Beowulf: From Glory-Hound to Guardian
Say WUT!!!
Initially, Beowulf is all about the lols and the fame. He hears about a monster tearing up the local pub (Heorot), and he’s off like a shot, uninvited, to make a name for himself. His elders, bless their cotton socks, know better than to try and stop him. Is this youthful exuberance or selfish ambition?
But here's where it gets interesting. As the poem progresses, Beowulf evolves. He becomes a king, ruling for fifty years, and when a dragon threatens his people, he doesn’t hesitate to throw it down. This isn't about personal glory; it's about protecting his flock.
Wiglaf: The Ultimate Wingman
Let's talk about Wiglaf. When the dragon comes a-knocking, everyone scarper like frightened rabbits – everyone except Wiglaf. This lad stands by Beowulf, risking his neck to help his king. If Wiglaf hadn't stepped up, Beowulf would've been toast, and the dragon would've had a field day. Wiglaf's loyalty is a testament to the bond between a leader and his people. It highlights the Anglo-Saxon value of kinship. Beowulf clearly inspired loyalty in at least one person.
Anglo-Saxon Values: Beowulf's Cheat Sheet
Beowulf isn't just a thrilling monster mash; it's a snapshot of Anglo-Saxon values:
Loyalty and kinship: Sticking by your mates, no matter what.
Courage and honour: Facing your fears head-on.
Fate (Wyrd): Accepting that what will be, will be and owning your destiny.
Generosity: Sharing the spoils of war.
Revenge/justice: Getting even with those who wrong you.
Community and hospitality: Looking after your neighbours and guests.
The poet who wrote Beowulf knew this stuff inside out. Beowulf is dripping with all these traits.
Beowulf: The Ideal Hero?
Now, here's the million-dollar question: Is Beowulf an ideal hero? I think that Beowulf should be the blueprint for the masculine hero. He's brave, loyal, and willing to die for his people.
So, why does it feel like modern heroes are a bit...lacking?
When was the last time you saw a proper masculine hero in a film? Aragorn in The Return of the King? Now we're stuck with emotional, emasculated characters who make us want to scream into a pillow. Even James Bond has gone soft, which is a bloody outrage.
We need to bring back the Beowulf-style hero. Someone men can look up to and feel proud to be. Masculinity shouldn't be a dirty word; it should be embraced by everyone. Our heroes should be people we aspire to be. This kind of hero has been around for over a thousand years. Is it only recently, with all the woke nonsense, that male role models have been trampled on?
The Takeaway?
Beowulf isn't just an old poem; it's a reminder of what a hero should be: brave, loyal, and willing to put others before himself. It's time to ditch the emasculated nonsense and bring back the action hero.
Thoughts?
Life is a constant evolution, a dance with change that shapes who we are and where we’re headed. And just like life, this site is transforming once more. I don’t yet know where this journey will lead, but that’s the beauty of it—each shift brings us closer to where we’re meant to be.
Change is not a sign of uncertainty, but of growth. It’s the path we must take to uncover our true purpose. And while we may not always understand where life is guiding us, it’s in the act of seeking, of embracing the flow, that we discover our direction.
Imagine life as a river, with its tides, currents, and eddies. If we fight against the current, we tire and falter. But if we surrender to it, letting it guide us, we might just find ourselves exactly where we’re meant to be.
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