Kaitlynn Swanbeck

Butcher
English II
20 December 2015
Morals Versus Heroics

The great tale of Beowulf is a story that has stood the test of time. However, the original
facts have been distorted over time due to conveyance. Intrinsically, the story was
communicated orally. Before the story was put into print, monks altered the tale to include
biblical allusions and ethics. The moral code accentuated by the monks, however, conflicts with
several of the essential characteristics of an epic hero.
The claim of Beowulfs standing as an archetype of an epic hero is irrefutable. He fits all
of the necessary criteria explicitly. To illustrate, his bravery is interminably demonstrated by his
courageous deeds. Beowulf, upon arriving to Denmark, describes his grounds to address
Hrothgar, stating, They had seen me bolstered in the blood of enemies/ When I battled and
bound five beasts, / Raided a troll-nest and in the night-sea/ Slaughtered sea-brutes. I have
suffered extremes/ and averaged the Geats (Heaney 419-423). Furthermore, he values honor and
glory. He resolves to enter battle unarmed, in order for the dispute to be equitable. He comes to
this decision knowing Grendel as the infamous beast that inspired fear among even the most
respected warriors of Denmark. He insists against the use of weaponry because Grendel does not
use one himself. This is explained by Beowulf as he states, I have heard moreover that the
monster scorns/ in his reckless way to use weapons (Heaney 433-444). This resolution
emphasizes his appreciation of even handedness. Another primary characteristic of a true epic
hero is that their goal is attained in the end. Beowulf sets out on his quest to slay Grendel to
repay his fathers debt to Hrothgar, the acclaimed leader of the Danes. This objective was
fulfilled by the termination of Grendel and the terror of which he induced. The nature of
Grendels fate manifests how Beowulf is ruthless to his enemies. His victory is anticipated as the
battle is delineated, The monsters whole/ body was in pain, a tremendous wound/ Appeared on
his shoulder. Sinews split/ and the bone-lappings burst (Heaney 814-817) Despite seemingly
satisfying all of the guidelines, it is arguable that Beowulf is not always displayed as a humble
character considering instances where he appears eager to exhibit his heroics. Namely, a chief
goal of his is to be immortalized by his achievements; this way of thinking can be perceived as
arrogant. Nevertheless, he still does not hold himself in the regard that others do as he is often
described as a legendary warrior.
Beowulfs actions define him as an epic hero; although, they are irreconcilable with the
Universal Moral Code. Where the epic hero code encourages slaying foes, the opposing code
protests such acts of violence. The Universal Moral Code states, Do no harm. and Do not
murder. Beowulf rips Grendels arm off, causing the beast to endure the greatest pain that he has
ever felt. Thus, this action perspicuously violates the moral code and contritely agrees with the
epic hero standards. Moreover, another statement of the Universal Moral Code reads, Be
faithful to your family and friends. Beowulf allows one of this men to be viciously devoured by
Grendel. The story describes that Grendel grabbed and mauled a man on his bench, /Bit into
his bone-lappings, bolted down his blood (Heaney 740-741). Beowulf sits by and watches the
horrific event occur all for the sake of his master plan revolving around the element of surprise.

Kaitlynn Swanbeck
Butcher
English II
20 December 2015
Morals Versus Heroics

To comply with the moral code, he should at the very least, try to interfere with this gruesome
death. Instead, his actions correlate more so with the epic hero code by focusing on the
achievement of his personal goal. The moral code is breached when Beowulf responds to
Unferth. The code explains that one should not verbally abuse others. He says, So for all
your cleverness and quick tongue, / you will suffer damnation in the depths of hell. (Heaney
588-599) Regardless of Unferths drunken condition and his jeer towards Beowulf, the hero
should ignore his instigation instead of verbally retaliating. All the same, this exact event is
accepted by the epic hero standards because it can be deemed as an act of bravery to stand up for
oneself. The two contradictory codes can be applied in various events in the chronicle to support
and oppose each action.

Therefore, regardless of the fact that Beowulf exemplifies an epic hero, the actions that
define him as such contradict the Universal Moral Code. The addition of Christian ethics is
evident in how they affected the nature of which certain events in the narrative were presented.
For instance, Grendel is consistently described as a demon descended from Cain, alluding to the
Bible. Beowulfs story is distorted by religion, yet still portrays the protagonist as an epic hero.

Works Cited
Heaney, Seamus. Beowulf: A New Verse Translation. New York: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux,
1999. Print.
"The Universal Moral Code." By Dr. Kent M. Keith, Author of the Paradoxical Commandments.
N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Dec. 2015. <http://www.universalmoralcode.com/>.