Examples Of Comitatus In Beowulf

Knowing Your Place

In the poem Beowulf, the author shifts from Beowulf being an orphan to being a king, by incorporating underlying themes such as strength and skill, identity, and shift in power to show the importance of social structure and the adherence to comitatus. The most important literary element that the poet utilizes is strength and skill because the better you are in battle the more respected you are and the greater your rewards. One of the first examples of comitatus in Beowulf occurs when Beowulf responds to King Hrothgar’s call for help. King Hrothgar would like peace restored to his kingdom but this is impossible because Grendel is wreaking havoc on his kingdom, specifically Hrothgar’s mead hall. Grendel has plundered the mead

The author also uses a shift in power with each fight, since the monsters increase in power and difficulty to defeat. If Beowulf fought the same level of villain each time he would stay on the same social level. This is why he must gain knowledge and experience through each battle so he can move on to fight a more extravagant beast. The second battle was Grendel's mother; she only wanted to fight “the death of her son to avenge” ( ). This battle was worse than the first one because she was scorned and wanted revenge, she was prepared to face the man who killed her son whereas Grendel was unprepared because he did not know how powerful Beowulf was. This mighty victory led to more comitatus because protection and safety was achieved and Beowulf gained popularity and riches. Since Beowulf had great strength and skill it increased his identity which led to a shift in power making him king. This shows comitatus because the thanes participate in battle in hopes to increase their social standings, which Beowulf did. The third battle was against a mighty dragon, just as before the difficulty level increased because this beast was much more powerful than the last. There is one major difference in this battle than the last and it is that this time Beowulf is king. This final battle shows the importance of comitatus and reinforces social structure. Beowulf should not be fighting now that he is king. He was also much older which can impact one's ability to fight. Beowulf said “I strove in youth, mighty feuds” saying he was a wonderful fighter ( ). He goes on to say that it is “too awful it is for an aged man to bide and bear” implying that older people should not fight ( ). Beowulf does not listen to his own words because he thinks he is mighty and is going to fight for revenge. The author really emphasizes the importance of comitatus because when Beowulf