Examples Of Cruelty In Beowulf

Cruelty and chaos against man is a universal theme in works of literature everywhere. The epic, Beowulf, is perhaps best known for being the oldest poem in the English language. The still unknown author of this work tells a story of a pure and benevolent hero who faces, and overcomes, the savage outside forces to protect not only his people, but the people of another nation. The main outer obstacles are the demon Grendel, the final dragon, and the conquering nations. Each outside abuser is cruel in their own ways, but no less ruthless. The outside threats faced by Beowulf and his society are barbaric.

The monster Grendel is the first danger Beowulf faces; although, it is by choice. Grendel is no threat to the protagonist or his society, until Beowulf chooses to assist King Hrothgar and his

Humans, being the most sentient species, should have a better grasp of morals and right and wrong. However, they tend to ignore these morals in favor of selfishness and personal gain, making it seemingly impossible for them to ever coexist in peace. This lack of peace is not surprising when they believe that “It is always better/ to avenge dear ones than to indulge in mourning/ for every one of us, living in this world/ ,means waiting for our end. Let whoever can/ win glory before death. When a warrior is gone/ that will be his best and only bulwark” (lines 1384-1389). They glorify violence and those who seek it, becoming numb to their own humanity. When it comes to their lust for power, wealth, and land, no conscious stops them; such as the Swedes that “....will cross [the Geat’s] borders/ and attack in force when they find out/ that Beowulf is dead” (lines 3001-3003). In this unforgiving and inhumane times, enemies have no sympathy or respect for the dead. The conquering nations are perhaps the cruelest outside threat Beowulf must