According to the synopsis by Rich Lawson, a major theme of the epic narrative poem Beowulf is heroic legacy. The characters in Beowulf are actively influenced by and engaged with the cultural and historic past of the city they live in. This investment in the heroic past is the driving force in the narrative.
The characters derive their values from the examples of the heroes and legends before them. For example, the story the hero Heremod serves as a cautionary tale. When Beowulf gives Hrothgar the ancient hilt of a sword, Hrothgar reminds him of the story of Heremod to warn him not to become too bloodthirsty. Beowulf learns from the experience of Heremod, and foregoes the vices of greed and bloodlust. True knowledge of heroism is passed on by verbal tradition from past to present.
The society in Beowulf is founded upon the values handed down by heroes past, and the characters in Beowulf actively seek to emulate their heroes. The past becomes their source of strength and wisdom. The character Beowulf desires to become a legend himself, and so he chooses actions that he believes will bring him closer to fame and glory. The past is not only recognized and acknowledged, but it is alive in the motivations of the characters and their social and cultural environment.
This article gave a valuable insight into an important theme of the poem. Understanding the theme of heroic legacy, and how this theme is important to the development of the narrative, allows readers to better understand why the events unfold as they do. Understanding this them also helps us connect with the writing and understand the author’s perspective. It provides us with the insight that heroes and historic legacies are important to the story of Beowulf because they were important to the society from which the work sprung.
Work Cited
Lawson, Rich. “Beowulf: Recognizing the Past.” Shadowed Realm Announcements. 2004. Web. 27 June 2016. < http://www.shadowedrealm.com/medieval-articles/exclusive/beowulf_recognizing_the_past_>.
