Death is an important theme of this story, and was essential for
making Beowulf the heroic character the legend that he was during the
Anglo-Saxon period. Through his youth he was courageous, wise, and aimed for
glory. It would not be considered the epic heroic legend without his deadly
battle against a monstrous beast. Since Beowulf is based on
one of the oldest stories from Anglo-Saxon culture, many themes shown are the
glory of death and the transition with the old beliefs to new, which resonates
with his symbolic death. Throughout his life there he had faced the threat of
death with his battle against Grendel and Grendel’s mother during his youth. It
was even stated before Beowulf goes into battle with Grendel’s mother about the
character Unferth and how he was afraid to go into battle which affected his
identity as a man. It was even stated that “[Unferth] was not man enough/ to
face the turmoil of a fight under water/ and the risk to his life. So there he
lost/ his fame and repute. It was different for the other rigged out in his
gear, ready to do battle” (pg. 73; lines 1468-1472). Basically, since Unferth
was not brave enough to face death, he lost his reputation as a brave man
therefore did not deserve a title as a hero unlike Beowulf who would face
everything head on. In contrast to Beowulf, who would always go into battle
ready for what many come, even death. Thus his death at the end is something
inescapable but also symbolized as a reflection of old, pagan beliefs passing
away with him and the introduction of the new, Christian ways.Therefore his
death was essential for this story for the transition for the new generation.
In addition, when he is towards the end of life fighting the
dragon that threatens his people and instead of just fame and glory even he
knows that he must protect his people. Before going into the barrow “Beowulf
spoke, made a formal boast for the last time [saying]: ‘I risked my life often
when I was young. Now I am old, but as king of the people I shall pursue this
fight for the glory of winning, if the evil one will only abandon his
earth-fort and face me in the open’” (pg.95; lines 2510-15). As he tells his
fellow Geats this, it seems like the last sacrifice and final moment of glory
for him to have the perfect glorious death. It reflects the importance of fame
and glory have on how well of a warrior you were to the people of this culture
to be remembered. If Beowulf had not died in that battle, than none
of the other neighboring tribes would still be fearful of retribution and not
even challenge the Geats because of their strong leader. Since it was a big
part of the culture for men of that era to create an identity of facing death
and not being afraid of it, it was essential that men had a glorious death.
Therefore, if Beowulf had not had that last moment of glory fighting a dragon,
he would probably try to find some other way to find another epic battle to
fight to the death so that he would be part of legends told for future
generations.
Work Cited
"Beowulf." The Norton Anthology English Literature. 9th ed. Vol. A.
New York: W. W. Norton &Company,
2012. 48-108. Print. The Middle Ages.
Good job focusing on the transition from new to old beliefs. You also hinted at the fact that, as Tolkien discussed in his article, the true tragedy and heroism in the tale is highlighted by the fact that, in the end, Beowulf was simply a mortal man and had to face death like any other man. Good discussion of the importance of a "glorious death." No need to include page numbers in citations. Line numbers are enough.
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