Beowulf Worldviews

Beowulf is an illustrious poem believed to be written in the early seventh century.
This poem’s author is unknown, but this did not prevent this manuscript from becoming one of the world’s most renowned pieces of literature. This poem began to circulate through the old English society around 1000 C.E. Thereafter, Beowulf was recognized as a remarkable composition for its ability to portray the European lifeways and cultures during the Middle Ages. The rest of this paper will touch on the worldviews represented within Beowulf, the tension between old and new religious cultures, and what we can assimilate about the European ways of life in the early Middle Ages. There are several different worldviews in this poem, and many are still relevant

After Beowulf defeats the Danes demon; Grendel, he is described to be the most notable hero to ever walk the land. His heroism is described as, “nowhere on earth or under the spreading sky or between the seas, neither south nor north, was there a warrior worthier to rule over men.” There is no greater testament to Beowulf’s heroism than the description above. Beowulf had completed the most heroic act any of the Danes could have imagined, he vanquished the Danes demon and restored peace within Herot. Following the arrival of Grendel’s demon mother, Beowulf had sent out on yet another hopeless task; to seek and kill the demon. Beowulf had seemed to have met his match fighting Grendel’s mother on her home turf deep in the marsh, until Beowulf received some unexpected help. A sword, hammered by giants, strong and also blessed with their magic became the sword that would crown Beowulf victorious. Through the witness of such heroism and warfare, Hrothgar gathered his words and said, “that Beowulf was born a better man, that his fame was everywhere!” These words spoken from a King with regards to a soldier show substantial evidence that Beowulf’s demonstration of heroism, and skill in warfare are unmatched. Though these battles between Beowulf and these demons seemed to be the climax of his life, it was not. 50 winters after Beowulf’s great battles in Denmark, he faced his

As the Geats lead by Beowulf march to the Dragons home and come face to face with the fire breathing dragon only two men stand firm. Beowulf and his cousin Wiglaf. The rest of the men ran for their lives once the dragon leapt up and breathed that fiery breath. This represents the old and new culture accurately. The old ways of these men, back in Denmark when Beowulf first set out for Grendel his men stood firm by his side. Once their fearless leader emerged victorious the Geats praised their leader and celebrated together. Pampered by the fame and fortune Beowulf’s men began to develop a new way of thinking. A way that enabled their first reaction in a time of crisis to be flee rather than fight. Wiglaf, the lone supporter of Beowulf, calls attention to the coward like acts of his fellow Geats. Wiglaf said, “I remember us boasting of how brave we’d be when Beowulf needed us… how all of us swore to repay him kindness for kindness with our lives… and counting on us when the time came…” The tension between the old and new religious cultures possibly cost these Geats their loved king, Beowulf. This tension in the poem shows how fame and fortune can change a man, but those who stay faithful and remain true to their upbringings, are the true