Motivation In Beowulf

Words: 461

Pages: 2

Open Document

Why’d You Do It?

(An Evaluation on Beowulf’s Motivations)

In the poem Beowulf, Beowulf has many motivations. He goes through many obstacles that shows that he is very motivated. The first obstacle he faces is the battle with Grendel. The next obstacle, which was a little harder, was the battle with Grendel’s mother. The last obstacle then, was the battle with the dragon. Beowulf’s motivations in these battles were duty, glory, and sacrifice/obligation.

The first motivation Beowulf had was his duty to his people. In the beginning, Beowulf stepped up to fight Grendel because he was capable of doing so. Because this was something he was able to do, it became his duty. People expected him to do it, so he felt obligated to fight Grendel. Beowulf says, “ that my duty was to go to the Danes’ Great King.” (Site) Because the citizens became aware of Beowulf’s ability to defeat Grendel, they expected him to do so.

Another motivation that Beowulf had was glory. After finding out the he had to fight another battle, I think he was willing to do so because he wanted the glory that would come with it. This is shown when beowulf is told that he would would be rewarded for the battle he was going to fight. He is told, “Save us, once more, and again twisted gold, heaped up ancient treasure, will reward you for the battle you win!” (Site) So, he …show more content…
Beowulf is completely different from being in the first two battles. At a young age, Beowulf fought many long and hard battles. Now, being at an old age, he isn’t as strong anymore and he can't fight as well. However, he has an obligation to his people and is willing to give a sacrifice. Before we goes into his last battle, Beowulf says, “I’ve never known fear, as a youth I fought in endless battles. I am old now, but I will fight again.” (Site) Beowulf goes into the battle willing to fight, but has to sacrifice himself in the

Theme Of Motivation In Beowulf

bring a consequence or a reward to themselves. These two choices often arise, with one usually being better than the other but never really finding out which one till the decision is made. The motivation for each decision is often differentiated between who decides and their morals. Beowulf in the epic Beowulf he follows the Anglo-saxon code of Duty, fame, and sacrifice when battling the three monsters grendel, grendel's mother, and the dragon. Before his battle with Grendel he is sent by his tribe…

Words 979 - Pages 4

A Hero's Motivations In Beowulf

Hero’s Motivations (An Analysis of Beowulf’s Motivations) What is a hero? Some people's first thought goes to those who perform need jobs like military service or doctors. But another common thought that springs from the word ‘hero’ is superheroes.The entertainment industry has capitalized on this topic, creating many well-known series. But where did such ideas originate? The idea of a superhero originated from the Anglo-SAxons epic poem Beowulf. Not only is the main character, Beowulf, the first…

Words 875 - Pages 4

Motivation For Beowulf Essay

There is many motivations for Beowulf to kill the three monsters throughout the story/poem. He felt like it was his duty, then he wanted fame and glory also he needed to make a sacrifice. He was a very important person in his village and was most respected for the things he had done for everyone. First of all, Beowulf felt like it was his duty to take care of the king of Geats because the king was older and Beowulf was young so it was his duty to help him out. That’s when he kills the first monster…

Words 441 - Pages 2

Sacrifice In Beowulf

Gallant Warrior A Discussion of Beowulf’s Motivations from Beowulf “A hero is someone who understands the responsibility that comes with his freedom.” said influential singer Bob Dylan. Burton Raffel is the author of the translation of “Beowulf.” Burton Raffel is the author for numerous poems, screenplays, and novels. He has also won the Translation Prize for the French-American Foundation. “Beowulf” is an epic poem about an Anglo-Saxon warrior from the land of the Geats who comes to the…

Words 869 - Pages 4

Beowulf True Hero Essay

Critical Analysis of Beowulf's Motivations) Heroes, such people as Kim Kardashian, or Jay-z. No, you think these people are not heroes, well who would be in this world of ours? Well before you choose I think we should look for the most iconic hero ever discussed in literature, Beowulf. Beowulf was a warrior who lived the Anglo Saxon code, a code of Vikings. This Anglo Saxon code has a lot of small actions you must follow, but we will look at the three major motivations that men or women must do to…

Words 830 - Pages 4

Examples Of Sacrifice In Beowulf

Analysis of Beowulf’s Motivations) The Anglo-Saxon Code is an ancient way of life. The Anglo-Saxon people lived by this code, and were reminded of it through the story of Beowulf. What people don’t realize, is our culture has been affected from this ancient code. We honor individuals that are brave, loyal, and great. Beowulf was one of the greatest heroes of history, and is the template for this code. The Anglo-Saxon code is what motivates Beowulf to be a hero. His motivations are a sense of duty…

Words 548 - Pages 3

How Is Beowulf An Epic Hero

The Legendary Beowulf Reasons Behind it All Musicians, entertainers, doctors, and nurses are some of the many people that we consider as heroes today. In the epic, “Beowulf,” created by the legendary mystery, the main character, Beowulf, is considered a hero. However, some people may wonder, what were his reasons behind the things he did? In the poem, Beowulf has three battles with three different beasts. During the third battle with a mighty, but evil dragon, Beowulf’s life comes to an end. Why…

Words 537 - Pages 3

Who Is Beowulf A Hero

In the epic poem "Beowulf," the arrival of the young hero Beowulf at the mead hall of King Hrothgar marks the beginning of an iconic tale of courage, heroism, and leadership. Beowulf's character embodies an elaborate amalgamation of altruism and egotism, as he vowed to rid the Danes of the monstrous beast Grendel. Grendel was a monster that was said to contain the strength of thirty men as well as slaughtered and devoured the warriors of King Hrothgar frequently. Comparing Beowulf to other young heroes…

Words 771 - Pages 4

Comparative Essay Comparing Batman And Beowulf

evil. Both Beowulf and Batman show these qualities despite different backgrounds and different time periods. Beowulf and Batman are similar because they show strength and courage fighting against evil. Both risk their lives to protect others. On the other hand, they both had allies on the “right side of the law”, or just positive people that aren’t doing anything to harm the people. Both are ethical because Batman lets the criminals go after a fight because he won’t kill them and Beowulf didn’t use…

Words 573 - Pages 3

Beowulf Vs Achilles Research Paper

of society when they are just like us? Two of the greatest heroes of all time are Beowulf and Achilles. Beowulf is known for strength, courage and boastfulness and Achilles is known for strength, courage, fairness, and loyalty. In the epic poems Beowulf and Iliad two main characters, Achilles and Beowulf show several similarities in their leadership abilities, but there is one major difference in their motivations to fight. Achilles is one of the Greek heroes that fought in the Trojan War against…

Words 670 - Pages 3