Examples Of Evil In Beowulf

For centuries, humanity has debated the true meaning of human nature. Are people born with a predisposition towards goodness or evil, and what does that mean for one’s purpose in life? These are questions arising in the epic poem Beowulf, the first piece of literature written in the English language. Beowulf narrates its titular protagonist’s heroic battles against dragons and monsters. Throughout the poem, Beowulf exhibits the three main traits of bravery, greed, and pride. These characteristics emphasize the concept that human nature is ambiguous and that people are more complicated than simply being fully good or evil. True evil and goodness are only expressible within good or evil actions, a decision every human is capable of making. However,

Beowulf exhibits bravery when he travels to a distant land after hearing tales of how the monster Grendel has been terrorizing and killing a group of people called the Danes. When Grendel attempts to attack the Danes in the middle of the night, Beowulf fearlessly engages in a ferocious, weaponless battle with Grendel, emerging victorious.

“The son of Ecgtheow became more silent, no longer boasting of his deeds in battle, while nobles looked on the sign of his strength: Grendel's hand high up by the roof, the foe's fingers—and each one tipped with a thick, sharp nail, as strong as steel, the heathen's claws suited for slashing in horrible slaughter” (Beowulf lines

Beowulf is so focused on his image as a hero and gaining glory, power, and wealth that he loses sight of what is important. He loses sight of his own needs as a human being and the fact that there are people who would mourn his loss if he were to die.

“How did you do on your voyage, dear Beowulf, after all of a sudden you resolved to go off, to seek deadly combat far over salt waters, hand-fighting at Heorot? Have you, for Hrothgar, the prince of renown, somewhat remedied his widely known woes? Worried over this venture, I have seethed with sorrows, yet did not trust the chances of my beloved friend. For long, I entreated you not to take on in battle that deadly terror, but let the South-Danes settle their own scores” (Beowulf lines 1987–96).

The damage of being arrogant and having a need to constantly prove oneself at the expense of others is a recurring subject in the poem. This concept is mostly illustrated in Beowulf's battles with magical creatures. Later in the poem, Beowulf faces a new opponent, a dragon. Although Beowulf is much older now since this part of the poem is set decades after his battle with Grendel and his mother, he voluntarily decides to battle without a weapon, endangering both his life and the lives of