Beowulf Sacrifice Essay

In Beowulf, the themes of liberation and sacrifice can be seen in Beowulf’s heroic narrative. Believed to be sent by God to rescue the people of Heorot, Beowulf not only serves as their warrior, but their protector from every evil that threatens their land. Beowulf sacrifices his own life to save the people, accepting his own death at the hands of the dragon. The themes of sacrifice and liberation are major themes in Beowulf, as seen through Beowulf’s willingness to defeat Grendel at Heorot and willingness to die fighting the dragon. Beowulf is first introduced as a liberator when he defeats Grendel and restores Danish power at Heorot. In the beginning of Beowulf, when the great hall of Heorot was constructed, it is described as a marvel,

After defeating both Grendel and his mother, Beowulf lives as king for fifty years before facing a dragon that attacks his land. After the dragon destroys the Geats’ throne-room and kills many of his people, Beowulf becomes greatly distraught. Instead of immediately jumping into battle, he becomes distraught. He is described as being in “deep anguish...his mind was in turmoil, unaccustomed anxiety and gloom confused his brain,” (2327, 2331-2333). Although Beowulf is overwhelmed with grief, he also understands his responsibility to protect his people from danger. In accepting the task of fighting the dragon, he also accepts his death, saying that “after many trials,/ he was destined to face the end of his days,/ in this mortal world, as was the dragon,” (2341-2343). Although he knew that facing the dragon would be fatal, Beowulf accepts this and chooses to fight anyway. He protects his men by choosing to fight alone. He tells his men to “remain here on the barrow,/ safe in your armor...this fight is not yours,/ nor is it up to any man except me…” (2529, 2532-2533). Beowulf serves as a sacrificial king, offering his own life for the betterment of his people. The themes of liberation and sacrifice are demonstrated by Beowulf as he protects the people he had sworn to watch over. He serves to deliver the people from various forms of evil, sacrificing his own safety to do so. This sacrifice ultimately costs Beowulf his own life, as he chooses to fight the evil alone. Within Beowulf, he serves as a liberating and sacrificial hero, choosing the safety and betterment of his people over