The Modern Beowulf Much has been said about Beowulf, the famous epic poem with the brave hero who saves the land from its enemies. Most approaches on this text focus on the main character’s nobility and courage; in addition, most critics emphasize the relationship between King and warriors or comitatus. However, the aspect of nationalism is often undermined when analyzing Beowulf as a text, especially during the first part of the poem.
The character Beowulf was a Geatish warrior, so what was he doing in Danish lands? Why was he so interested in saving a land that was not his own?
First, Hrothgar the Danish King comfortably decides to accept Beowulf’s help in exchange of wealth and prestige. Apparently there were no heroes in Denmark, or at least they would not dare to start a battle against their enemy. Of course, the King had no better choice than Beowulf if he wanted to protect his land… a land he could not defend on his own; besides, Beowulf’s curriculum was quite impressive. It was easy for Hrothgar: if the noble foreign warrior died in battle, no one would complain, he died trying to defeat the terrible Grendel, but if Beowulf won and killed the monster he would be praised, would be considered a wise King for accepting such a valuable help. So, what is the role of the King, the all-mighty authority of a kingdom? Apparently, in Hrothgar’s case, the King is the one who provides and helps his people… without moving one finger. So, it seems that the tradition of lazy leaders who need others to do the dirty jobs for them comes from ancient times and different cultures.
Going back to Beowulf, who would want to risk his own life just to save a foreign country? Nowadays it seems foolish to do such a thing. However, in Beowulf’s time one of the main values of mankind was courage and respect… something our society lacks. Beowulf did what no one would do: he rescued a country from catastrophe without claiming greater benefits than prestige and kinsmanship. At the present time we have different versions of Beowulf: countries that offer their “help” to the weakest (although sometimes they just help without being invited to). Nevertheless, unlike the noble warrior, they ask (or demand) certain benefits like lands, natural resources, money, and power in exchange of their help. So this modern Beowulfs believe themselves the Good Samaritan and brag about their good intentions and how they solve everybody’s problems, while the rest know they are but wolves inside sheep’s skin. The modern Beowulfs have the courage to aid others, but not the respect the others deserve.
Unlike Anglo-Saxon kingdoms and society, today’s countries cannot afford to accept whoever offers help. The values have changed, and when there are interests at stake they must be careful. As mentioned before, Beowulf’s society was ruled by loyalty, respect, courage, and honor... Those principles referred to people and the place they belonged to. In Beowulf’s case, he helped the Danish for his own glory and benefit; however, when his time came to be a King, he died protecting his land in battle. The Anglo-Saxons believed and respected their code of honor. Maybe, what today’s leaders need is to consider if they love their people and their land as much as to die protecting them, to defend them, and to take good care of them. In addition, they must learn to respect differences and boundaries in order to fulfill their mission as they should: honorably.
By Melissa López
Image credit:
http://www.palaeos.com/Vertebrates/Units/150Tetrapoda/Images/Beowulf.jpg
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