Essential Question 1

What are the social obligations of a hero? Is Beowulf aware of his deification process?

There are numerous social obligations of a hero mentioned between lines 1-390 in Beowulf. Among the many mentioned would be bravery, strength, courage, worldliness, leadership, and in some cases, sent by God. Beowulf is aware of his deification process, but at the same time, he is oblivious to it. Beowulf knows that he is descended from Danish royalty, which was sent by God when the Danish people were "lacking a lord" (16). Beowulf also decides to help Hrothgar fight Grendel, and he assumes leadership over a large squad of armored soldiers. In that way, he assumes the role of a hero, yet, Beowulf himself was never said to be sent by God. In a way, he could be, since he is attempting to fight a demon that "could no longer approach the throne of grace, that precious place in God's presence, nor did he feel God's love" (111-113). Also, Beowulf is descended from Danish royalty, which was given by "the Lord of Life, King of Heaven" (16-17). It appears that Beowulf is going to fight Grendel for God's and the people's sakes. It is unclear if God sent Beowulf to defeat Grendel, however.