Beowulf Recognition Essay

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In most heroic tales, there is a hero who will risk their life no matter what to complete their task. However, risking their life certainly does not mean that they are doing it for the benefit of others. The epic poem Beowulf, depicts Beowulf as an altruistic hero who slayed both Grendel and Grendel's mother to receive recognition for his actions. Yearning for recognition is not an act of altruism. Altruism is defined as the principle or practice of unselfish concern for or devotion to the welfare of others. Within the poem, it is evident Beowulf’s actions only reflected his morals and did not display any characteristics of altruism, only arrogance, selfishness, and avarice.
Initially, during the battle with Grendel's mother, Beowulf is able to defeat her swiftly after being aided by a sword that was placed within the cave. …show more content…

It is evident that he wants recognition for what he has done and the tasks he has completed throughout his life. He did not need to mention his accomplishments to Hrothgar, but instead he did to display his worthiness to kill Grendel which was only to receive recognition for his actions. This demonstrates Beowulf’s selfishness in how he will only do something to gain fame. In addition, as mentioned in the passage, “I've never known fear, as a youth I fought in endless battles. I am old, now, but I will fight again, seek fame still,” (line 2-4, pg 87). Beowulf is fighting the dragon not for the sake of his kingdom, but to receive fame. This portrays how self-centered he is, therefore Beowulf would not have tried to kill the dragon if he knew that he was not going to receive fame for it which does not display altruism.
Furthermore, in the poem, the last moments of Beowulf's life, he uttered his final words to build a tomb dedicated to him. As he was dying, he did not show any emotion of love or sorrow to Wiglaf, only to express that he wanted a grave dedicated to

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