Characters In Beowulf (Beowulf, Unferth & Grendel)
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The epic of Beowulf is host to a number of different characters, all led by differing morals and opposing codes of conduct. The poems characters of Beowulf, Unferth and Grendel manage to illustrate the outcome and consequences of these variations of character, and it is said by many scholars that they are presented to the audience to be moral examples (Ogilvy, 40). To indicate exactly what kinds of characters these three are and the roles they are positioned to play, it is important to consider the ways in which other characters respond to their presence and the actions they undertake as well as the way in which the character is portrayed spiritually.
Most of the insight into Beowulf can be gathered by looking at the way in which others react and respond to his presence. The first introduction to Beowulf is when his boat lands ashore to assist the Danes in ridding them of the monster Grendel. When his boat lands, Beowulf and his men encounter a coast-guard where his appearance is met with remarks of surprise. The guard exclaims that he has not seen:
a mightier man-at-arms on this earth than the one standing here: unless I am mistaken, he is truly noble (247-49).
His evident impressiveness manages to win the trust and help of the coast-guard who already even titles him a hero (298) while granting his request to be led to the king. As Beowulf prepares himself, the poem illustrates that:
“The hero arose, surrounded closely by his powerful thanes. A party remained under orders to keep watch of the arms; the rest proceeded, led by their prince” (399-400).
Evidently, Beowulfs character induces loyalty and obedience in his men and he appears to be a strong, superior leader. Furthermore, his speech requesting to see the king is remarkably humble and polite, he requests that the king will graciously allow him to greet him in person (347). This suggests Beowulfs character to be somewhat diplomatic and respectful, and the fact that he could have easily afforded to ignore protocol makes him seem more impressive as a man (Ogilvy, 47). Beowulfs polite request is followed through; a description and message of arrival is relayed to the king, stating that he appears worthy or respect and formidable indeed (370). King Hrothgar agrees with his officer; recalling the amount of marvellous tales there are to be heard of Beowulf; especially in reference to his unimaginable strength – even having the ability to grip thirty men in one hand (380).
Weaved throughout the poem are references to Beowulfs supernatural strength. Beowulf himself boasts of his strength as he addresses the Hrothgar, his speech boldly claiming his capability of defeating the monster Grendel, yet respectfully requesting his doing so – asking the king for the privilege to purify Herorot (431). Physically then, it is evident that Beowulfs presence commands and captivates the attention, respect and trust of those he encounters.
Beowulfs proud, physically strong character however is counterbalanced with his with humbleness before God; he submits to and cooperates with God, giving Him credit for many of his successes. When he decides to enter battle with Grendel without a weapon, Beowulf resigns that “the Divine Lord in His wisdom [will] grant the glory of victory to whichever side he sees fit” (685-7). In this way, Beowulf is seen to acknowledge Gods presence and submit to his ultimate authority and control; even though Beowulf evidently wishes to win, he will accept defeat if it is Gods will. An example of this arises when Beowulf explains his defeat of Grendel to king Hrothgar:
“If you could have seen [Grendel] lay beaten, I would have been better pleased but the Lord allowed [him to escape and die] [but Grendel] like a man outlawed for wickedness, must await judgement of God.” (976-78)
Although he wished to see Grendel complete corpse lying dead for all to see, he accepts the will of God. Beowulf makes mention to Gods assistance in battle often, giving him credit for winning. After defeating Grendel Beowulf thanks God first and foremost (927) and after defeating Grendels mother, and in his speech of celebration of Herorot, he claims that:
“[It] could have gone badly; if God had not helped me, the outcome would have been quick and fatal… but the Lord of Men allowed me to behold.”(1657-8)
After defeating Grendel and Grendels mother, Beowulfs presence is met by others with thanksgiving, gifts and celebration; his character being heightened to that of a saviour and hero. The poet describes Hrothgars queen thanking God for granting her wish, that a deliverer she could believe in would arrive to ease their afflictions (625-8). The phrase she could believe in seems to indicate a hope she had that was once lost, presumably by many failed attempts by other warriors to rid the land of Grendel. The failure of others aids the elevation of Beowulfs character into a category of unique capability and overall superiority.
Unferth would have been among the failed attempts to rid the Hall of Grendel. As one of the kings warriors, Unferth is said to be physically powerful and strong-built (1466) and admired by all for his mind and courage (1165), however his character is best revealed through the interaction with and the reactions he causes in others. The author describes Unferth as:
“…not man enough to face the turmoil of a fight [and] to risk his life. So there he lost fame and repute. It was different for [Beowulf], rigged out in his gear, ready to do battle (1468-72).”
The clear contrast of the two indicates the inferiority intended to show in Unferths character, especially when compared to Beowulf (Ogilvy, 49). On top of physical inferiority to Beowulf, Unferths character is further weakened with flaws of jealousy and fratricide. Even Beowulfs arrival was said to make him:
“…sick with envy; he could not brook or abide the fact that anyone else alive under heaven might enjoy greater regard than he did.” (502-4)
Unferths jealousy inevitably surfaced during the first feast at Herorot, where he mocked and accused Beowulf of vanity and failing a challenge. Beowulf, however, successfully refutes his allegations and makes a few of his own:
“The fact is, Unferth, if you were truly as keen or courageous as you claim to be Grendel would never have got away with such unchecked atrocity…”