Chris Cox
English V Form
F Block
10/3/06
Beowulf: “Strong in the Body, Mature in the Mind”
The protagonist of this epic, Beowulf, the Geatish warrior plays many roles
throughout the poem. Growing up as the son of a noble warrior Ecgtheow, Beowulf must
live up to his father’s courageous reputation as a strong Geatish hero. As a volunteer to
slay the feared beast Grendel, Beowulf sets sail to Heorot Hall. Upon arrival we realize
that Beowulf is not afraid to live up to his father’s reputation as he boasts about a fierce
swimming contest in which he “risked his life on… the perishing and cold sea… with
only a naked hard proofed blade for protection” (Beowulf. ll. 537-546). Throughout this
epic poem, Beowulf serves as the model Geatish hero, a great leader, fierce warrior,
modest citizen, and effective ruler.
As he feels “burdened / with all the grief Grendel has caused / and the havoc he
has wrecked upon Heorot” (Beowulf. ll. 473-475), Beowulf is recruited to Heorot to
stand up for Hrothgar’s people and slay Grendel, the most evil of all monsters. As he
accomplishes much in Heorot, Beowulf is immediately given gifts from King Hrothgar.
But Beowulf does not keep these fortunes for himself. He humbly and loyally bestows
these gifts to his Geatish King of his homeland, Hygleac. Beowulf remains humble as he
grows into a more powerful warrior and king. While such heroic accomplishments in
defeating Grendel and Grendel’s mother are forever remembered by his people, King
Hrothgar explains Beowulf’s greatest accomplishment before Beowulf sails home. He
commends Beowulf in his actions
“To draw two peoples,
the Geat nation and neighboring Danes,
into shared peace and a pact of friendship
in spite of hatreds (they) have harboured in the past” (Beowulf. ll. 18551858).
During King Hrothgar’s speech as Beowulf prepares to sail home, he depicts
Beowulf as “so strong in the body, mature in the mind / and (most importantly)
impressive in speech” (Beowulf. ll. 1844-1845). In these lines Hrothgar truly picks out
the most important characters in a leader. I think that Beowulf’s impressive manner in
speech shines the most when he brings back the gold hilt of the sword, Grendel’s head,
and the good news of Grendel’s mother’s defeat.
Beowulf jumps right into the action,
builds up suspense, and depicts his fight with great detail and humility. He declares
“I barely survived the battle under water.
It was hard-fought, a desperate affair
That could have gone badly; if God had not helped me, the outcome would
have been quick and fatal” (Beowulf. ll. 1655-1658).”
One of the greatest qualities that Beowulf encompasses is his confidence and
protecting nature. After he describes the close battle with Grendel’s mother, he ensures
that the grounds of Heorot are safe from any demons.
He “pledges, O Prince of the Shieldings:
you can sleep secure with your company of troops
in Heorot Hall. Never need you fear
for a single thane of your sept or nation,
young warriors or old, that laying waste of life
that you and your people have endured of yore.” (Beowulf. ll. 1671-1676).
During such a daunting time, that the Dane’s felt so unsafe and weary from
Grendel and his mother, Beowulf’s speech could not have been more appropriate. As he
uses word placement like “never fear”, Beowulf makes Heorot Hall feel as if they are
safe forever, as a good leader should. This speech gave the Danes an opportunity to
understand what kind of person and warrior that Beowulf was. It was extremely effective
because Beowulf’s words showed that he was not a brutal or dreadful fighter, just that he
was loyal to both the Geats and the Danes, and his mind was just as strong as his body.