Beowulf: Themes
...and is well deserved of the distinction. The epic tells the story
of a hero, a Scandinavian prince named Beowulf, who rids the Danes of the
monster Grendel, a descendent of Cain, and of his exploits fighting Grendel's
mother and a Dragon. Throughout the epic, the Anglo-Saxon story teller uses
many elements to build a certain depth to the characters. Just a few of the
important character elements in Beowulf are Wealth & Honor, Biblical &
Paganistic, and Man vs. Wild themes.
Many of the characters in Beowulf are, like in most epics, defined by
their status. But, in addition to status, the Anglo-Saxon culture also adds an
element of honor. To the Anglo-Saxons, a character's importance, as well as
their wealth and status, where measured not only in monetary terms, but it was
also measured in terms of honor, fame, and accomplishments. Hrothgar, king of
the Danes, is one example of the Anglo-Saxon measurement of importance in
Beowulf. In Canto 1 the story teller describes his wealth and importance, not
as mounds of gold or jewels, but instead as his ability to "[lead] the Danes to
such glory." and as his tendency to "In battle, [leave] the common pasture
untouched, and taking no lives." Through this display of compassion for the
commoner who doesn't fight in battles, Hrothgar proves the full extent of his
honor and therefore the extent of his wealth and status. Beowulf, the hero-
prince, also proves his true wealth and status through his deeds as defender of
the Danes.. As he fights and defeats Grendel, Beowulf Earns Fame and wealth
from his companions, and from the Danes, but more importantly, he earns honor
raising him to the level of an archetypal hero. Grendel, on the other hand, is
the total opposite of Beowulf. He has no wealth, no honor, and he in infamous
as an evil killer. This lack of wealth and honor defines Grendel as a symbol of
evil and...
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