The Concept of Reputation Presented in Beowulf
Beowulf is a Pagan story and the oldest epic poem in the English language. Beowulf’s author is anonymous. It takes place in 6th century Denmark and Sweden. Beowulf, the protagonist of the story, is an Anglo Saxon hero. In Anglo Saxons; bravery, honor, loyalty, heroism, reputation, and vengeance are the core values of the society. To increase their reputation, they fight, and do anything can be considered as dangerous, including fighting a monster with bare hands. So fighting is not considered as a bad act for them. To them, a hero (or warrior) must value for his exploits. Beowulf introducing himself with his exploits, fighting with bare hands, people’s views on opposite characters, and ancestors’ effects on reputation are the examples of how the reputation presented in Beowulf.
First, Beowulf introducing himself not by his name but with his exploits is a reputation sign. When Beowulf speaks with Unferth at Herot Hall, he introduces himself with his exploits, not giving his name. This means that a hero is known for his exploits, and a name or another feature is not as important as his exploits. A hero’s exploits give him reputation, which shows his greatness. Beowulf mentions these exploits, and being proud of every one of it, also makes others think that he can beat Grendel. However, Unferth questions his reputation by questioning a swimming match that he had with Breca, which Breca won. Beowulf immediately explains he was attacked by lots of sea monsters, and if he was not attacked, he would win. It can be seen in here that Unferth questions Beowulf’s reputation by a swimming match which he lost, but he immediately explains it not to lose his reputation.
Secondly, Beowulf fighting with bare hands is also for enhancing reputation. Chopping Grendel’s arm is an insulting act for him, and lots of people see it and think Beowulf is that much strong, leading him gain more reputation. He makes missions (or deaths of monsters) in a tough way. He kills Grendel’s mother by diving into water and chopping off her head. In addition to that, Beowulf has to choose carrying her head or a treasure, and he chooses carrying her head. This means that in Anglo Saxon culture, reputation is more important than even a treasure.
Lastly, contrast characters and their reputations are also included to explain how reputation is important for Anglo Saxons. For example, King Hrothgar and King Heremod are opposite characterized characters. King Heremod has a bad reputation, and is described as a ‘bloodthirsty’ man. Even after his death, everyone talks about his bad reputation, and continues describing him in this way, meaning that even if you die, your reputation continues. Related to that, Anglo Saxons believe that reputation comes from the ancestors. For example, Wiglaf intends to help Beowulf in the end, and at that time, the story recalls the heroism and bravery of his father and how he was great. And instead of running, Beowulf dies while fighting, and everyone thinks he is a great hero. At that times, we can understand that they think reputation is a value that comes from ancestors and continues even if someone dies.
To sum up, reputation in Beowulf is highly mentioned. Introducing oneself with his exploits, fighting with bare hands to gain more reputation, and people’s views on opposite characters’ reputations are all about reputation itself. It is obvious in Beowulf that Anglo Saxons fight and do anything that can be considered as dangerous to have a great reputation.
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