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Examples Of Greed In Beowulf

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Greed is a ravenous monster; an insatiable parasite of the mind, which feasts on mankind’s noble ambitions. In Burton Raffel’s translation of the epic, Beowulf, the super human protagonist faces obstacles no other man in the land could face. Beowulf is a man of great deeds, with a narcissistic character. His eminence, though brought upon by his own fearless victories, is a façade, covering the creature lurking within him. Though Beowulf is a noble savior, secret motivations seethe behind his carefully constructed character. Beowulf is an arrogant man who constantly tries to surpass all other men. The hero is fueled by his greed for power, and boasts of his greatness before battling Grendel. “‘My people… have seen my strength for themselves,/ …show more content…

Initially, the hero seeks fame, but before he defeats Grendel, he gets a taste of celebratory incentive. “‘But to table, Beowulf, a banquet in your honor:/ Let us toast your victories, and talk of the future...’” (Raffel 223-224). Beowulf learns from King Hrothgar that good deeds should not go unrewarded, which reinforces the materialistic desires of the protagonist. After Grendel’s death, King Hrothgar spoils Beowulf even more, then continues to offer bribes to destroy Grendel’s mother. “‘... Save us,/ Once more, and again twisted gold,/ Heaped-up ancient treasure, will reward you/ For the battle you win” (Raffel 446-449)! Since Beowulf did not tell the Danes he would help them merely to be generous, it is easily inferred that Beowulf accepted Hrothgar’s offer in his lust for gold. The morals of the savior are corrupted by the cravings he felt for his new golden idol. “...So gold can easily/ Triumph, defeat the strongest of men,/ No matter how deep it is hidden” (Raffel 776-777)! After Beowulf is defeated, the narrator includes the major theme that greed can kill even the noblest of men; a lesson exemplified by the hero’s life and death. Beowulf’s avarice motivated him to the point of recklessness and his own

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Beowulf was a hero. He was one who has battled what most of us will fear. He won when most of us will fail. But still, like any other person, Beowulf has a weakness; and that weakness is the lack of self control. Lack of self control against greed.

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Everyone has a perspective on good and evil; the battle line between good and even runs through the heart. “Beowulf” illuminates characters that come from dark and deep backgrounds that construct their dauntless actions. In the heroic tale “Beowulf,” the author’s tones strongly demonstrates themes of loyalty, honor, and courage. Raffel’s tones remotely displays the act of loyalty within multiple characters. “Hail to these who will rise to God, drop off their dead bodies” (101).

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The Anglo-Saxon kings in Beowulf are very generous with their wealth to those who have served them. Consequently this exchange of wealth shows a positive relationship among the kings and their subjects. For example, Hrothgar gives Beowulf gifts in order to thank him for defeating both Grendel and Grendel’s mother: “Then Halfdane’s son presented Beowulf with a gold standard as a victory gift, an embroidered banner; also brest-mail and a helmet; and a sword carried high, that was both precious object and token of honour.” (1019-1023). Beowulf has helped Hrothgar by slaying the monsters that were attacking his tribe and killing his people.

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This shows that he wanted people to think he’s this amazing leader because of what he did and not because of the gifts that God has given him. Beowulf faced many different trials and tribulations during this time of life. With the courage and strength given to him, he was able to overcome any challenge or roadblock that stood in the way. He didn’t always realize it, but with the help of

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So Beowulf drank his drink, at ease” (1119 - 1125). The Author further explains that, “It was hardly a shame to be showered with such gifts,” thus justifying the shower of valuables Beowulf receives for a seemingly “heroic” act. Beowulf’s desire and willingness to accept the influx of wealth represents the Anglo-Saxon characteristic of greed. This desire does not fit under todays views of a hero, as we expect them to serve without the expectation of reward and be humble enough to refuse, if

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M Showing that all that really matters in this society is gold, nothing else. N In the end the lust for gold is what put an end to the tale of Beowulf CONCLUSION O The way that gold consumed the minds of the upper class during this era shows a real disconnect with human emotion that was more present during the time of Rome before this epic was composed.

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From the moment we step out of our bed, and on the very moment we opened our eyes, temptations had always been there, roaring like a lion and seeking for its prey. It’s the thing that we can’t run for, for it needs to be met, sometimes it’s the thing that we want, our deepest desire, the thing that we longed for, and wish to have, by hook or by crook. For temptation seduce, like a lovely maiden with a golden hair, how can one resist? The story of Beowulf simply implies the failure of the man with his struggle against temptation.

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Beowulf makes known that “no man but [himself] could hope to defeat this monster, [and] no one could try.” Beowulf wants to have this fight all to himself, so he can take all of the glory. He is too selfish to conclude that only he could defeat the monster alone. Beowulf cannot be thought of as a hero because “Beowulf only longed for fame.” Beowulf does not perform heroic deeds just to save the citizens, but to receive more admiration from the citizens.

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In the epic poem “Beowulf” the character Beowulf is the foundation for all of our modern heroes, but was he really a great hero? A hero is classified as a person who is admired for their bravery, achievements, or nobility. Although Beowulf displays all these qualities, there are several reasons he is not a hero, mainly him being egotistical and arrogant. This is why Beowulf is not a heroic person. Beowulf is often caught bragging about himself and his great accomplishments.

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The epic poem Beowulf is a classic tale of good versus evil. Good, as shown in the story, is any action that fights evil and defends the community and the people of it. The evil intent of Grendel, the story’s antagonist and cannibalistic murderer, who is depicted as a “fiend out of hell” (99), is strongly countered by the heroic actions of the stories main protagonist, Beowulf. The noble King Hrothgar is a role model for young Beowulf at the beginning of the epic, displaying acts of charity and wisdom throughout his life.

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Glory is the prime motivation for Beowulf in his story. Beowulf wants to be remembered for the great deeds he has done in his lifetime, like Hrothgar. Hrothgar, the king has earned his glory in his youth. “To Hrothgar was given such glory of war, such honor of combat, that all his kin obeyed him gladly…” (Part 1) Hrothgar is now old and unable to protect his kingdom, and Beowulf decides that he will step in and help because of the glory it will give him.

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