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Dichotomy In Beowulf

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Beowulf is a classic tale of a hero who undergoes certain trials and tribulations and proves his bravery. However when one glances under the surface, it is clear that the story is about so much more. Over the course of the poem Beowulf has to learn to balance two opposing sides of his personality-his monstrous, angry, berserker-like side with more restrained and civilized character. In Germanic culture in general, a dichotomy lies between the reverence of famous berserkers, who when enraged become the most fearsome of warriors, and the values of self-restraint placed on people, specifically in the feasting setting. Beowulf is all about the navigation of that tight line of cultural tension between the two options. In Germanic culture, controlled rage during times of war is considered useful to the protection and development of the realm. There exist many tales of fantastic warriors, who can reach a level of bloodlust that they become nigh invincible in a fight. One of these famous warriors is Bodvar Bjarki, who appears in the Saga of King Hrolf Kraki. Such was the reputation of berserkers and their legendary anger, that when Bodvar first came to King Hring to take revenge on the Queen …show more content…

His "raging temper" led to him estranging himself from all his closest friends, and he witnessed as he became "a bane to the people". What separates Beowulf from Heremod is that he has a measure of restraint, and he is both "physically strong and acute of mind"(1843). Beowulf is considered a true hero in the eyes of Hrothgar and others not just because of his ability to kill monsters, but because he subscribes to keeping the peace when necessary. The best heroes do not threaten civilized society during peacetime through needless fighting, but uphold it by being patient and prudent, as Beowulf

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In Beowulf, an Anglo-Saxon poem, written about a hero named Beowulf who aids the King of Danes to battle monsters. With his powerful strength, he was able to slay Grendel and Grendel’s mother. However, in his last journey, fifty years later, to battle the dragon, he succeeds but dies in the process. Throughout the whole poem, it is apparent that one important theme present is the display of pride and strength of the people in that society at the time. One of the first displays of pride and strengths in Beowulf can be seen in the first battle with Grendel.

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While the Anglo-Saxon culture in “Beowulf” include display of strength, valor, honor and boastfulness of the early era is seen in today’s modern society. Since it originated in oral tradition, the epic Beowulf has no known author. It does, however, serve as a representation of the Anglo-Saxon culture it originates from. As a work of art, it also serves its purpose of moral instruction, today serving as a demonstration of what values were important to the Anglo-Saxon people. Especially seen through the characters of Beowulf and Wiglaf, the poem Beowulf illustrates three important morals of its time:

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