Desire For Fame In Beowulf

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Desire For Fame
In the epic poem Beowulf fame is what warriors seek after the most. It is the only way warriors are remembered after their deaths. During the Anglo-Saxon period, fame is also important to citizens and kings. The main protagonist Beowulf, displays the importance of fame through his acts of strength and bravery and with his ability to bring peace among the other tribes. Beowulf continuously takes on many challenges and battles in order to increase his fame so when he dies he will be remembered. Fame is the most important value in the poem and is attained by displaying heroism or with loyalty.
Fighting is a big part of the Anglo-Saxon life. Battles are fought over feuds but also for conquest. Within the battles are warriors who fight to show loyalty to their king and increase their fame. One warrior in particular, Beowulf, goes into many battles and puts himself in difficult situations because of his desire for fame. These brave choices he decides to take create circumstances that can lead a man to his end. When fighting Grendel, Beowulf insists …show more content…

Loyalty is demonstrating support or allegiance to your king or others. Beowulf exemplifies great amount of loyalty to his king Hygelac. After defeating Grendel and his mother, he is awarded kingship and is given large amounts of treasure. Treasure is the measure of warriors glory and fame, what they have accomplished. The treasure earned displays the worth and strength of a warrior. Beowulf refuses the kingship and once he returns home he gives part of his treasure to his king. It is with these characteristics that beowulf is well known, "Crying that no better king had ever lived, no price so mild, no man so open to his people, so deserving of praise” (Raffel 3180). His fame increases with his loyalty to his king and how he shows loyalty to his people. Beowulf's fame will serve as an inspiration for future generations and will give them a model of behavior to emulate

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