That is why the Geats remember him after his death as the king “kindest to his people and keenest to win fame.” The defeat is considered an act of shame during the medieval time. The poem contains Then he demonstrates his bravery when fighting Grendel and also goes under the lake to kill his mother. Epics mostly used to demonstrate the themes of good and evil, encouraging future generations to be virtuous. the poet relates that the Danish Hildeburh marries the Frisian king. much respected, this code is vital to warrior societies as a means of valiant deeds were the only means by which he could construct an loyal service of his warriors with gifts and praise. Grendel seeks revenge upon mankind for the heritage that he has been dealt. The heroic code requires that a king reward the Despite winning fights and battles, heroes face death. The difference between The Importance of Establishing Identity. Characters Beowulf had, ironically speaking, tried to be the perfect host; but he wanted the entire ogre body as his tip. Beowulf’s loyalty to King Hrothgar is due to the refuge and help the King extended to his father. of Beowulf and King Hrothgar. understandable preoccupation in a world where death seems always Beowulf has themes that surpass cultures and races. As he discusses Beowulf's later years, the poet lists the virtues (2177 ff.) After Hygelac is killed in an ill-advised raid on Frisia, Beowulf makes a heroic escape (2359 ff.) Beowulf is skeptical, envisioning a renewal of hostilities. of the Danish royal line, was orphaned; because he was in a sense fatherless, identity. afterlife. In fact, the Heathobards do later burn Heorot in events not covered by the poem but probably familiar to its audience. to talk about their identity or even introduce themselves without These recurring ideas become very important when readers interpret their understanding of the literature to apply or compare various incidents or things. Some of the major themes of Beowulf have been discussed below. Unferth's slur accuses Beowulf of foolishly engaging in a seven-day swimming contest on the open sea, as a youth, and losing. Wiglaf calls to the others in vain. life through deeds, Christianity asserts that glory lies in the His transition demonstrates that a When she serves mead in Heorot, it is an act of propriety and diplomacy, attending first to her king and then to various guests, paying special attention to Beowulf. Hrothgar shows generosity and fairness in his rule, while Beowulf shows bravery, courage, and wisdom when fighting Grendel, his mother, and the dragon. While the code maintains that honor is gained during Therefore, death not only means the end of life but also an end to an era or a kingdom. with his own warriors and with other tribes. early on—a good reputation is the key to solidifying and augmenting one’s the value of creating stability in a precarious and chaotic world. Another motivating factor for Beowulf — and a central theme in the epic — is reputation. ensuring that an individual’s memory will continue on after death—an The theme of the heroic code of chivalry is the leading theme of Beowulf. A theme in a literary work is a recurring, unifying subject or idea, a motif that allows us to understand more deeply the character and their world. Beowulf expresses his gratitude to King Hrothgar as he enjoys his hospitality. Beowulf Themes. However, during Wiglaf’s era, the kingdom of the Geats sees its end due to the onslaughts of other tribes and nations. The queen herself accepts this generosity of Beowulf and praises him. Beowulf sticks to these norms from the very beginning as he comes across the Danes. Similarly, while the warrior culture dictates that it heritage and individual reputation—is clearly central to the poem. Hospitality is a minor theme of this epic. Queen Hygd offers Beowulf the throne after her husband dies, thinking that her young son (Heardred) is unable to protect the kingdom; Beowulf refuses and serves the young king faithfully. One of the central points, which demonstrates this, is the conflict between Beowulf … Bravery is another element of medieval chivalry and theme of the epic, Beowulf. deny the fundamental pagan values of the story.