Beowulf - All Monsters Are Human

If the idea of this blog is analyzing some aspects of the many literature classics (but aren't non-classics just as interesting sometimes?) out there, I think that starting off with one of the firstly created seems like a good idea. Let's get into the Anglo-Saxon world, then, and try to enjoy a nice story being told by a probably already-drunk (not going to lie, just like us) English bard. Just shout happily when the crowd shouts and stay silent when the crowd stays silent. Just in case... you brought a sword, right?

Beowulf is considered by many literariarns as one of the most important masterpieces of the history of the English literature. It was anonymously created during the Anglo-Saxon period in Britain. The epic poem, originally spread orally, portrays the culture of the Anglo-Saxon peoples, putting an emphasis on their love for war and honor. The outstanding hero of the poem is Beowulf, a Scandinavian fighter in the search of glory, who, throughout the plot, makes use of his wide asset of warrior skills in order to defeat three terrifying monsters both for honor and for the well-being of the people he defends.

Now here's when things start to become interesting.  

The first monster the hero has to defeat is a powerful, greedy demon called Grendel. Descendent of Cain himself, Grendel murders numerous warriors to claim Heorot’s (the reign Beowulf defends, not his hometown) pompous mead-hall. Here I need to put a stop in order to clarify that, as long as it's true that paganism was the main religion during the early years after Anglo-Saxons settled in England, the one in charge of writing the story down (impossible for the illiterate Anglo-Saxons) was, most probably, a catholic monk. Hence, the mixture between some aspects of Catholicism and some aspects of paganism. But sorry, let's go back. Rumors about the vile creature reach Beowulf and prompt him to set sail towards Heorot. Once there, the mighty warrior faces the demon’s strength on his own, leaving aside his battling equipment.  Benefited by his choice, Beowulf does not have to deal with Grendel’s supernatural powers, so the demon is weak enough for the hero to tear his claw off his body, assuring not only the monster’s death but also his own victory.  But let's stop clapping for a moment and think about the villain of the story (don't you love villains?). We can't expect a lot from a character describe as a decedent of Cain, right? Grendel is, from my perspective, the most demon-like, purely evil character in the story. They (do demons have genders?) are greedy, merciless, ruthless, cruel, and wicked. We are glad there aren't people like that out there, right? Right?

After defeating the horrendous monster, Beowulf has to face a new threat. Grendel’s mother, grieving his son’s death, charges against Heorot and murders king Hrothgar’s best man. The hero, finding his honor jeopardized, puts on his coat of mail and dives into the monster-infested waters where Grendel’s mother’s lair is located. Beowulf tries to defeat his enemy by using a regular sword without success. The monster charges back, attempting to stab Beowulf with a dagger, but the heroes’ coat of mail is strong enough to repel the attack. Revitalized, Heorot’s champion makes use of his resourcefulness, finding a sword crafted by giants that he uses to defeat the angry beast. Well done, Beowulf, but can somebody think of the mothers? Grendel's mother ulterior motive to get out from her comfy home in the depth of boiling waters seems to be emotionally-driven: grief, pain, anger. All feelings consequential of the death of her own son. Pretty human-like emotions for a demoniac creature. We are not trying to justify her actions at all, just trying to understand her reasons. We respect all the fallen minor characters. Except for Unferth, that guy killed his own family. Not cool, Unferth.

The last monster Beowulf defeats is a fire-spitting dragon, who, furious after a thief steals a jeweled cup from his hoard of gold, charges against now king Beowulf’s kingdom. Driven by honor, the ring-giver asks his blacksmith to devise a bronze shield for him and leads his not-so-well-protected warriors into the dragon’s lair. During the intense battle, the scaled monster almost manages to defeat the almighty king, causing all his soldiers but one to desert him. Assisted by his remaining warrior, Wiglaf, Beowulf defeats the dragon at an expense: the beast’s poison, already running through his veins, constitutes the reason of his demise. But as we cry for Beowulf, let's spare some tears for our dragon as well. I mean, for starters, he's a dragon. He's kind of forgiven already. But don't you think it was kind of extra to lead your soldiers to an almost secure death only for a stolen jewel? The dragon was robbed. Of course he was mad. He was greedy, that's true. But isn't greediness a common factor of all human societies? Justice for dragons, mate. (but say it lowly, one bearded guy is looking at us suspiciously.

To conclude our party night without getting beheaded, Beowulf represents the ideal Anglo-Saxon warrior, a man with almost extraordinary characteristics, ready to risk his own life for the sake of glory. The story is, overall, a clear portrait of the costumes, traditions and beliefs of the Anglo-Saxon peoples, their way of perceiving the world and the relationships they forged with each other. Isn't it possible then, that the monsters of the story also reflected some of the very earthy characteristics the culture considered as wicked? Maybe their demons were far less imaginary than we thought. After all, as they say, all monsters are human.