I'm afraid I must disagree with your conclusions about Beowulf's nature, particularly when you assert that "Beowulf’s tragedy lies in his refusal to grow. He cannot imagine a world without his strength at its center. That is the curse of every hero, the inability to stop fighting." Beowulf's decision to face the Dragon isn't hubris; the willingness to enter the fray is the mark of a man. By the time Beowulf faces the Dragon, he has ruled the Geats well for fifty years and created prosperity and stability for his people. Paradoxically, though, this prosperity has doomed his warriors to a kind of softness; they have forgotten how to fight, and so--with the exception of Wiglaf--they abandon their aged king in an attempt to preserve their own lives. The Beowulf poet recognizes that, as Tolkien puts it, although man is inevitably "overthrown by time," a hero nevertheless stays in the fight or as R.K. Gordon's translation insists: "Death is better for all earls than a shameful life."
Definitely a way to look at it. But you have further also supported my point of view. Beowulf did not develop others to take his place as he ruled there in lies a shortcoming. And then when he had to fight the dragon, he felt he was the only one who could do it. That is his tragedy.
"Beowulf reminds us that heroism isn’t an ancient virtue; it’s a daily one. One should live with honor, use strength rightly, and face chaos without becoming it." Really great article, presented with ease and grace. Right on, and thank you.
Beowulf proves in his last moments to still be a defender of his people through and through. He wasn't perfect as King in the poem but he sacrifices and dies as honourably as any man could be asked to do under the circumstances.
Although I normally prefer verse translations to prose, Tolkien’s prose translation manages to be more poetic than most verse translations. Very much appreciated this take on the classic!
This piece deserves admiration. It restores Beowulf to the moral gravity it once carried, stripping away the classroom dust and returning it to fire and spirit. The writer understands that the poem is a revelation-the moment a civilization stares into its own reflection and names what it sees as monstrous. The insight that Beowulf’s wrath is sanctified, not savage, is especially sharp. It reframes violence as moral clarity under divine constraint, a lesson lost in our age of unbounded outrage.
I really enjoyed this article. What stayed with me is the idea that Beowulf isn’t just an old story of heroes and monsters, but also a lesson about power, humility, and how we use our strength. The thought that monsters never die, they just change shape, feels very true. Do you think today we need more heroes, or stronger communities?
I'm afraid I must disagree with your conclusions about Beowulf's nature, particularly when you assert that "Beowulf’s tragedy lies in his refusal to grow. He cannot imagine a world without his strength at its center. That is the curse of every hero, the inability to stop fighting." Beowulf's decision to face the Dragon isn't hubris; the willingness to enter the fray is the mark of a man. By the time Beowulf faces the Dragon, he has ruled the Geats well for fifty years and created prosperity and stability for his people. Paradoxically, though, this prosperity has doomed his warriors to a kind of softness; they have forgotten how to fight, and so--with the exception of Wiglaf--they abandon their aged king in an attempt to preserve their own lives. The Beowulf poet recognizes that, as Tolkien puts it, although man is inevitably "overthrown by time," a hero nevertheless stays in the fight or as R.K. Gordon's translation insists: "Death is better for all earls than a shameful life."
I quite like this point quite a bit.
Definitely a way to look at it. But you have further also supported my point of view. Beowulf did not develop others to take his place as he ruled there in lies a shortcoming. And then when he had to fight the dragon, he felt he was the only one who could do it. That is his tragedy.
“Our age of outrage could use that reminder.” Beautiful reminder. Like the concept of hubris, this story seems fitted for our time.
I've never read it, but think that I need to after reading this article. Thank you.
Many people haven't. Definitely worth the read.
"Beowulf reminds us that heroism isn’t an ancient virtue; it’s a daily one. One should live with honor, use strength rightly, and face chaos without becoming it." Really great article, presented with ease and grace. Right on, and thank you.
Beowulf proves in his last moments to still be a defender of his people through and through. He wasn't perfect as King in the poem but he sacrifices and dies as honourably as any man could be asked to do under the circumstances.
Although I normally prefer verse translations to prose, Tolkien’s prose translation manages to be more poetic than most verse translations. Very much appreciated this take on the classic!
Glad you enjoyed it.
People have forgotten humility and respect and kindness.
It’s all about making a huge noise and shouting loudest and longest.
When we speak kindly and politely and respectfully to each other, we are each being the change we want to see in the world.
Each and every one of us has value and worth.
Kindest regards and respect
Carol Power
Johannesburg
South Africa
This piece deserves admiration. It restores Beowulf to the moral gravity it once carried, stripping away the classroom dust and returning it to fire and spirit. The writer understands that the poem is a revelation-the moment a civilization stares into its own reflection and names what it sees as monstrous. The insight that Beowulf’s wrath is sanctified, not savage, is especially sharp. It reframes violence as moral clarity under divine constraint, a lesson lost in our age of unbounded outrage.
I really enjoyed this article. What stayed with me is the idea that Beowulf isn’t just an old story of heroes and monsters, but also a lesson about power, humility, and how we use our strength. The thought that monsters never die, they just change shape, feels very true. Do you think today we need more heroes, or stronger communities?
You’ve so beautifully stated your points that now I want to read Beowulf.