Influences on Beowulf's Individuality

In literature, there are several factors that shape a character's identity. The decisions that they make allow the reader to understand who the character really is. In the story of Beowulf, Beowulf makes the decision to save the Herot by fighting Grendel, who has been terrorizing the people for over 12 years. Through this commitment, Beowulf's true personality was established. Beowulf's pride, heroic qualities, and his religious representation all influenced his individuality.

Beowulf's pride was one attribute that set him aside from most of his time. The determination that he possessed was always used for the benefit of everyone in need. Beowulf had come across many monsters throughout his life, "killing them one by one." When Beowulf heard the news about Grendel, he did not take this any differently. "Your luck may change if you challenge Grendel," Unferth taunted. The continuous attempts to put down Beowulf were no match for his overwhelming self-esteem. All Beowulf could reply is "Fate will unwind as it must!" His confidence drove him to take the best of his men and devise a plan to defeat this monster. Beowulf proved Unferth wrong once again, saving the Herot and killing Grendel. His pride extended beyond fighting monsters. When challenged by Brecca in a swimming match, Beowulf's ability was underestimated. Brecca "promised to outswim you (Beowulf)". This did not stop Beowulf from going out there and giving his all. In the end, he beat the odds and outswam Brecca. Beowulf's pride was no match for anyone in his path.

Beowulf also held many heroic qualities which led many to look up to him. No matter how much of a threat any monster seemed to be, it was in Beowulf's mind to save people and defeat evil. In all, he would do anything to live up to that. His great courage and his fierce strength was evident through his victories against monsters. In his fight with Grendel, Beowulf used all but his hands to clutch Grendel's claw. Beowulf was also very loyal to all in his presence. He fended-off Grendel and stopped him from killing any more of Hrothgar's men, showing great loyalty to Hrothgar and his people. Beowulf fought most of his enemies one-on-one, never relying on his men to do all the fighting. Beowulf's final battle against a fire dragon was a victory though he was fatally wounded and died. This was the fall of a great hero. Beowulf took his life in order to save the lives of the people. Beowulf's people cried " that no better king had ever lived, no prince so mild, no man so open to his people, so deserving of praise."

Beowulf's religious symbolatry plays a major role in his persona. Coming out of a royal linage, people of this time period believed Beowulf was "protected by god" and possessed a "special blood." He was bringing the power of God. In a religious analogy, Beowulf was considered the good and the monsters, the evil. Chosen by God, it was Beowulf's duty to kill Grendel, who came out of Cane because Cane was thrown out of heaven for killing Abel. Beowulf sacrificed his live to kill several evil monsters that were threatening his people. In the end, he took his own live for his people, just as Jesus did. He knew it was either his life, or his people's lives. He made the decision to fight the fire dragon. He killed the dragon, but also died because of the fatal wounds in the battle. Beowulf's selflessness is apparent through his personal drive.

Beowulf's identity is shaped by his pride , heroic qualities, and his religious similarities. In Beowulf, Beowulf's divine right drives him to defeat Grendel, who has been haunting Hrothgar's men in the Herot. Through this commitment, Beowulf's true persona was recognized. Beowulf dreamed to protect his people no matter what it took. Beowulf's bravery and loyalty to his people set him apart from any person of his time.