Essay | Beowulf

Beowulf is the embodiment of the classic warrior hero: he is powerful, self-confident and proud, comes from regal lineage, is a savior, and possesses the true traits of the "warrior bond." His heroic traits are characterized by fights, and acts of courage such as his swimming match against Breca. In contrast to Beowulf is another regal figure, Hrothgar the King of Danes. Here we have a very different kind of hero. We know from the text that Hrothgar was a good and strong warrior; "The fortunes of war favored Hrothgar. Friends and kinsmen flocked to his ranks, young followers, a force that grew to be a mighty army." (p.34).

Hrothgar as compared to Beowulf seems, in many ways, to be more human and fallible. He has come by his wisdom from decades of experience, mistakes and learning. We see this when he...
(read more)