A Man with Innumerable Positive Character Traits

A Man with Innumerable Positive Character Traits

Beowulf is the epic tale of a man with innumerable positive character traits. A classic like this deserves recognition in modern literature and life for its timely Biblical references and its admirable main character.
Through trials and triumphs, Beowulf keeps his faith. He is the victor three times in this poem. He won against Grendel, against Grendel’s mother, and against the dragon. After every battle, Beowulf recognizes God’s role in his successes. After defeating Grendel he proclaims, “First and foremost, let the Almighty Father be thanked for this sight.” When he arises from the underwater battle with Grendel’s mother, he credits the Holy Spirit saying, “If God had not helped me, the outcome would have been quick and fatal.” His final victory brought death to both his opponent and himself. But as he lay dying, he said, “To the everlasting Lord of All, to the King of Glory, I give thanks that I behold this treasure here in front of me, that I have been allowed to leave my people so well endowed on the day I die.”
Even when there are possibilities of failure, he willingly accepts them as God’s will. Before his encounter with Grendel, Beowulf notes that, “whichever one death fells must deem it a just judgment by God.” Beowulf then went into battle confident that the Divine Lord would give the glory of victory to whomever He saw fit.
Beowulf isn’t the only Jesus freak. The author makes approximately fifty-five other references to God throughout the poem. In a world where truth is relative and morals are optional, a spiritual poem like this is a breath of fresh air. A genuine role model like Beowulf isn’t bad either. Beowulf’s got it all.
Most importantly, he is loyal. Upon learning of Hrothgar’s crisis, Beowulf immediately began his voyage to Heorot. His father had greatly respected Lord Hygelac and so Beowulf felt he owed allegiance to his people. After defeating Grendel’s mother, Hrothgar called Beowulf to be king of the Danes....

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