Beowulf is one of the first European epics. Many aspects of his long journey have impacted action fiction today. The journey of Beowulf is an epic since Beowulf, a male of noble birth, performs courageous deeds, such as fighting supernatural beings in life or death situations. These battles help determine the fate of two nations, the land of the Danes and the land of the Geats.
Many of the universal truths can be found even in this ancient tale. Beowulf went to go fight Grendel, a monster who was terrorising Herot. This event was part of the anglo-saxon social code of repaying debts, as Hrothgar, the king of the Danes, had previously helped Higlac, the king of the Geats, and Beowulf’s father. It is also an example of selflessness, which is a universal truth, because his father could have sent someone else, but Beowulf was the one that wanted to go. Another example is when the dragon started to attack Beowulf's people. Beowulf went to go fight the dragon, even though he was old and most likely to die. After the battle of the dragon, Beowulf asks Wiglaf to show him the treasure he won. Though this action may seem selfish, he later says "Beloved Wiglaf, go quickly, find the dragon's treasure: we've taken its life, but its gold is ours, too. hurry, bring me ancient silver, precious jewels, shining armour and gems, before I die. Death will be softer, leaving life and these people I've ruled so long, if I look at this last of all prizes” (Beowulf 56). This quotation shows Beowulf being selfless because he wants the money to go to his people, and he will die knowing that he helped his people.
Beowulf went on to fight Grendel’s mother and also a dragon. These battles show his bravery, as he is risking his life. Beowulf showed courage throughout the poem, as shown when he fought Grendel with no armour, when he fought Grendel’s Mother with no help, and when he fought the dragon even though he had aged. This is reflected when "[Grendel] twisted in pain, and the bleeding sinews deep in his shoulder snapped, muscle and bone split and broke. The battle was over. Beowulf had been granted new glory” (Beowulf 43). Beowulf used his strength and bravery to completely rip off Grendel's arm. These experiences also show the anglo-saxon social code of a man’s worth is what he wins in gold. When he fought these monsters, he also was able to earn trophies and treasures, which brought pride and honour to his name.
Loyalty was also shown in the poem, but through Beowulf and his followers. When Beowulf was fighting Grendel’s mother, blood spilled into the water. “They spoke about Beowulf, all the greybeards whispered together and said that hope was gone, that the hero had lost fame and his life at once" (Beowulf 48). "The Danes gave up, left the lake and went home, Hrothgar with them. The Geats stayed, sat sadly, watching, imagining they saw their lord but not believing they would ever see him again" (Beowulf 50). These quotations show that Hrothgar and his men thought Beowulf had died and left, but Beowulf’s men stayed behind to wait for him. Also, Beowulf stayed loyal to his people and fought the dragon himself, despite his old age. Lastly, in the final battle, Beowulf’s men fled from the dragon. However, one of them, Wiglaf, stayed to help him. Without his help, Beowulf would not have been able to defeat the dragon. Because of his loyalty, Beowulf gave Wiglaf the throne.
Loyalty was also shown in the poem, but through Beowulf and his followers. When Beowulf was fighting Grendel’s mother, blood spilled into the water. “They spoke about Beowulf, all the greybeards whispered together and said that hope was gone, that the hero had lost fame and his life at once" (Beowulf 48). "The Danes gave up, left the lake and went home, Hrothgar with them. The Geats stayed, sat sadly, watching, imagining they saw their lord but not believing they would ever see him again" (Beowulf 50). These quotations show that Hrothgar and his men thought Beowulf had died and left, but Beowulf’s men stayed behind to wait for him. Also, Beowulf stayed loyal to his people and fought the dragon himself, despite his old age. Lastly, in the final battle, Beowulf’s men fled from the dragon. However, one of them, Wiglaf, stayed to help him. Without his help, Beowulf would not have been able to defeat the dragon. Because of his loyalty, Beowulf gave Wiglaf the throne.