Wealth And Identity In Beowulf

Beowulf Many themes are conveyed throughout the epic poem Beowulf. Although none are stated outright, they can be inferred through the language, the narrator, and items or ideas of importance to various characters. Each of these themes touch on the values that were held at the time the poem was written, and serve as a sort of testament to the culture of Anglo-Saxon Europe. Two such prevalent themes in Beowulf revolve around wealth and identity. Wealth, as it is told in beowulf, is something that one should value, but should refrain from becoming attached to. This is most evidenced by Hrothgar’s warning to beowulf about seeking material possessions over that of heaven: “ Guard against such wickedness… and choose instead, eternal happiness;

This can be achieved by several means, such as creating a reputation, or simply by stating who one is and what they have accomplished. Throughout the epic, beowulf frequently boasts of his many fights with monsters and his victories at war. Talking about his people to hrothgar, he states “They have seen my strength for themselves, have watched me rise from the darkness of war, dripping with my enemies’ blood.” (417). He immediately demonstrates his identity as an incredible hero to the Danes, which shows how important his reputation is to him. Another similar example of this kind of identity enforcing occurs before Beowulf slays the dragon. He tells his men “No one else could do what I mean to do, no man but me could hope to defeat this monster” (2531). Not only does beowulf describe his current identity, but he feels a need to add to his resume by seeking out further challenges and, by extension, fame: “I am old, now, but I will fight again seek fame still, if the dragon hiding in this tower dares face me.” (2510). The constant need to identify oneself and create a resume shows just how much identity was valued during this time