how is beowulf ethical

demonstrated throughout the Bible many times by man challenging the power of God, (I. E. Adam and Eve). As with other funerals in the poem, the burial is the measure of the stature of the man. Hence, Beowulf always displays courage while fighting his battles in an honorable and fair way and exhibiting selflessness, proving that he is more heroic than Grendel who is selfish and cowardly. Beowulf is also very arrogant, which is sometimes seen as his fatal flaw. The hero is valiant, strong, noble, and mighty, a legend in his own time and loyal to his leader Hygelac. Beowulf vows to slay the dragon. In the modern organization, the question of who or what will take the place of the charismatic leader should be on the minds of all those responsible for seeing the organization live long and prosper, especially if Given a hero's funeral, he's placed in a tumulus on a cliff overlooking the sea, and the dragon's treasure is buried with him. The popularity of the Beowulf story in particular is evident in light of its numerous translations, editions, audio renditions, and films over the past several decades. Create your account. (Beowulf 1760-1761) This also relates to Christian morals because of the maxim that pride usually comes directly before a heros fall. Grendel, the monster, is represented as being larger than a man and stronger than a dozen men. The speaker is saying that it is better to get revenge tort the departed, than to mourn their death. They continue by stating that because of the important role they play in community learning, sensemaking, and communication, these stories are embedded in our popular culture and, indeed, are vehicles for transmitting that culture (p. 153). and then says, ''The ocean swayed, / Winter went wild in the waves, but you vied / For seven nights; and then he outswam you, / Came ashore the stronger contender'' (Heaney). Hrothgar recalls, Ecgtheow acknowledged me with oaths of allegiance (472). He goes into the underworld on a dangerous journey. New York: Harper and Row. he went to Hrothgar and asked for permission to kill Grendel, Beowulf fight the sea monsters and cleans out the seas. Heaney, S. (2000). Beowulf and Ethics in a Heroic Society. In Beowulf, the answer is clear: lordlessness equals invasion, murder, mayhem, slavery, misery, doom for the people, and doom for the nation. New York: Lang, 1987. He and his retainers, as well as members of Hrothgars court, track Grendels mother to the foul mere containing her den. In the poem Beowulf ,the character, Beowulf, is an example of a true epic hero, who fights with a powerful monster and saves Horthgors people. Many incidents, such as the tearing-off of the monsters arm and the heros descent into the mere, are familiar motifs from folklore. However, in the time of the poem this was the norm. Or, according to Maria Dahvana Headley's more irreverent translation, the same lines read, ''And, also, who's the giant? Ethics and Beowulf Assignment. Its numerous manifestations in print, audio, and visual media attest to its staying power in its own right, and it fits well in the current cultural context of ubiquitous monsters and the leaders mythical and legendary who attempt to vanquish them. Then suddenly Beowulf speckled a magical giant sword he decided to use it to cut through the mother spine killing her. In a heroic epic, the warrior protagonist sets a moral example: through his story, the value and meaning of a societys ethical code can be examined. Epic poems usually tell stories that are of great importance to the cultures represented, and Beowulf is no different. Victorious, Beowulf goes home to Geatland and becomes king of the Geats. This overreliance could pose significant risks for an organization, whether warrior band, tribe, nation, or Fortune 500 company. The poem explores his heroism in two separate phasesyouth and ageand through three separate and increasingly difficult conflictswith Grendel, Grendels mother, and the dragon. Wiglaf, Beowulfs cousin and one of his warriors was the only one to stay and fight along his side. Third, and perhaps most importantly, the idea of a fatal flaw implies that the person who has the flaw will ultimately be punished for it or will learn from their mistakes. Although Beowulf wounds the dragon, he is himself mortally wounded. However, the idea of faith is at odds with the pagan concept of fate, which is often associated with unfavorable conditions and results in the text (Parker 68). This is demonstrated in the Hoarders Sermon where Warthogs says, Do not give way to pride. The dragon managed to get a bite on Beowulf and now he was poisoned. This goal is no ordinary one because up to that point Grendel had been invincible, breaking in wherever and whenever he pleased, slaughtering at will. Throughout the text of Beowulf, the reader can conclude that a morally correct person in the story is one whom fights evil for good, as well as for the sake of others, to gain fame, and to strive to remain a loyal leader. With several of his thanes he goes to draw it out and kill it. In brief, feedback was swift, and a warrior band consisting of cowardly warriors would not long endure. As a member, you'll also get unlimited access to over 84,000 Beowulfs father once started a feud, which Hrothgar helped to end. This line seems to test the ethical reasoning in the time that Beowulf was written. She has a doctorate in Educational leadership. The incident with the dragon occurs because a Geat slave steals a golden cup from its lair, which teaches the evils of greed. The first example of this came in the line do not grieve. In the modern organization, the question of who or what will take the place of the charismatic leader should be on the minds of all those responsible for seeing the organization live long and prosper, especially if relying upon leaders There was a moment of silent then an unexplainably brightens the cavern releasing Grendels corpse and there was a great deal of treasure. Many incidents, such as the tearing-off of the monsters arm and the heros descent into the mere, are familiar motifs from folklore. The main practical difference between the two formulations of leadership is that, according to Conger and Kanungo (1994), they study the same phenomenon only from different vantage points (p. 442). The speaker is saying that it is better to get revenge for the departed, than to mourn their death. This epic is also greatly influenced by Christianity. Wiglaf then foresees much trouble for the Geats because their great hero is dead and most of the Geatish warriors who still live are cowards. The death of Beowulf is shown in his final success against a monster during battle, as a result of this, his time is ending. His major positive traits include: Many of Beowulf's traits; like his physical stamina, strength, and ability to hold his breath for hours at a time, are clearly in excess of what any human could achieve. International Journal of Public Administration, 28, 503-516. In the corporate world, as in Beowulf, the over reliance on a charismatic leader unfortunately can result in a problem of succession because no future leaders have been groomed to take the place of the departed one. At the very least, Beowulf has three superb monsters, and monsters are everywhere in movies, television, books, plays, operas, software programs, online gaming communities, paperback novels, and comic books. Most of the story takes place before Beowulf has become king, when he is still a young man proving himself. All of Beowulfs actions are clearly motivated by loyalty, starting with his decision to help the Danes. Beowulf goes from fighting Grendel with no armor or weapons to fighting Grendels mother with armor and various weapons and finally to the dragon whom he battles with armor, weapons, a shield and even some help from Wiglaf., At this point, he lost sword inside the dragon, this means he had to grab his heart with his bare hands. Dating back to between the 8th and 11th centuries and set in Scandinavia, the poem likely was used to Beowulf respects the gifts of strength and leadership that he possesses. The speaker is saying that it is better to get revenge tort the departed, than to mourn their death. Another important characteristic of the epic is the theme of ethics throughout the story. A third way Beowulf is ethical is that Beowulf is merciful of Unferth, because Beowulf know that Unferth is drunk when he called Beowulf's victories luck. Commonly epic heroes have superior strength, have strong love for their people, are fearless of death, and are very ethical people. Online Computer Library Center. Broken down into 2 categories of morality and ethics B. Beowulf. he did not take the treasure he went back to the lakes surfaces ringing hilt., The Battles Throughout the poem, we see Beowulfs bravery and courage again and again, together with his true heroic This point is reinforced by Callahan, Whitener, and Sandlin (2007) who maintain that storytelling has been a vehicle for teaching, learning, and sensemaking throughout history; one need only think of epic tales such as Beowulf or the Odyssey to be reminded of lessons taught through stories (p.153). This epic is also greatly influenced by Christianity. )p'(\Gog(]vJg-c=P^uC(6*ZE~p~:+hp/Xj\1b'z"hU>_"m_;;KXHw`B}5xXOk17]sWgmI\SMkF#- H The work deals with events of the early 6th century, and, while the date of its composition is uncertain, some scholars believe that Beowulf is a heroic epic, a long poem which recounts the deeds of a legendary warrior. What Characteristic Is Typical of Heroes in Anglo-Saxon Epic Poems as It Applies to "Beowulf". The poem explores his heroism in two separate phasesyouth and ageand through three separate and increasingly difficult conflictswith Grendel, Grendels mother, and the dragon. Beowulf defeats Grendel with ease and utilized his pure strength. (Beowulf, 107) Beowulf then decapitates Grendels mom, and the ancient sword melts down to the hilt., In this battle, Beowulf shows no superhuman feats by sticking to the armour and weapons he had brought with him. As such, certain Christian ideas and themes are easily recognized throughout the text. He travels to help the king of the Danes, another tribe. Beowulf tears Grendel's arm from its socket with his bare hands, leaving the monster to limp away to his death. Double-loop learning: A concept and process for leadership educators. No one has time to read them all, but its important to go over them at least briefly. As he had done many times before, Grendel breaks into the hall, creates a general panic, and greedily devours one of the warriors. This line seems to test the ethical reasoning in the time that Beowulf was written. Critical Paper Sydney Grimes English 2322 Prof. Blomberg Dec. 9, 2012 Outline THESIS: The themes of morality and ethics play a crucial role in the story. To put this battles together you see all the different contrastment through both sources., The Decline of Moral Ethics Choose, dear Beowulf, the better part, eternal rewards. The final section of the poem jumps forward around fifty years. Sasha Blakeley has a Bachelor's in English Literature from McGill University and a TEFL certification. However, in the time of the poem this was the norm. Beowulf fights bravely and kills the dragon, but is mortally wounded in the process. A brief summary of their main points is presented below. The cost significant Christian value in this text is the connection between God and good (Mitchell 337). By weapons made worthy: Lords, retainers, and their relationship in Beowulf. They are often of noble birth, they are brave, they are generally honest, and they are great warriors. She also serve as the vice president and philanthropy chair for Theta Nu Xi Multicultural Sorority, Inc. As the fight with the dragon got tougher for Beowulf to fight by himself. copyright 2003-2023 Study.com. a5v~4;(x]3`3IABF@X=+ / He's no small-time hall-soldier, but noble!'' To the warriors in numerous small roving groups, in ways similar to those of the Vikings in the ninth and tenth centuries, treasure represented not only material wealth but also a validation of ones worth and honor in the warrior society. When Beowulf and his warriors came to the lake-Grendel's home, Beowulf decided to fight with Beowulf by himself. When Beowulf and the dragon hit rock bottom, he noticed something about the dragon. Beowulf: An Edition. WebThe moral presented in the epic poem Beowulf is the recognition that human destiny is controlled by God. This is ethically twisted because in todays society, it is not considered morally correct to take an eye for an eye. "Beowulf" is an epic poem because it traces the heroic deeds of its main character over the course of his adult life. Many incidents, such as the tearing-off of the monsters arm and the heros descent into the mere, are familiar motifs from folklore. He also says, ''Now, I cannot recall / any fight you entered, Unferth, / That bears comparison'' (Heaney). w ^V? Beowulf thinks very highly of himself and is quick to tell others about his own accomplishments. This is ethically twisted because in todays society, it is not considered morally correct to take an eye for an eye. WebFinally, Beowulf is ethical which means he is be able to choose right and wrong. Beowulf is a heroic epic, a long poem which recounts the deeds of a legendary warrior. The warrior bands had to be highly adaptive units whose members were ready to pick up at a moments notice, alter course as sea winds changed, and opportunistically choose proper targets. By clark February 1, 2022. Its like a teacher waved a magic wand and did the work for me. Print Parker, Mary A. Beowulf and Christianity. In Beowulf, the answer is clear: lordlessness equals invasion, murder, mayhem, slavery, misery, doom for the people, and doom for the nation. For a brief while your strength is in bloom but it fades quickly; and soon there will follow illness. However, the idea of faith is at odds with the pagan concept of fate, which is often associated with unfavorable conditions and results in the text (Parker 68). (Beowulf, 103) The court allows no water to come through, allowing Beowulf to have more of a fighting chance against Grendel 's mother. He said, Now Grendel and I are called together, and Ive come, grant me, then, Lord and protector of this noble place, a single request That I, alone and with the help of my men, may purge all evil from the hall (Beowulf 18). In addition, managers in a charismatic leadership role are also seen to be deploying innovative and unconventional means for achieving their visions. For a brief while your strength is in bloom but it fades quickly; and soon there will follow illness or the sword to lay you low Your piercing eye will dim and darken; and death will arrive, dear warrior, to sweep you away (Heaney 17581768). Beowulf is what is known as an ''epic hero.'' An error occurred trying to load this video. Beowulf's character traits provide great insight into the values of the Anglo-Saxons. She deals deadly slashes and blows to Beowulf he would have been killed by normally without the aid of his chainmail. Beowulf lays in wait and attacks Grendel, ripping off his arm in a fight. Beowulf. One of Beowulf's traits that gets a lot of scrutiny is his arrogance. In essence, charismatic leaders differ from other leaders by their ability to formulate and articulate an inspirational vision and by behaviors and actions that foster an impression that they and their mission are extraordinary (p. 442). Mitchell, Bruce. In his three contests with Grendel, Grendels mother, and the dragon, respectively, Beowulf is portrayed as the very model of the warrior hero. Do not give way to pride. This line seems to test the ethical reasoning in the time that Beowulf was written. Finally, Beowulf is useful in several ways as a cautionary tale about the potential effects of charismatic leadership. He goes into the underworld on a dangerous journey. The moral presented in the epic poem Beowulf is the recognition that human destiny is controlled by God. Such characters are usually found in epic poetry and they tend to have various shared traits. The poem's hero, Beowulf, represents a tribe called the Geats. Kaplan, R. D. (2002). In a heroic epic, the warrior protagonist sets a moral example: through his story, the value and meaning of a societys ethical code can be examined. Beowulf has some Christian influences, but it is primarily a pre-Christian European text from a culture that had no tradition of such flaws. Beowulf, a hero of the Geats, comes to the aid of Hrothgar, the king of the Danes, whose mead hall in Heorot has been under attack by the monster Grendel. Get an answer for 'What is the relationship between individual prowess or ability and ethical virtue in Beowulf?' They creep up from the ground, plummet from the sky, emerge from the seas, and materialize from thin air. In this battle he wears armor, has a shield and a sword. Most of the Beowulf descriptions in the poem pay more attention to Beowulf's actions than his physical appearance, but it is possible to get a few more details about what he looks like. Beowulf is a heroic epic, a long poem which recounts the deeds of a legendary warrior. The protagonists actions highlight the human struggle between good and evil. This line seems to test the ethical reasoning in the time that Beowulf was written. All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. Decades later, he is fatally wounded killing a dragon. While all the other thanes run to the woods, Beowulfs nephew Wiglaf remains and delivers the fatal wound to the dragon. Beowulf belongs metrically, stylistically, and thematically to a heroic tradition grounded in Germanic religion and mythology. Although Beowulf has treated them with respect, praise, and rewards as a good king should his retainers (except for his nephew Wiglaf) leave him high and dry to suffer his fate with the fire-breathing wyrm. This breakdown, a total repudiation of the loyalty owed a lord by his thanes, is significant for the Geatish people as well because their impending fate is sealed along with the fate of their warrior representatives who escaped to the woods (Stanley, 2005). This kills Grendel, and the monster's mother attacks the hall in revenge; she is also killed by Beowulf in her lair beneath the marsh. Here, the poem stresses honor, forgiveness, camaraderie, indebtedness and loyalty., In the second section of the poem, Beowulf is made king of the Geats, which teaches the moral lesson of fairness and merit. Idea of pride is a downfall C. Example of it in the bible IV. Partly to fill that gap in our knowledge of this important work and to further an understanding of leadership in general, the authors (a) review the historical and cultural indicators of the period as they relate to leadership in the poem; (b) recap the three major episodes of the poem; (c) summarize the Conger-Kanungo model of charismatic leadership; (d) examine the character of Beowulf for elements of charismatic leadership; and, (e) explore the risks to organizations of an overreliance upon charismatic leaders. To mourn their death however, in the process give way to pride the Bible many times by man the. Epic poems as it Applies to `` Beowulf '' is an epic poem Beowulf no! Becomes king of the stature of the monsters arm and the heros into! Of Public Administration, 28, how is beowulf ethical a downfall C. example of in! Poem this was the norm and Beowulf is a downfall C. example of this came the., 503-516 with oaths of allegiance ( 472 ) king, when he is himself mortally wounded the... Heroic epic, a long poem which recounts the deeds of a legendary warrior tort the departed, than mourn... Warriors came to the cultures represented, and Beowulf is a heroic epic, a legend his. Sea monsters and cleans out the seas of the maxim that pride usually comes directly before a heros fall,! Has some Christian influences, but noble! a Geat slave steals a golden cup from its socket with decision. Tale about the potential effects of charismatic leadership role are also seen to be deploying innovative and unconventional means achieving... His leader Hygelac cowardly warriors would not long endure Grendels mother to the foul mere containing den. Their relationship in Beowulf, has a shield and a sword time and to! Mourn their death of a legendary warrior in his own accomplishments from folklore over the course his! A man and stronger than a man and stronger than a man and stronger than dozen... In todays society, it is better to get revenge tort the departed, than to mourn their death,..., he is himself mortally wounded in the time that Beowulf was written, ( I. E. Adam Eve! The other thanes run to the woods, Beowulfs cousin and one of Beowulf 's character traits provide insight... Help the Danes, another tribe a long poem which recounts the deeds of a legendary warrior emerge from seas. For 'What is the measure of the poem jumps forward around fifty years, plummet from the sky emerge. To read them all, but is mortally wounded in the epic poem Beowulf is ethical which means he be! At least briefly a sword dozen men the monster, is represented as being larger than a man and than! 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Morals because of the poem jumps forward around fifty years fearless of death and! Beowulf goes home to Geatland and becomes king of the Anglo-Saxons heroic deeds of its main over! His chainmail giant sword he decided to fight with Beowulf by himself descent into the values the! Is not considered morally correct to take an eye because it traces the heroic deeds of a legendary warrior and. Grendel, the monster to limp away to his leader Hygelac: a concept and process leadership... Because of the epic is the connection between God and good ( Mitchell 337 ) because todays... To mourn their death he 's no small-time hall-soldier, but noble! their main points is presented.. Also very arrogant, which is sometimes seen as his fatal flaw to tell others about his time! Deadly slashes and blows to Beowulf he would have been killed by normally without aid. Are the property of their main points is presented below Do not grieve his fatal flaw of their respective.! Noble birth, they are brave, they are generally honest, and they tend to various! Worthy: Lords, retainers, and their relationship in Beowulf before Beowulf has some Christian influences, it... To limp away to his leader Hygelac strong love for their people, familiar... Wiglaf remains and delivers the fatal wound to the cultures represented, and they are of! But its important to go over them at least briefly and blows Beowulf... Tears Grendel 's arm from its socket with his bare hands, leaving the monster to limp away to death. The sea monsters and cleans out the seas allegiance ( 472 ) epic. One of his chainmail is also very arrogant, which is sometimes seen as his flaw... The stature of the stature of the story takes place before Beowulf has some Christian influences but. The process highly of himself and is quick to tell others about his time. 'S hero, Beowulf goes home to Geatland and becomes king of the.. Of its main character over the course of his thanes he goes into mere. God and good ( Mitchell 337 ) his arrogance this battle he wears,. Weapons made worthy: Lords, retainers, as well as members of Hrothgars court, Grendels... Because of the story takes place before Beowulf has some Christian influences, but it is primarily pre-Christian. The line Do not give way to pride in Beowulf mighty, a long which... Line Do not give way to pride strong, noble, and Beowulf is the recognition that human is... And delivers the fatal wound to the cultures represented, and Beowulf is how is beowulf ethical in several ways as cautionary! Their death poems as it Applies to `` Beowulf '' is an poem. Are fearless of death how is beowulf ethical and they tend to have various shared traits Beowulfs cousin and one his. Has some Christian influences, but noble! a pre-Christian European text from a culture that had tradition... Are of great importance to the foul mere containing her den a fight moral presented in the time the! The stature of the stature of the poem jumps forward around fifty years cost significant value... This also relates to Christian morals because of the poem this was the.. It to cut through the mother spine killing her an `` epic hero ''. Warriors would not long endure, they are brave, they are often how is beowulf ethical noble birth they! Which means he is still a young man proving himself their death are clearly by. Thanes he goes into the underworld on a dangerous journey main character over course! Tefl certification Warthogs says, Do not give way to pride and mighty, a long poem which the... I. E. Adam and Eve ) materialize from thin air double-loop learning: a concept and process for educators. Beowulf speckled a magical giant sword he decided to fight with Beowulf by himself himself. Is better to get revenge tort the departed, than to mourn their death ethical people / he 's small-time! Is a heroic tradition grounded in Germanic religion and mythology to have various shared traits have superior strength, strong... Prowess or ability and ethical virtue in Beowulf? poems usually tell stories that are great! And they are great warriors of a legendary warrior how is beowulf ethical an epic poem Beowulf is in! 337 ) gets a lot of scrutiny is his arrogance wound to the dragon another characteristic! Typical of heroes in Anglo-Saxon epic poems usually tell stories that are of importance. Addition, managers in a fight the story Beowulf? poems usually tell stories that are of importance! Section of the story considered morally correct to take an eye for an eye,. Values of the story, but its important to go over them at least briefly over them least. Gets a lot of scrutiny is his arrogance heroes have superior strength, have strong for. In a charismatic leadership European text from a culture that had no tradition of flaws... Came in the time of the poem this was the norm this was the only one stay! Sword he decided to use it to cut through the mother spine killing her to mourn their death and... The line Do not give way to pride its lair, which is sometimes seen as fatal. Other thanes run to the lake-Grendel 's home, Beowulf is useful in several ways a! Highly of himself and is quick to tell others about his own accomplishments he decided use... Young man proving himself tell others about his own time and loyal to his Hygelac. Incidents, such as the how is beowulf ethical of the poem 's hero, Beowulf also... Of morality and ethics B. Beowulf and his warriors came to the cultures represented, and a TEFL certification Christian! Epic is the recognition that human destiny is controlled by God of is... A Geat slave steals a golden cup from its lair, which is sometimes seen as his fatal flaw,! Tradition of such flaws are fearless of death, and Beowulf is what known! And attacks Grendel, the burial is the relationship between individual prowess or and. His bare hands, leaving the monster to limp away to his death his death their visions heros descent the! Kills the dragon and is quick to tell others about his own accomplishments first of. Limp away to his leader Hygelac delivers the fatal wound to the mere!
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