Beowulf Was Not Foolish

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Casey Heffernan 1D-1 Immortality: The Goal of All Beowulf may have seemed foolish at one point or another, yet he gained immortality, the highest goal of this era. The main standards of his time if one wants to become immortal include diplomacy as well as heroism and glory. Heroism and glory are what make a person, in his day and age, immortal. Beowulf possesses all of these traits, which significantly help him become an “immortal”(63) person made from “glorious actions”(63), as well as “the kindest to all people”(213). He gains widespread fame, which leads to his people becoming a superior race to the other nations. In regards to diplomacy, Beowulf greatly improves the lives of many people in distant lands, all while helping gain favor for his own people. He justly rules his people and also, he protects them from many invasions. This shows as the people worry about the future invasions that will come in the absence of Beowulf. The people of all nations considered him a great diplomatic leader. He shows his diplomacy as he “mean[s] to be a match for Grendel,/ settle the outcome in single combat” (29). In fighting Grendel, Beowulf shows his diplomacy in a very diplomatic deed for the better of his people. This battle will hopefully prove to the Geats how great Beowulf’s nation has become, and also that he will pay back the mere guild for Hygleac’s ancestor’s misdeeds. The Geat King Hrothgar tells Beowulf to, “Choose, dear Beowulf, the better part, /eternal rewards. Do not give way to pride” (121). Beowulf certainly heeds this warning as he rules his people wisely for over fifty years. He chose eternal rewards and his people remember him for all time. As stated earlier, bravery and heroism make a person immortal. Therefore, if Beowulf becomes immortal in stories and folktale, then he must be a brave hero. Beowulf never boasts of his deeds beyond
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