Beowulf And His Virtues

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throughout the epic. On numerous occasions he boasted of his father, Ecgtheow, who “was famous in many a folk-land,” (195) thus immortalizing his name. Promises made by Beowulf were worth their weight in gold. His reputation grew as an honest and loyal man. After Beowulf’s promise to slay mother Grendel, Hrothgard “gave thanks to God/ for the heartening words the hero had spoken.” (910) Beowulf had yet to kill mother Grendel, but Hrothgar knew Beowulf would fulfill his promise.
Acceptance of death, and care for the welfare of his people were Beowulf’s greatest virtues. Preparing for battle, Beowulf accepted the possibility of victory but also made arrangements in the event of his death. Before his battle with Grendel he requested “the best of corselets” and “Finest of byrnies”(353) be sent to Hygelac. Suffering a “grievous and grim”(1644) wound at the hands of the dragon, with the finger of death pointing his way, Beowulf’s only concern was the financial wellbeing of ...

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