Beowulf

It’s almost humorous comparing discussions on Beowulf freshman year compared to this year… quite a difference. So I’m glad we had to reread it, now I have more respect for the book. However, after our discussion in class, I think I’m more confused about the book. Beowulf baffles me- I don’t quite understand his intentions. After looking at the ending, at times it seems like he has unintentionally yet intentionally tricked his people into making him immortal. He doesn’t have a son, the treasure is buried with him, he is solely responsible for defeating the monsters, and he leaves society in a chaotic state. All of these acts have made Beowulf dies heroically and immortally. He will never be forgotten. But at the same time, Wiglaf comes to Beowulf’s aid which perhaps foreshadows another cycle. Also, what’s up with the weapons? The first battle, he refuses to use them and his strength saves him. The second battle one sword fails him but Grendel’s sword and his chain mail saves him. The third fight, his shield and sword fail him. It’s almost as if as he defeats the monsters and dragons, he becomes more physically weak. So, if these monsters represent his ego, then as he becomes more in-touch with himself, he loses his physical strength. Maybe it is his body’s or spirit’s way of telling him that he is done; he has completed the tasks that one must complete in mortal life and it is time to move on to immortality. Although a mere human could never defeat a monster such as Grendel, Fate or Luck is on his side and he wins. I think it is because Fate will not allow him to die until he has fought the battles within himself. The first fight is in a heaven like atmosphere- the mead hall. This is a place of order and happiness and safety and it is invaded by a monster. This shows that Beowulf’s ego is attacking his inner peace. He must defeat it. Later, he goes into a lair under water. As Joseph Campbell says, water represents the unconscious. So, Beowulf is battling his unconscious. Interestingly, the Unferth’s sword does not prove useful but the monster’s does. To defeat monsters, it is apparently necessary to have something more than mortal and that is why Unferth’s sword does not work. The last battle, Beowulf only has mortal weaponry and it is ineffective. He also would have died had Wiglaf not appeared. Wiglaf helps Beowulf defeat his inner self which is sort of ironic that Beowulf could not defeat his own self alone. But maybe that is Fate’s way of appointing a new Beowulf. I don’t know. This book is confusing. Regardless- props to Beowulf. Even if he was just a lucky guy he tricked everyone into thinking he was nearly godly. He also achieved immortality because his people loved him so much. Society is about to go to pieces just because this guy dies. Well played, Beowulf, well played.