Beowulf's Achievements In Anglo Saxon Society

In the epic Beowulf, translated by Seamus Heaney, Beowulf’s first intention when traveling to the Daneland was to keep his father’s friendship with Hrothgar intact. Although Beowulf had a sounds cause for traveling to the Daneland, the fame and glory Beowulf later received became his main focus and motivated him to continue entering life threatening battles. This piece of literature showcases the accomplishments and celebrations of a young Geat named Beowulf. Throughout the entire epic, Beowulf has many achievements which influence his god-like appearance within the Anglo-Saxon society. The average reader may be so mesmerized with his talents, they might overlook the fact that Beowulf continues to enter battles in order to boost his self
esteem and to create a stronger reputation with the citizens of Daneland. From the beginning of this epic, Beowulf’s motives were to keep the friendship his father had with Hrothgar alive. Almost immediately after arriving in Daneland, Beowulf realizes that he already has a very strong reputation, which fuels his ego and allows it to then overtake his emotions and to influence his future actions. Throughout the entire introduction of the epic, it is said that Beowulf travels to Daneland “to follow up an old friendship” (Heaney, 376). (The said “friendship” being Hrothgar’s friendship with Beowulf’s father.) After all Hrothgar had done for Beowulf’s father, protecting him and paying his wergild, when Beowulf had heard about Grendel terrorizing the Danes, he decided that this would be the perfect time to go and repay Hrothgar for aiding his father in the past. After Beowulf and his people get settled in, they meet the rest of the Danes and Beowulf has a very heated ordeal with one by the name of Unferth. Unferth approaches Beowulf about one of his former fights with Breca, claiming that it did not actually happen. In remark, Beowulf replies with, “Now I cannot recall any fight you entered, Unferth” (Heaney, 582-83). In this he comes off as very defensive, which reveals that Beowulf is aware of his very strong reputation and he does not want anyone to belittle him.