Beowulf

Beowulf wants passionately everlasting glory through performing great deeds of superior strength and heroic courage in order for him to be fondly remembered. The fierce warriors of Beowulf also seek considerable fame through remarkable feats of strength, extraordinary bravery in the eager face of imminent danger, as well as by boasting about their strength, bravery.“Then Beowulf became ruler of the broad kingdom, the realm of the Geats, which he ruled over well for fifty long winters”,(Line 1254-1255). The lifelong quest for eternal fame is traditional of the utmost importance to a fierce warrior intentionally trying to establish himself in the civilized world. However, the quest for established fame naturally comes with an ultimate price. One's quest for fame can undoubtedly result in pride. Fame involves a desire to be great, and it also involves becoming great in order to bring strength and power to one's people. Fame in Beowulf is popularly associated with noble generosity and community. The man who seeks fame can also bear shame to himself if his courage forsakes him. In Beowulf, Shame is not a mere embarrassment. It's a kind of curse that broadcasts to the world that you, your family, and your people lack the courage, will, or might to protect yourselves.“In his own homeland, the thane of Hygelac, the valiant Geat, heard the tales told of Grendel. This Geat was among men the greatest in strength, most noble and mighty, for as long as his life-days were destined to last”,(line 1005-1007). Beowulf fights unarmed, proving himself more capable than the demon, who is terrified. As Grendel struggles, Beowulf tears the mythical monster’s arm off. The severed arm is displayed high in the mead-hall as a trophy of victory securing more fame and glory to the people who look up very highly to Beowulf. “Your fame is renowned wherever men journey, my dear friend Beowulf, among all the peoples. You hold power with balance, with the wisdom of mind. Now I shall fulfill our friendship as we earlier agreed. And you shall bring peace to your people for a long time to come, a source of strength to the heroes” (line 1049-1052). Hrothgar showers Beowulf with generous gifts and treasure at a grand feast in his prestigious honor. Songs are performed in praise of Beowulf, and the celebration lasts late into the night which is a perk of being well known by encountering major battles to influence him where he needs to be. However, fame does not last forever, and another battle with a dragon did not do Beowulf well. A dragon bites Beowulf in the neck, and its fiery venom exterminates him moments after their encounter. This adequately reflects on how the wide-ranging responsibilities of a mighty king, who must act wisely for the good of the local people and not just for his own glory, typically differ from those of the heroic warrior. One key aspect Beowulf seemed to lack through his personal arrogance of the considerable fame and divine glory that went up to his foolish head.