Beowulf literature and themes

Beowulf: A Classic Medieval Archetypal Leader

Beowulf is one of the earliest epic poems. It tells a classic tale of a great hero. The style of the epic reflects a much earlier writing style found in the Viking sagas. Yet the story is that of a Danish King. Literature and art are the keys to understanding society. Art is not random, but rather is a product of the society in which it lives. Beowulf is a hero in the society that produced him. It is not known it Beowulf is an exaggeration of a real king, or if he is simply a composite of the values that the society held dear. We learn much about Beowulf through this epic. Through the following research we will examine this idea more carefully. Through examination of other medieval works, a composite will be created of medieval society expected of their leaders. It will support the thesis that Beowulf is a composite of the desirable traits that a medieval leader should possess.

In the last four lines of the poem we learn of four virtues that the men use to describe Beowulf. They call him, "Mild in his mien, Most gentle of men, Kindest to kinfolk, and Keenest for fame." These virtues are echoed throughout the text of Beowulf and form a central theme of the epic. In the Prologue to Beowulf we find that Beowulf was known for gifting gold the those who had earned it and that he earned the respect and loyalty of many in the Northlands.

In Chapter 24, these virtues are contrasted to the opposite character, when it is said that Ecgwela ruled by the slaughtering the enemy. He is contrasted this character to Beowulf in that he gave no money to the worthy and lost the loyalty of his subjects. Then the comment is made to learn from this example. Also in Chapter 24 we find that God gives man the power to rule over others and gain great wealth, but also cautions one not to abuse that power. Chapter 25 continues this theme when we are cautioned to guard against greed and the devil. Beowulf is cautioned not to become selfish, or he will lose his strength. Throughout the remainder of the text we find numerous references to Beowulf's generosity towards others. We find selfless sacrifice when Beowulf goes to face the dragon alone, that no others will be in danger. The description of Beowulf in the last four lines are justified many times throughout the text through his actions more than through his words.

These descriptions are important as they help to characterize Beowulf as a classic hero. They help to align him with characteristics that were supposed to be a sign of good leadership in the Middle Ages. Leaders were supposed to be generous, selfless in sacrifice for the good of others, and honest. These characteristics were also much like those associated with Jesus Christ. Medieval society expected their leaders to be like Christ in their mannerisms and character..

One of the best examples of the definition of qualities that characterized leadership is found in the Visogothic code. In Book II, Title I, Law VI we find a chapter titled,"Concerning Those who Abandon the King, or the People, or their Country, or who Conduct Themselves with Arrogance" (Visogothic Code, Book II, Title I, Law VI). This section sets for the punishment for those who are not loyal to their country and king. The Visogothic code considered loyalty to one's country to not only be desirable, but also insisted that it became law. This idea of loyalty to one's country was very real and not confined to mythological rulers and kings. This code demonstrates that this concept was a real ideal, with real punishments attached to it for disobedience.

Nicolo Machiavelli wrote a set of guidelines to define princely virtues and desirable characteristics of leadership. In Chapter 25 is this same reference to the influence of fortune and its negative aspects as well as ways to counteract its effect (Machiavelli, Chapter 25). The virtues of generosity, a caution against greed, and selfless sacrifice and loyalty to the people is a recurring theme in medieval literature. This point is carefully illustrated in the Prologue to Canterbury tales. Canterbury tales paints a picture of the pious in which they are showing the correct virtue on the outside, but what lies underneath is not so virtuous. Chaucer uses his characters to demonstrate the consequences for these actions (Norton's Anthology, Canterbury Tales, Prologue). Many examples of the leadership qualities exemplified by Beowulf are found throughout medieval literature, particularly in the heroic character.

Literature and art are products of the society in which they were created. Although these are mythological characters in fictional settings, they still embody the ideals that were prevalent in the time that they were written. The characteristics of generosity and selfishness were prevalent in many fictional characters. However, these characteristics do not only exist in mythology of the period. They are also found in factual writings and law as well, such as in the more serious works of the Visogothic Code and the works of Machiavelli. This lends strong support to the idea that the characteristics and virtues found in medieval mythology are also present in mainstream laws at the time.

Time and time again we find the same characteristics in a leader. These leaders often find themselves playing out a battle against an evil force. Sir Gawain fought the Green knight, Beowulf fought Grendel and the Dragon. Chaucer's characters were often victims of their own demise because they failed to exhibit these desirable leadership characteristics. Chaucer made fun of the outward piety of high ranking religious figures, contrasting the way they appeared to the public with how they actually were inside. These characters paint a picture of leadership qualities that embrace the ideals of generosity and devotion to a greater cause. A composite archetypal hero begins to emerge when all of these characters are examined at the same time.

The mythological characters were cautioned to maintain these principles or to face dire consequences. Because they are myths and legends they are easy to dismiss as just that, a fanciful story that does not have much credibility. However, when taken into consideration with Machiavelli's work, they begin to take on a more real aspect. Machiavelli's work was not a myth, but was real advice of a real leader. Machiavelli expected leaders to hold to some of the same rules of conduct as those found in the myths. However, for these princes, the consequences were a real loss of power from a real thrown. This tends to add credibility to the archetypal virtues held by those mythological princes and heroes. Beowulf and other myths are important works as they can often teach us many things about the society's in which they were written (Snell, 2002),

The Dream of Rood is another example of the hero (Christ) overcoming an evil force (sin) (Alvin, 1975, p. 172). This poem places the classic medieval heroic figure in a Christian atmosphere and setting. However, it is still the same heroic icon, in the same battle for good vs. evil. It is apparent that many works were written on this theme at the time and that they contained the same message adapted so that it would gain the attention and acceptance of audience for which it was intended. The Dream of Rood presents Christ as a triumphant warrior, much like Beowulf returning after victoriously defeating Grendel.