Allusions To Cain, Man's First Murderer In Beowulf

Allusions to Cain, man’s first murderer, resonate throughout Beowulf. These echoes warn men against murderous acts lest they, like Cain, be “condemned as outcasts” (Beowulf 107). Since Ecgtheow, Beowulf’s father, commits murder and encounters a Cain-like banishment, it does not make sense to me that the Geats do not experience an undercurrent of shame that tragically engulfs both father and son, especially since Ecgtheow loses his place among “his people” who “forced him to leave” (462). Even though Hrothgar restores peace by paying the death-price on Ecgtheow’s behalf, I still find Beowulf’s elevation as the poem’s protagonist confusing because although the blood-price is paid, Beowulf is still the son of a murderer. Beowulf should be cursed

Beowulf has no mother to shelter him or dishonor him in the conspiratorial manner that Hygd attempts to guard her son, Heardred, by going behind his back. Hygd’s interference segues to another reason that Beowulf is specifically given to a man. The fact that the foster-son is handed over with the anticipation of success suggests that men look to one another for reason and empowerment. The poem supports this theory by pointing to Heardred who is cocooned by his mother. Hygd, referred to as “the weakened nation” (2373), predicts her son’s failure which supports my assertion that dependence is the polar opposite of empowerment. While it is not surprising that Heardred unwisely welcomes exiles, and dies in the process, it is interesting that the independent and resourceful foster-child is self-sufficient, is capable of navigating treacherous waters, is offered the throne, and ultimately rules successfully. Unlike Grendel, whose mother “would/avenge her only child,” (1546-47), Beowulf has no mother to avenge him in the event of his death; however, he “never lost heart” because he wants to live and conquer in order to preserve his “name and fame” (1530). Reputation motivates the thane and his tenacity results in an unmatched legacy that may have otherwise been littered with slothful children. Even worse, the legacy could have continued a murderous