Beowulf: More Than Just a Big Lad Whacking Monsters

Hwæt!!!

We all know Beowulf as that epic poem with the geezer who goes around punching monsters into oblivion. But Tolkien, in his essay "Beowulf: The Monsters and the Critics," argues it's far more profound than simple heroics. It's about mortality, courage, and the way these two things get all tangled up.

Mortality as the Ultimate Buzzkill (and Motivator)

Tolkien reckoned Beowulf wasn't just a heroic poem; it was a bloody elegy. The whole thing is steeped in this sense of "everything's going to shit eventually." Beowulf's heroism isn't just about being strong; it's heightened by the awareness that he, and everything he fights for, is temporary. It's like the poem is constantly saying, "Yeah, you might win, but time? Time always wins in the end, you twat."

He argues the poem isn't about Beowulf racking up victories, but more about the futility of even the most amazing achievements when faced with the grim reaper. Cheer the victories, sure, but don't forget the cold, hard truth: it all fades.

The "Northern Theory of Courage": Keep Calm and Carry On (Even When Facing Certain Death)

Tolkien bangs on (rightly so) about the "northern theory of courage." This isn't about seeking glory or being a show-off; it's about facing what you have to face, even if it's almost definitely going to kill you. Beowulf's final showdown with the dragon is the perfect example. He knows he's probably buggered, but he still faces the fiery bastard to protect his people. It's about duty, not ego.

Heroism: Duty Calls, Not Just Applause

Of course, Beowulf wants to be famous (who doesn't?). But Tolkien points out that his true heroism comes from a sense of duty and responsibility. He fights to protect the vulnerable, to keep his promises, and to maintain order when everything's trying to descend into chaos. The fact that fame is fleeting only makes doing the right thing in the present even more important.

Tolkien's Beowulf Hang-ups

Tolkien's fascination with mortality and heroism in Beowulf bled into his own work. The Lord of the Rings is full of characters wrestling with their own mortality and the knowledge that their world is fading. It's about the burden of duty and the courage to face the darkness, themes straight out of Beowulf.

So What?

Tolkien shows us that Beowulf is more than just an action-packed monster mash. It's a poem that explores the relationship between mortality and heroism, painting a picture of courageous deeds performed out of duty. So next time you read it, remember it's not just about the battles but it's a meditation on what it means to be a (heroic) human in the face of the big nothing.

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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.

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