Violence in Beowulf: Introduction
Violence in Beowulf, an ancient English epic, is the means by which human beings achieve objectives that might otherwise appear unattainable. Under various pretexts, individuals resort to violence, engaging in combat and warfare against their fellow human beings. Throughout human civilizations, violent acts have been prevalent on various scales, ranging from smaller battles to large wars and even world wars involving multiple countries and nations. However, there are instances where violence is employed to establish order amidst chaos, serving as a method to combat the evil responsible for disrupting harmony. In such cases, violence is deemed necessary to restore order that has been lost due to someone’s malevolent deeds or the presence of an evil character. In Beowulf, the epic’s protagonist, Beowulf, utilizes violence to establish order, achieve success and glory, and bring relief and comfort to the people. Nevertheless, the argument posits that although violence may seem controlled and confined within the boundaries a wise king should observe, it is accompanied by gory details and serves as a grim reminder of the killings prevalent in that era. Consequently, the role of violence in Beowulf’s life is crucial, not only as a demonstration of his bravery, power, and strength but also to showcase the benevolence of his nature. This benevolence is reflected in his efforts to provide comfort to the oppressed, display compassion for suffering human beings, and express his determination to earn God’s favor.
Violence in Beowulf: Human Emotions
One prominent role of violence in Beowulf is its association with the human desire for glory, success, and popularity—a desire deeply ingrained in the human character. This longing for recognition is evident in the character of Beowulf, the King of Geats, renowned for his courage and resolution, as acknowledged by Wulfgar (Beowulf 340-341). Beowulf is driven to prove his valor by engaging in “single combat” (426) with Grendel, the monstrous menace causing havoc among the Danes. Motivated by tales of the Danes’ plight in the legendary hall (411-412), Beowulf sees this as an opportunity to seek glory and has traveled to their land for this purpose.
Despite having nothing tangible to showcase his bravery and courage, Beowulf relies on recounting past tales of his “great triumphs” (419). His boasts are not mere words; they are backed by a display of strength (419), a crucial element in challenging someone to combat. Another noteworthy aspect is the acceptance of challenges and the determination to prove oneself. Beowulf indicates that he can challenge Unferth for his insolent remarks but also responds with sagacity, highlighting Unferth’s inability to defend against Grendel’s attacks on the king (593). Beowulf recognizes this as an opportunity to fight Grendel and confidently asserts, “I will show him [in the] battle” (602).
Even after achieving deeds of valor, Beowulf’s commitment to glory persists, as seen when he urges the king to “win glory before death” (1388). This emphasizes that Beowulf engages in battles, whether against Grendel or the dragon, not merely out of necessity but driven by the pursuit of glory, honor, and a formidable reputation. Importantly, this quest for glory is not confined to Beowulf’s youth; he maintains the same fervor in his old age, risking his life and saving the people to secure and uphold his reputation (512-2515). Beowulf’s consistent pursuit of glory underscores its central role as a motivating force behind his willingness to face formidable challenges and engage in acts of violence throughout his life.
Violence in Beowulf and the Goodness of the Human Heart
The second recurrent role of violence in Beowulf stems from the natural goodness of the human heart, compelling individuals to fight and protect others. Beowulf, the King of Geats, exemplifies this inherent goodness, reacting with deep concern upon hearing of Grendel’s killings in the Heorot Hall. Motivated by a sense of responsibility, Beowulf recalls having slain “nine sea-monsters” (575) and feels compelled to intervene and save the Danes. He reassures the king, advising against mourning and asserting that avenging the dear ones is a more worthy pursuit (1387-1389).
Beowulf’s use of violence is consistently driven by a noble purpose: to shield fellow human beings from suffering, death, and oppression. The battles against Grendel and his mother serve as clear examples, but Beowulf’s commitment to this cause extends over almost fifty years of ruling the Geats, during which he successfully combats Swedish invaders. His benevolence becomes apparent towards the narrative’s conclusion when he gifts “the collar of gold from his neck” to a young thane (2809-2811). The poem concludes with the narrator describing Beowulf as “the man most gracious and fair-minded, kindest to his people and keenest to win fame” (3181-3183). Both his attributes—the innate goodness of heart that compels him to resort to violence for the protection of his brethren and his desire to “win fame” (3184)—stand out as prime motives behind his engagement in acts of violence.
Violence in Beowulf and Evil
Indeed, in Beowulf, violence serves as a means to eliminate evil forces that oppress and inflict suffering upon the innocent. Grendel, a demonic entity, represents a malevolent force that torments and kills the innocent for its own pleasure. Even Grendel’s mother, lacking a justifiable pretext, resorts to violence. Beowulf’s actions of killing Grendel and subsequently seeking out and defeating Grendel’s mother are portrayed as virtuous acts aimed at ridding the world of these malevolent forces that have made life unbearable for the common people.
Beowulf’s final battle against the dragon also follows this pattern, as it is motivated by the dragon being “the bane of the people, the fire-breathing dragon” (2687). The narrative suggests a divine purpose behind Beowulf’s actions, portraying him as an instrument sent by God to eradicate these evils. The text emphasizes that “the Lord of life, / The Glorious Almighty, made this man renowned” (16-17), underlining Beowulf’s pursuit of divine favor. By removing these evil entities, Beowulf seeks the grace of God, and it is through these acts of violence that he achieves renown.
The narrative implies a moral justification for the use of violence in these instances, as these evils have “given offense to God” (810). The removal of such malevolent forces is deemed suitable, as it not only protects the immediate victims but also prevents further harm to others. The portrayal of Beowulf as a champion against evil reinforces the idea that, in certain contexts, violence can be seen as a righteous and necessary means to safeguard the innocent and uphold moral order.
Violence in Beowulf and God
Violence in Beowulf is portrayed as a means to win the favor of God, with the hero Beowulf understanding from the outset that his actions are intended to please his Creator. Beowulf is seen as a divine gift, “sent / By God to that nation” (13-14), and his purpose is to demonstrate through his battles that he is fighting on behalf of God. The narrative uses references to fiends, demons, and evil-natured monsters to emphasize that Beowulf’s combat is undertaken in service of God.
The mention of Grendel as a “fiend out of hell” (100-102) underscores the narrative’s association of these monsters with the biblical story of Cain, who was made anathema by the Almighty (110). The ogres, elves, evil phantoms, and giants, all descended from the cursed lineage of Cain, face a similar fate, met with death at the hands of a hero. This biblical framework justifies the violence enacted by Beowulf, framing it as a divine duty to combat creatures condemned by God.
However, the vivid and gruesome details of violence in Beowulf serve dual purposes. On one hand, they reinforce the gravity of the hero’s task and the malevolence of the foes he faces, highlighting the necessity of his actions to fulfill a divine mission. On the other hand, the negative portrayal of violence adds a layer of moral complexity, prompting reflection on the brutality inherent in the pursuit of righteousness. The narrative suggests that while violence may be justified in the context of battling evil, it is not without its disturbing and morally challenging aspects. This nuanced presentation of violence contributes to the broader themes of the epic, emphasizing the complex interplay between divine duty, moral righteousness, and the harsh realities of conflict.
Violence in Beowulf and Negativity
The depiction of violence in negative terms in Beowulf can be attributed to two possible reasons. First, it might have been a cultural requirement of that civilization to present violence and bloodshed in a repulsive light, serving as a deterrent to curb further aggression, especially in a time marked by frequent invasions. This negative portrayal could have been a cautionary measure to discourage the glorification of violence and emphasize its destructive consequences.
Secondly, many instances of violence in Beowulf are directed against evil entities, with the intention of winning the grace of God. The writers may have deemed it crucial to present these acts with horrifying and graphic details to emphasize the severity of the battles between good and evil. The intention might have been to convey a strong message that evil should not dare to challenge the forces of good, and that these violent encounters were undertaken to uphold righteousness and gain divine favor.
Even as the narrative provides grisly details, it often accompanies them with curses, such as labeling Grendel as “The God-cursed brute” (121) during his killing spree in the land of the Danes. Examples of graphic detail include Beowulf’s underwater battles against sea-beasts and his intense physical struggle with Grendel, resulting in a significant injury described as “The monster’s whole body / was in pain, a tremendous wound / appeared on his shoulder” (814-816). Similar vivid descriptions are presented when Beowulf confronts Grendel’s mother and battles the dragon, ultimately losing his own life in the process.
These detailed depictions serve two primary objectives. Firstly, they contribute to the cautionary tone, discouraging future acts of violence by highlighting its gruesome nature. Secondly, the vivid portrayal of these encounters underscores the hero’s sacrifices and the severity of the threats faced, reinforcing the narrative’s themes of the eternal struggle between good and evil.
Violence in Beowulf: Conclusion
In summing it up, violence in Beowulf is not presented as an inherent characteristic of the civilization depicted in the narrative, but rather as a controlled and purposeful force. It is tightly bound to human desires for glory, popularity, and the quest to win the grace of God. The narrative associates violence with the noble intention of eradicating evil forces that have long suppressed the innocent. Despite the graphic details that may convey a negative tone, it is suggested that these descriptions serve the historical context and cultural necessity of the time.
The four battles of Beowulf, each detailed with graphic elements, all have pious objectives. For example, the battle against Grendel aims to free the Danes from the monster’s deadly rule, and the confrontation with Grendel’s mother serves the purpose of ending her killing spree in vengeance for her son. Beowulf’s unelaborated fight against invaders and the final battle against the dragon also share the common objective of protecting and bringing relief to his people.
The use of violence in Beowulf is portrayed as a means for survival, intertwined with the preservation of human progeny. Without these acts of violence against the depicted evils, the Danes might have faced annihilation, and Beowulf may not have attained the popularity and glory he sought through the events narrated in the epic. Thus, the narrative suggests that violence, when employed with purpose and restraint, becomes a crucial tool for survival and the pursuit of noble causes in the face of existential threats.
Violence in Beowulf : Works Cited
Heaney, Seamus. Beowulf. Faber & Faber, 2009.
Relevant Questions about Violence in Beowulf
- How does the theme of violence in Beowulf contribute to the characterization of Beowulf as a heroic figure in the epic poem?
- In what ways does the depiction of violence in Beowulf reflect the cultural values and warrior ethos of the time in which violence in Beowulf was written?
- How do the various instances of violence in Beowulf serve as a means of exploring the complex relationships between loyalty, honor, and the pursuit of glory within the context of violence in Beowulf and the heroic code?
