Beowulf has a character that evolves over time. This is unique to the story. The poem describes three different monsters. Beowulf’s fighting style and motivations change from one monster to another, depending on the situation and the confidence he has. This also shows the various spiritual influences which may have influenced the Epic Poem.
Beowulf is given credit for his previous achievements before the Grendel fight. Beowulf has been praised for being a Hero by Hrothgar throughout the entire introduction. He says he possesses the strength equivalent to twenty men per arm. Beowulf’s loss in the competition between him, his friend and the other swimmers was also brought up. The two had swum for a whole week in order to determine who would survive the longest. This section of the poetry is important because it reveals a story about Beowulf and his encounters with giants. He tells of his battle with nine sea serpents at sea. This is the reason he didn’t win. As he repeatedly boasts, this battle was his way of being better than anyone else.
Beowulf is a hero who is known for his courage and confidence. He lets his opponents know that he has no fear and is confident. He says to the people that he will not use the sword or the warboard, but only hand-tohand. This battle also has a more spiritual aspect, as Grendel, according to Christian belief, is the kin of Cain. Beowulf believes he is going to come out alive. Therefore, he leaves behind all weapons and armor in order for him to take on the beast. Beowulf took the arm of this creature as a prize for defeating him. The monster was in great pain and a huge wound appeared on its shoulder. Sinews split open and bone-lappings burst. Beowulf won …”. and was rewarded with glory. Beowulf snatched Grendel’s left arm from the monster as a reward for his triumph. Beowulf’s victory over Grendel proves that he is a confident young hero. Beowulf has a different approach to preparing for his fight with Grendel’s mum. The battles were only a couple of days apart so there was not much difference in the confidence between Grendel and him. This time he grabs a magic sword hilt and a shield, along with a new dagger.
Beowulf’s last enemy is revealed as he faces the final battle. Beowulf becomes a new type of hero. Beowulf has never before faced a dragon. Beowulf still shows the same courage as in his first fight, but he is more grounded and realistic when it comes to the final fight. “I put my life at risk many times when I grew up. Even though I’m older, I still want to be crowned king. This battle shows that he has lost his confidence and is fighting with a less spiritual motivation. We are able to tell that Beowulf is older and has made a different decision in how he will face the dragon. He admits that, while he would prefer to face the dragon in the same manner as he faced Grendel, he doesn’t see how that strategy will work this time. He tells his soldiers that he would prefer not to use a gun if he knew how to fight the dragon in a different way and live up to my previous boast against Grendel. After explaining to his company of soldiers that he isn’t the young boy he was in the past, he explains what he intends to do differently when facing the Dragon. He says “…I must prepare myself for the molten fire and venom he will breathe. So I wear a mail-shirt, shield, and go forth”. He acknowledges that he does not have the confidence he did in his youth. However, this threat is not as significant as the fight he had with Grendel’s mom. Beowulf sought out Grendel to gain fame and prove his heroism in his youth, but the dragon is a danger to the people he must protect. Beowulf cares less about whether he’ll survive the battle than whether he’ll be able protect his people.
Beowulf needs to be more courageous in this battle, as the dragon is not a strong opponent like Grendel was. We can tell that Beowulf’s goal was to defeat the Dragon, no matter what the consequences were. Beowulf confides to Wiglaf that he will die and it is now up to him to provide for his people. Beowulf still accepts death since he won treasures for the people despite his death.
Beowulf develops his character in the poem as he confronts different threats. The great hero must be brave in each battle, but the type of courage required is different. Beowulf was only using Grendel as a means to demonstrate his bravery and to gain more accolades. Beowulf did not display true heroism by saving the lives of others and killing the monster. Beowulf became a Viking when he faced the Dragon. Fighting for his people and swearing to protect them, the Dragon was the true enemy. It is his death that shows the selflessness of Beowulf, for he has left behind the treasure and the safety of his people. Beowulf demonstrated the various ways that heroes can act even in their dying moments.