Motivation In Beowulf

Beowulf’s Motivations
(An Understanding of the motivations of Beowulf to Fight the Three Monsters)
Every human being has a certain code with which they follow, most are outlined by the Anglo-Saxon, better known as Viking, code. This code itself was depicted through the epic poem known as, “Beowulf,” and more importantly, Beowulf’s motivations. His first motivation for fighting Grendel, is because he believes it is his duty to fight the monster. Secondly, Beowulf believes that fighting Grendel’s mother would help him in receive glory. Lastly, he wanted to teach his people that to keep the tribe safe, there must be sacrifices. Within the epic poem, “Beowulf,” there are three major reasons why he decided to fight the monsters.
First off, in the poem, “Beowulf,” he explicates his reasoning for fighting the monster, Grendel, as his duty. As an interpretation of the Viking code, when one has the ability to better the lives of others, it is their duty to do so, and Beowulf is a prime example of this. Beowulf stated, “My people have said,

Being remembered, in death, is a very immense part of the Anglo-Saxon code, and with that, Beowulf seemed to believe that defeating Grendel’s mother would grant him more fame than he had previously received. As explicated in the epic, “So fame comes to the men who mean to win it and care about nothing else!” (Lines 507-509) Beowulf cared about his name, and with that, he knew it was in him to fight for that name and to make it heard through his life and generations afterward. After understanding what it means to be truly glorified, and what it means to be remembered, years after one’s death with fame, one can recognize the reasoning behind Beowulf’s actions. Beowulf embodied the ideals of the Vikings in the fact that he chose to fight for another kingdom, protect his sacred name, and fight for his glory and