Retribution In Beowulf
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_Beowulf_ is an epic poem that, above all, gives us a vision of a time long ago; a time when the most important traits to have were courage and integrity. The only thing that could give such fame to somebody was heroic deeds and family lineage. Beowulf, as the example of pagan heroes, exhibited his desire to accumulate fame and fortune; the only way to do so was to avenge the death of others. This theme of retribution that is present throughout the whole poem seems to enrich the identities of its characters.
In _Beowulf_, revenge is represented with both an honest and rhetorical motives. Payback of monsters offenses is Beowulfs path to the top: worldwide fame, infinite wealth, and unanimous respect. Grendels violence is less by revenge than it is total frustration with his situation. Other characters actions are fueled by wanting to settle scores. Aeschere was killed by Grendels mother only because Beowulf killed Grendel. The last monster that is faced by the Hero of the Geats only wants to guard his heap of treasure. When his fortune is raided, revenge is the dragons only way to react. A common impression in _Beowulf_ is revenge; however some characters feel a need for retribution and try to find it until they die.
The most pure form of revenge is exhibited by Grendels mother compared to the rest of Beowulfs enemies. Grendels mother is never mentioned or seen until Beowulf kills Grendel. ” It became clear / obvious to everyone… that an avenger lurked and was still alive / grimly biding time” (1255-1258). Aeschere was murdered by Grendels mother due to Beowulf killing Grendel. “But now his mother had sallied forth on a savage journey / grief-racked and ravenous, desperate for revenge” (1276-1278). Her demise is caused by her burning desire to avenge the death of her son. Beowulfs desire to reap the benefits of fame and respect overpowers all of the raw emotion and anger that Grendels mother is going through. She is the perfect example of how the blindness of revenge can lead to a persons demise.
Beowulf exhibits far more complex shades of revenge than the Grendels mother did. Beowulf wanted to become the greatest warrior of the land though, when all is said and done. In those times, the only way to become renowned like he wanted was through incredible acts of courage. Beowulf uses these acts with a faÐ*ade of seeking revenge; he truly wants to be a hero so he goes to Heorot to help the Danes by saving them from Grendels attacks. His reward should just be pride by doing a good deed and helping people but it isnt. Beowulf is rewarded with luxurious and expensive gifts. “Then Halfdanes son presented Beowulf / with a gold standard as a victory gift, / an embroidered banner; also breast-mail / and a helmet; and a sword carried high… It was hardly a shame to be showered with such gifts / in front of the hall-troops. There havent been many moments… when men exchanged four such treasures at so friendly a sitting” (Beowulf, 1019-1028). Beowulfs desires of wealth, fame, and respect are realized after killing Grendel under his supposed revenge. The pattern continues after Grendels mother retaliates when she learns her son is killed. The personal aspiration of revenge is hidden by Beowulf as he engages Grendels mother. After killing Grendels mother, Beowulf is compensated with riches, rewards, and more importantly even more of an extensive reputation as a hero and warrior. Above all, becoming the “Hero” is what Beowulfs true goal is, and he uses revenge as an effective form of expression in that quest.
Grendel is an outcast, even among monsters, and hes tired of Hrothgars men not being able to sympathize with this situation hes in so attacks Heorot and Hrothgars men because of it.