The Achievements of Beowulf
The Achievements of Beowulf
Beowulf could be described as an obedient subject, an adventurous warrior and a good king. Beowulf honoured and respected those who ruled his kingdom. He remained confident and fearless when in battle. As King he was noble to his name, heroic, and devoted to his people.
Beowulf accomplished all in which he sought to achieve. Everything he did was done for a reason; everything he achieved was for the people and to honour those who ranked above him in the kingdom. Beowulf could be described as an obedient subject as is evident throughout the poem. Beowulf says “ Anything I can do, here on this earth, To earn your love, oh great king, anything more than I have done, battles I can fight In your honour, summon me, I will come as I came before” (Pg 80, 1822-1826). Beowulf defeated Grendel, the bloodcurdling monster. He accomplished all in which he had come to do in Denmark, and if this were not he enough, he then proceeds to told King Higlac that he may be summoned again at any time, and that he would be willing to fight many more battles in his honour. Beowulf is again shown to be an obedient subject when the poet says “ Higlac’s widow Brought him the crown, offered him the kingdom, Not trusting Herdred, her son and Higlac’s, to beat off foreign invaders. But Beowulf Refused to rule when his lord’s son was alive, and the leaderless Geats could choose a rightful King. (Pg.97, 2369-2374) Beowulf refused to accept the crown and rule the kingdom because he felt that it would be unjust when Prince Herdred still lived. Beowulf honoured and respected King Higlac while he was living and showed the same respect for his family members after he parished. Even though Beowulf deserved to rule the Kingdom, he gave up this opportunity because he knew the King would want his son to take over after his death.
Beowulf performed many heroic deeds in his lifetime. He fought in many battles and over time was known for his ability to conquer anything that stood in his path. Beowulf could be considered an adventurous warrior as is apparent throughout the poem. The adventurous warrior in Beowulf is revealed when he says “ A Monster seized me, drew me swiftly toward the bottom, swimming with its claws tight in my flesh....