthwhile existence is entirely dependent on his accomplishments his accomplishments What he’s capable of in the future depends entirely on What he’s capable of in the future depends entirely on

his success in the present; failure in the here and now his success in the present; failure in the here and now means the erasure of that wonderful futuremeans the erasure of that wonderful future

Therefore, Beowulf sees life as an unbroken Therefore, Beowulf sees life as an unbroken string of successes, a line of triumphs from string of successes, a line of triumphs from birth to death, one giant celebration until the birth to death, one giant celebration until the last call sounds (see lines 1001-07)last call sounds (see lines 1001-07) When he fails, it’s all over – but he’s enjoying the rideWhen he fails, it’s all over – but he’s enjoying the ride

The Wonderful FutureThe Wonderful Future

After beating Grendel and After beating Grendel and Grendma, Heorot is safe once Grendma, Heorot is safe once more, evil monsters have been more, evil monsters have been banished from the world, and banished from the world, and Beowulf and his company have Beowulf and his company have won renown for themselves and won renown for themselves and their ring-giver. their ring-giver.

The best is yet to come…right? The best is yet to come…right?