Grendel's Motivation In Beowulf

Prior to ever killing Grendal the Danish king, Hrothgar, knew of Beowulf’s father and therefore expected much out of him. Legends of Beowulf could range but he did speak of himself battling sea monsters, several of them all killed by Beowulf. After defeating Grendel Beowulf could have easily left, but instead he stayed to finish the job he had come for. He fought Grendel's mother till bitter death than afterwards took Grendel's head as a trophy to the king of the Danes, Hrothgar. In his later years Beowulf became king after his father before him and his kingdom was under siege by a Dragon, instead of telling his men to slay the beast he fought it himself.

In the epic poem Beowulf, the protagonist, Beowulf, faces three “monsters” at different times in his life. The poem begins with Grendel, a monster who attacks only in the dark of night, tormenting the kingdom of Hrothgar. The last two sections of the epic detail the conquering by Beowulf of Grendel’s mother and the dragon. The battle between the monsters and Beowulf represent the theme of good versus evil in the poem, as well as the fusion of pagan and Christian ideals in the changing Germanic society. Grendel’s mother’s actions directly juxtapose the role of a woman in this time period, and the greediness of the dragon with his treasure contrasts with the virtues of what would be considered a good king.

Beowulf risked his life multiple times by battling Grendel and Grendel’s mother to save the people of Denmark. He also embarks on a battle with a dragon as an old man ascending on the Geats Throne. Each battle Beowulf fought has all been for the safety of his people. Although the Knight did not battle as a deed for his people, he also is viewed as a humble person his battles were for a purpose greater than himself. The knight never talks about his brave and valorous deeds.

Beowulf didn’t want to fight this battle, the battle of the dragon. He then decided to because he wanted the treasure for winning the battle. Coming into this battle, Beowulf uttered “, I’ve never known fear, as a youth I fought endless battles. I am old now, but I will fight again, seek fame still, If the dragon hiding in his tower dares to face me.” Pg.56

The character begins insinuating pagan ideals, such as seeking pride and glory for himself and not directly for God, which dictates Beowulf’s decisions throughout the poem. At the beginning of this work, Beowulf hears of Grendel, a monster, and seeks to defeat him. His pride is seeping through his teeth when he mentions, that when it comes to fighting he is “as dangerous any day as Grendel.” (ln. 678). It becomes known that Beowulf intends on defeating Grendel alone.

Beowulf has a motivation, but more so of a obligation because the Danes were relying on him when though it wasn’t his own people who were endangered. Beowulf has a motivation to keep a good reputation. He ends up fighting three different “monsters” whom were terrorizing the peoples. The monsters were Grendel, Grendel 's mother, and fighting the dragon, but in his last fight something happens.

On numerous accounts, Beowulf involved himself in many challenges such battling Grendel, Grendel’s Mother, and the Dragon to prove himself as a hero. In the beginning of the reading, Beowulf faces a rude and self-absorbed being with the name of Grendel. Grendel causes much destruction and terror for the kingdom of Herot by killing many people for their display of happiness. Once hearing

He was only trying to help out King Hrothgar and wanted to fight. Although defeating Grendel was not enough Grendel 's mother had to be defeated to for trying to kill people in the town. Beowulf took the challenge. When Beowulf goes to her he feels as if though he is going to die. She takes him to her lair Beowulf fears for his life until they get inside the lair.

Beowulf slayed them because he believed it was his duty. No one could defeat these monsters like he could. There had to be a reason Beowulf fought these monsters because he never did it for himself. He put others ahead of himself because he believed it was his moral obligation to. When he fought Grendel he had to defeat him to balance good and evil.

Motivations The three cardinal motivations for Beowulf to fight the monsters.     People often have very different reasons to do something than others. Sometimes, people wonder why others do the things they do.

First, Beowulf kills Grendel. Then Grendel’s mother comes to the hall to seek revenge. Afterward Beowulf kills Grendel’s mother. Finally Beowulf goes back to Geatland where he gets killed by a dragon. “ ..

Beowulf is willing to risk his life by battling battles to protect the people. There are three main battles. The first battled Beowulf had to fight was against Grendel. The second battle, Beowulf had to fight was against Grendel's mother. The third battle, Beowulf fight was against a dragon.

After Grendel was defeated by Beowulf his mother stepped in. She also murders a warrior of Hrothgar’s, which pushes Beowulf to fight her as well. He is forced to go under the sea, representing Hell, and fight her under the water for many days. As the warrior’s all think he is dead after seeing blood arise to the surface after many hours, they come to find out that Beowulf was victorious in the battle.

However, he brought warriors with him, he still decided to battle the mother of the beast alone. Also, Beowulf battled other sea monsters alone on his way to Grendel's mother's lair. Beowulf decides to avenge King Hrothgar´s friend, that was killed by Grendel's mother. For this reason, Beowulf shows that he is selfless and will put his life in danger to save others. Lastly, Beowulf successfully exhibits that he is selfless in his historic, final battle.

I am old, now, but I will fight again, seek fame still, if the dragon hiding in his tower dares to face me." (52) To Beowulf, even as an older and supposedly wiser man, his main reason for fighting monsters continues to be to gain more fame. Other heroes, like Gilgamesh and Odysseus, usually do heroic deeds to help their kingdoms and men. For example, Gilgamesh kills the heavenly bull to avoid a famine from wrecking his kingdom, while Odysseus works to save his men throughout the story multiple times. Loyalty towards himself before anyone or anything else, is one of the qualities that separates Beowulf from other traditional heroes.