The Legacy of Beowulf

In the early 7th to 10th century Kings are in charge of the lands which they rule. Kinghts and Warriors are some of the most honored people of this era. When kingdoms are unable to battle their enemies the Kings look to others for help. During King Hrothgar's time monsters are destroying the kingdom and killing many people. Beowulf, a courageous warrior comes the Heorot to help Hrothgar. In the poem "Beowulf," Beowulf fights three monsters, Grendel, Grendel's mother and a dragon, even though he faces bloody battles he conducts himself to guarantee that his legend will live on.

There is a monster hovering over Heorot who is considered a threat to the Danes and puts fear into everyone. Grendel is out to kill as many men as he can, "before morning he would rip life from limb and devour them..." Beowulf hears of a monster lurking around the Danes and comes to help. Beowulf again fights a monster with his strength. His men are there to help him, but it is up to Beowulf to defeat the monster alone. Even though they try to slash at the monster with their blades, it is no match for Grendel. Beowulf however, does defeat the monster. As soon as Grendel is about to attack Beowulf, "the alert hero's comeback and arm lock forestalled him utterly" (p.51). This causes great pain for Grendel as he is trapped in Beowulf's arms and can not get out. Afterwards, Beowulf is rewarded greatly by the Danes for his bravery and willingness to fight the monster. He receives "...a gold standard as a victory gift, an embroidered banner; also breast-mail and a helmet; and a sword carried high" (p.69). When Beowulf defeats the monster, this makes his reputation stronger.

When Gendel's mother comes to Heorot seeking revenge on Beowulf and the Danes for killing her son, Beowulf once again offers his warriors skills. Grendel's mother kills Aeschere and retrieves Grendel's arm. Hrothgar is crushed over the loss of his friend but Beowulf says to him, "it is always better to avenge dear ones than to indulge in mourning" (p. 97). He encourages Hrothgar to take his anger and plan a attack on Grendel's mother. When Beowulf fights Gendel's mother he chooses to fight on his own, but she is too powerful and is able to capture Beowulf. When the sword lent by Unferth fails Beowulf the first time he tries to fight the beast, he is forced to fight with his bare hands. Beowulf uses his strength and courage when "the decorated blade came down ringing and singing on her head...the shining blade refused to bite"(p. 105). He is able to eventually kill Grendel's mother, once again revealing his brave warrior skills. Once the people know of Grendel's mother's death, they praise Beowulf and give him gifts. He is showered with gold from King Hrothgar. They are amazed at his strength and find him to be a great warrior. The battle shows evidence of Beowulf's greatness and continues to build his reputation.

Beowulf's bravery is tested in his last fight against the dragon which had burned the land of the Geats and Beowulf's own home. The dragon becomes aggressive after his treasure had been stolen from his cave. Beowulf decides to fight the dragon by himself and takes responsibility for having to defeat it when he tells his warriors that the fight "...is not yours nor is it up to any man except me to measure his strength against the monster or to prove his worth" (p. 171). Because of his old age, Beowulf is not as effective in this battle as he would have been when he was younger but he fights to the end. The dragon meets Beowulf's challenge when he clamps..."sharp fangs into Beowulf's neck" (p. 181). With his last bit of strength, Beowulf shows his determination to kill the dragon when he stabs it. As Beowulf nears death, he reflects on his life: "I took what came, cared and stood by things in my keeping" (p.185). Beowulf can rest knowing that he has helped the Danes and his people by leaving them with the riches which were in the dragon's lair. Beowulf's legend will live on because he is cremated out at sea, and the place in which his barrow floats will be remembered by sailors as "Beowulf's Barrow."

The poem, "Beowulf," is written by an unknown author during the middle of the 17th and the end of the tenth century. The author describes a great man born to fight and help others. Beowulf is a legacy to both the Danes and Geats. His courage and bravery to fight all three monsters, Grendel, Grendel's mother and the Dragon, win the hearts of the people and earn him the right to be considered a Legend. Every battle he wins, Beowulf is rewarded greatly by the people and King of the land. They create this legacy for Beowulf for generations to remember the great warrior and his efforts to protect the people.