Beowulf Psychological Character Analysis

Introduction

Commonly thought of as an English epic poem, Beowulf really celebrates the deeds of a Norse hero. In fact, all the characters in the poem are from the region of northern Europe from which the Danes, Swedes, and other Norse tribes originated. This should not be surprising, although, because Norse warriors invaded the British Isles in the early sixth century and stayed there for nearly three hundred years. That Beowulf is written in a language now called Old English may be a testament to the popularity of the story; while it takes place between 600 and 800 c.e., the one surviving version of the poem was transcribed centuries later, likely by a Christian monk. The manuscript was maintained in the collection of an English man until the seventeenth century, when it was donated to the British Museum. Despite its damaged condition, the manuscript has been examined repeatedly by scholars interested in the historical background and literary qualities of this unique poem (Alexander, pp:26).

Discussion

Character Personality

Since the early nineteenth century, critics have debated the extent to which Christianity plays an integral role in the poem. Some have argued that the original poem easily celebrated the virtues of the society that existed in northern Europe before missionaries brought Christianity to the region. These critics contend that overt references to a Christian God were supplemented by subsequent transcribers, who adapted the original tale by giving it a Christian coloring. Others, amidst them the distinguished medieval scholar and fantasy novelist J. R. R. Tolkien, have argued that the Christian elements have been woven skillfully into the text; they claim that the verse in its present pattern celebrates Christian virtues as they were understood by a medieval audience (Alexander, pp:166).

The most obvious Christian reference is the designation of the monster Grendel and his mother as descendants of Cain, the son of Adam who kills his brother Abel. Less direct references encompass frequent acknowledgement by characters in the poem that their lives are in the hands of God, who determines their destiny and who will reward or punish them for their deeds (Alexander, pp:33).

Additionally, Beowulf celebrates those who exhibit friendship, self-sacrifice, concern for their community, and generosity, virtues shared by Germanic peoples and by the Christians who converted them. The idea of gift giving, a holdover from pre-Christian tradition, numbers prominently in the poem, as evidenced by Hrothgar's sharing of valuable treasures with Beowulf to honor his bravery and Beowulf's sharing of the gifts he receives from the Danish king with his own sovereign, Hygelac. The hero of the poem is venerated not easily for his bravery, but also for his concern for those whose welfare has been entrusted to him. In the Danish kingdom Beowulf places his own life at risk to relieve Hrothgar's people from the scourge of the monster that has been threatening their safety. Similarly, when he has become king of the Geats, he takes it on himself to lead a band of warriors in battle contrary to the dragon to ...