Narcissism In Beowulf

Beowulf is the oldest tale in the English language, it follows a perceived hero through the many trials he faced. The story was passed down orally for generations until it was finally transcribed in the form of a poem; which was eventually modernized into book form.(Beowulf,2014) Many believe Beowulf was a hero because that’s what was needed at the time, someone to believe in. But if the tale is taken out of the time period and looked at now there are things that Beowulf does that suggests he wasn’t in the hero position because he wanted to be a hero. The book depicts many tales about great historically brave events made possible by Beowulf. Starting with the defeat of grendel and his mother, Beowulf rakes in the benefits of fighting alongside
(Roberts,2005) Beowulf presents himself as a mercenary always in need or search of recognition more than the money and gifts even though he doesn’t resent the fact that he’s getting paid for his victories. He is in search of the glory that comes with being a hero. This all leads to something we would call narcissistic personality disorder (Mayo Clinic, 2016). Beowulf shows many signs through the tale pointing towards him being narcissistic. Loyalty is a fundamental most people determine is used in this book but is it really loyalty or is it a way to use others to gain an advantage or a better reputation. Beowulf has been read throughout many generations and everyone forms an opinion unique to themselves. This is one opinion out of many and it’s just on the side of Beowulf not being a hero.
Beowulf shows his might in ‘heroic acts’ such as defeating Grendel with his bare hands and grappling with Grendel's mother and then defeating her by cutting off her head with a sword of magic. In return of these
If this tale was written in modern day, the need to explain Beowulf’s behavior would be evident. Beowulf shows tendencies of detachment and adrenaline filled days almost like he’s in search of his next fight and the praises that follow these fights. For example when Grendel's mother comes to the mead hall and steals her son’s arm and a thane the king offers Beowulf another fight. Hrothgar says “ Seek it if you dare! I will reward you for waging this fight as I did before, with ancient treasure and braided gold, should you return.” (Roberts, 2005, pg. 52) Beowulf obviously takes this plea and goes on to defeat Grendel's mother. Beowulf seems only to care for himself, he takes the glory, the riches, and the titles. He is all important, he believes he can do anything and everything. Beowulf's reputation is his most important possession. Beowulf even says to Hrothgar “If I am able to win more of your love and gratitude, oh lord of men, through works of war upon the earth beyond what I have done, I am still quit ready!”(Roberts, 2005, pg. 63) Beowulf has a higher thinking of himself, he is in need of constant admiration but he is not above taking advantage of others and their weaknesses in order to gain things for himself. He will do anything to achieve a great reputation and to have everyone look onto him as great. This leads me to the fact that he has this detachment from his own life, he show his