What Role Does Feuding Play In Beowulf

Why does feuding play such a significant role in Beowulf? Blood-feuds cause strife and destruction.

During the Freawaru-Ingeld marriage, a blood-feud was sparked easily; as well as in the story of Finn.

In this book, everlasting truces are not plausible. Moreover, retribution is consistently sought and

the demolished tribe or side will unfailingly seek revenge. In Beowulf, the role of feuding is to be

inevitable and to progress the story, revealing the characters' true nature.

In the story of Finn, the desire for revenge ultimately triumphs the desire for truces. The Frisians

and Half-Danes decide on a truce after their battle. However, as a result, the truce is broken because of

the Half-Danes' aspiration for vengeance (lines 1063-1250). The Half-Danes had been

On lines 1144 through 1150, Finn is slaughtered after the uprise of the Half-Danes. This indicates that the defeated side will constantly be reminded of their loss, seeking retaliation. Moreover, the role

of feuding in Beowulf proves that revenge is habitually desired, causing feuds to resurface.

The intertribal marriage of Freawaru and Ingeld displays that grudges are inexorable. The Heathobards

and Danes could not live in peace. Likewise, the fight with Grendel's mother is caused by a grudge and

the desire for revenge. On lines 1302 through 1303, Grendel's mother snatches her son's hand back

from Beowulf. The feud with Grendel was a catalyst to the fight with Grendel's mother because of her

maternal instinct. Furthermore, it is common to hold grudges against what is deemed unfair. In the

… story of Cain and Abel (86 through 1140), Cain murders Abel as a result of jealousy. Envy, revenge,

and grudges are often the causes of feuds in Beowulf, as those feelings are recurrent.

The consequence of feuding is the wounded side later plausibly seeking revenge, leading to