Themes:
Heroism:
This involves far more than physical courage. It also means that the warrior must fulfil his obligations to the group of which he is a key member. There is a clear-cut network of social duties depicted in the poem.
Loyalty:
At every step of his career, loyalty is Beowulf's guiding virtue. He is very loyal to the people of his village and the King.
Revenge:
Revenge serves as a motivating factor for several characters throughout the poem, initially stirring Grendel and his mother. Grendel seeks revenge upon mankind for the heritage that he has been dealt. And after Grendel is killed his mother seeks revenge for what has happened.
Strength:
Strength is a constant obsession of the world of warriors and demons in Beowulf. Warriors are willing to go to extreme lengths to find opportunities for displaying their physical might.
Courage:
Courage is the foundation of the warrior culture that underlies the story of Beowulf. In this epic, a true warrior's bravery comes from a completely fatalistic attitude toward life and indifference to death.
This involves far more than physical courage. It also means that the warrior must fulfil his obligations to the group of which he is a key member. There is a clear-cut network of social duties depicted in the poem.
Loyalty:
At every step of his career, loyalty is Beowulf's guiding virtue. He is very loyal to the people of his village and the King.
Revenge:
Revenge serves as a motivating factor for several characters throughout the poem, initially stirring Grendel and his mother. Grendel seeks revenge upon mankind for the heritage that he has been dealt. And after Grendel is killed his mother seeks revenge for what has happened.
Strength:
Strength is a constant obsession of the world of warriors and demons in Beowulf. Warriors are willing to go to extreme lengths to find opportunities for displaying their physical might.
Courage:
Courage is the foundation of the warrior culture that underlies the story of Beowulf. In this epic, a true warrior's bravery comes from a completely fatalistic attitude toward life and indifference to death.