Theme Of Courage In Beowulf

Beowulf’s persistence and courage and his want for fame and glory are what led him to his death. His persistence and courage showed through in the fights he encountered throughout his life. His want for fame and glory is what led him to engage in said fights. There are many examples of Beowulf’s persistence and courage throughout the passage. He told of a competition he lost against his friend, Breca. He claimed that he had lost because he was attacked by sea-monsters and had to fight them off. “However it occurred, my sword had killed nine sea-monsters. Such night dangers and hard ordeals I have never heard of nor of a man more desolate in surging waves. But worn out as I was, I survived, came through with my life.” (Lines 574-579) This
Heroes are valued in Beowulf’s society. “Beowulf, my friend, your fame has gone far and wide, you are known everywhere.” (Lines 1703-1705) The son of Halfdane, Hrothgar, said this to Beowulf after he had slain Grendel’s mother, freeing his lands of the treacherous demons. “I risked my life often when I was young. Now I am old, but as king of the people I shall pursue this fight for the glory of winning…” Beowulf said this as he prepared to face the gruesome dragon terrorizing his lands. Even in his last battle, the battle that killed him, he thought of the glory that would come with winning it. “The Geat people built a pyre for Beowulf… his warriors laid him in the middle of it, mourning a lord far-famed and beloved.” (Lines 3137-3142) Beowulf got his fame and glory, but it was his want for it that helped lead him to his demise. These are that attitudes and actions that led Beowulf to his fate. He died a hero not only to his people but to people from other kingdoms. His memory will live on even though he is gone. “The great man had breathed his last. Beowulf the king had indeed met with a marvelous death.” (Lines