James Thai

Luke Ramsey

ENGL 2322

Sep 25 2020

The Meaning of Death in Beowulf

Death is inevitable, each death has a purpose and a reason behind it, however they do not

all have the same meaning. It was very common for a hero to be laid to rest with all his honor

and pride with everyone watching and praising what they have done that he risked his life to do.

The beginning of Beowulf started with a funeral to foreshadow Beowulf’s death as he too would

be killed with a similar style as the funeral at the beginning of the story.

Beowulf’s journey consisted of two phases. The first was when he was a youthful cocky

warrior then as he aged he became a wise warrior and king. His most remembered task as a

youth was his swimming race against Breca. The race consisted of swimming five days and

nights with swords on their backs to protect themselves from sea monsters. However, even

though neither of them would admit it, “Beowulf with Breca did struggle.” Unferth, a friend of

Beowulf’s, was degrading Beowulf’s strength as he told Beowulf that since he was not stronger

than Breca in the swimming race that he would die fighting Grendel. However, Beowulf

responded with “that greater strength in the waters I had then.” Reassuring any doubters that

Beowulf is strong and he still is. He also gave compliments to Breca as he says that no normal

man could have concerned the grueling dangers of the ocean. After the night of partying and

drinking, Beowulf would then begin to prepare for Grendel the monster. Hunting and killing

Grendel was Beowulf’s main purpose on traveling to the Danes. He would then wait for Grendel

to arrive at the hall to duel with it. He ends up winning and sending Grendel fleeing after getting
his arm ripped off. This is a great example of Beowulf being a hero. However, that was not the

end. Beowulf would then go on to kill the vengeful mother of Grendel. He was almost killed

which shows his arrogance but was able to complete his mission to keep Heorot safe. His

accomplishments were so significant he became king of Geats after the previous king, Hygelac,

was killed. As a king that has aged and lived his life recklessly as a young man he has become

more mature. However, his days of facing danger were not yet over. A thief traveled into a

dragon's lair and enraged it and arose from its burrow. Beowulf went to face it possibly being his

last battle. He was able to kill the dragon but the dragon poisoned Beowulf before he died.

Beowulf wanted his funeral to be a burning of his body and all of his treasures overlooking the

water.

Warriors and kings during this time period were buried in ships that “was full of gold and

silver, jewelers and weapons, bowls and cups.” Evidence is accurate to show that Beowulf had

the correct send off. The significance behind the ship burial is one of two ideas. The first was

that the “dead person would need them on their journey to another life,” and the second reason

was that it was meant “to show how important the dead person had been when he or she was

alive.” Funerals in the past differ from those of modern society as the funerals in the past were

focused on the person's life and honoring them and what they have done in their lifetime. It was

to celebrate their life. Modern day funerals are more common to mourn their loved ones passing

and are more common to be buried underground in a dress or suit. Funeral styles have changed a

little but things that have been kept consistent were being surrounded by loved ones, being

buried, to show support, being buried with valuable items, and having a eulogy being spoken

during the burial. Another common thing to do after a funeral is to have a feast or dinner. The
purpose of the feast was to give opportunity for family to inherit property and to give honor to

the dead.

Beowulf’s story ending with a funeral had a symbolic meaning stating the end of one's

hero journey and the start of another hero’s journey. Beowulf lived by the Heroic code putting

his life on the line for the betterment of others. He showed this by fighting Grendel, Grendel’s

mother, and even a dragon at old age. Modern funerals have some characteristics as medieval

Anglo-Saxon ones, but have changed over time and become a family and culture way to mourn

or celebrate the life of someone. People considered him a hero because he risked his life to save

there’s.
 Work Cited

“An Anglo-Saxon Pagan Funeral.” Anglo-Saxon Pagan Funeral,

www.englatheod.org/funeral.htm.

“Did You Know the Anglo-Saxons Sometimes Buried Their Dead in Ships?” Anglo

Saxon Burial, www.abdn.ac.uk/sll/disciplines/english/beowulf/link1.htm.

Text, Translatedfrom The Heyne-Socin, et al. “BEOWULF.” Beowulf: An Anglo-Saxon

Epic Poem, www.gutenberg.org/files/16328/16328-h/16328-h.htm.