On of the more obvious themes throughout Beowulf is the ongoing battle between man and monster. We see this theme very early on in the epic when Beowulf battles "sea-monsters" while competing with his childhood companion Breca. When Beowulf describes this swimming competition to Unferth, he says:
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Time and again, foul things attacked me, lurking and stalking, but I lashed out, gave as good as I got with my sword. My flesh was not for feasting on, there would be no monsters gnawing and gloating over their banquet at the bottom of the sea.(Norton 559) |
The theme is reiterated with the arrival of Grendel, one of the "banished monsters"(Norton 105), who haunts and terrorizes the Danes at Heorot. Among other supernatural fiends that are fought are Grendel's mother and the dragon.
Another theme throughout the story is the allusion to, and display of, both internal and external evils. External evil, the easier of the two to distinguish, is illustrated by the monsters which are fought by the Danes and Geats. This type of evil is said to be external since its source stems from outside the tribes. It is not necessarily brought on by the actions of men. It is an evil that is present regardless of good or bad intentions and actions on the part of the characters in the poem. Internal evil, on the other hand, is fed entirely by the intentions and actions of the characters. The characters, themselves, are the source of internal evil. The author illustrates this type of evil in several ways, including his or her constant allusion to contention and conflict between family members which eventually result in the destruction of Heorot:
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The hall towered, its gables wide and high and awaiting a barbarous burning. That doom abided, but in time it would come: the killer instinct unleashed among in-laws, the blood-lust rampant.(Norton 81) |
Another form of internal evil is that of the trap of hubris, which caused the good king, Heremod, to turn wicked. Hrothgar perfectly describes a man within whom this unsuspected evil festers:
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The whole world conforms to his will, he is kept from the worst until an element of overweening enters him and takes hold while the soul's guard, its sentry, drowses, grown too distracted. A killer stalks him, an archer who draws a deadly bow.(Norton 81) |
The most predominant theme in our passage is that of human relationships, particularly the relationships between thanes and their lord. This relationship or bond is a very important one, as Asa Briggs suggests in his book A Social History of England. Briggs points out that the comitatus often overruled even the bond between kinsmen, at that time. His point is backed by one of the laws imposed by King Alfred, a ninth-century Anglo-Saxon king in England, which stated that "a man may fight on behalf of his born kinsman, if he is being wrongly attacked, except against his lord"(Briggs 48). Beowulf proves his loyalty to Hrothgar and remains true to his oath many times over. He assures Hrothgar that he will fight to his death to defend the Danes. Beowulf proves to be one of Hrothgar's true comites for, even when he speaks to Hrothgar, with the utmost respect, everything he utters flows from his heart as if he was speaking to a close companion and friend. The fact that Hrothgar acknowledges and appreciates this is apparent when he says to Beowulf:
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The Lord in his wisdom sent you those words and they came from the heart. I have never heard so young a man make truer observations. You are strong in body and mature in mind, impressive in speech.(Norton 1841) |
Hrothgar's loyalty to Beowulf can be seen in the many gifts he bestows upon the young hero for deeds well done. The author emphasizes the importance of such generosity, saying:
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And a young prince must be prudent like that, giving freely while his father lives so that afterward in age when fighting starts steadfast companions will stand by him and hold the line. Behavior that's admired is the path to power among people everywhere.(Norton 20) |
Although Hrothgar is well beyond his princely years, and has already proven his worth to society, to say he demonstrates such generosity would be an understatement. Hrothgar goes over and above the call of duty, rewarding Beowulf with a "gold standard, as a victory gift, an embroidered banner; also breast-mail and a helmet; and a sword carried high that was both precious object and token of honor ... eight horses with gold bridles ... the harness of one included a saddle of sumptuous design."(Norton 1020) This was no small treasure, for the author points out that "There haven't been many moments, I am sure, when men exchanged four such treasures at so friendly a sitting."(Norton 1026) These gifts not only display Hrothgar's loyalty to the warrior, Beowulf, but also demonstrate his affection for his companion. His fondness for Beowulf is also demonstrated through his many praises. It is most apparent, however, when he breaks down in tears as the time of Beowulf's departure draws near:
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Two forebodings disturbed him in his wisdom, but one was stronger: nevermore would they meet each other face to face. And such was his affection that he could not help being overcome: his fondness for the man was do deep-founded, it warmed his heart and wound the heartstrings tight in his breast.(Norton 1873) |