Beowulf is an epic poem that tells the story of Beowulf, a heroic warrior who defeats monsters and goes on many adventures. Beowulf has several tragic flaws, which ultimately lead to his downfall. One of Beowulf’s tragic flaws is his hubris, or excessive pride. Beowulf is often boastful and arrogant, which leads him to make rash decisions and underestimate his opponents. This eventually leads to his death, as he underestimates the dragon he fights in the final battle.
Another tragic flaw of Beowulf is his greed. Beowulf is always seeking more wealth and treasures, even when it is not necessary. This greed leads him to make poor decisions, such as going into the dragon’s lair without backup. Beowulf’s tragic flaws ultimately lead to his demise, but he is still remembered as a heroic warrior.
The Old English epic poem “Beowulf,” written by an unknown Anglo-Saxon poet, recounts the courageous journey of a young Geatish hero named Beowulf who travels to the Danes’ land to save them from the lurid demon Grendel. Though Beowulf’s character is representative of the Anglo-Saxon epic hero, he also has three significant flaws that contemporary readers may overlook in their focus on his ultimate heroism.
The first of Beowulf’s tragic flaws is his hubris, or overweening pride. Beowulf is so confident in his own strength and abilities that he often takes unnecessary risks and puts himself and others in danger. For example, Beowulf could have easily killed Grendel with a sword when the two first met, but instead Beowulf chose to fight Grendel bare-handed. This decision not only put Beowulf at risk, but also put those around him in danger, as Grendel could have easily harmed others in the hall while Beowulf was occupied.
Beowulf’s hubris is also evident in his boasting. Throughout the poem, Beowulf constantly brags about his past accomplishments and heroic deeds. While this may have been seen as acceptable behavior in the Anglo-Saxon culture, modern readers often see Beowulf’s boasting as an indication of his overinflated ego.
A second tragic flaw that Beowulf possesses is his lust for fame and glory. Beowulf is so driven by his desire to be remembered as a great hero that he often makes rash decisions without thinking about the consequences. For example, Beowulf puts himself and others in danger when he fights the dragon because he knows that defeating such a creature would solidify his legacy. While Beowulf’s desire for fame and glory is understandable, his single-mindedness often leads him to make poor decisions.
Finally, Beowulf’s tragic flaw is his impulsiveness. Beowulf is often so eager to save those in need that he rushes into dangerous situations without thinking about the consequences. This impulsiveness was on display when Beowulf chose to fight Grendel bare-handed, as well as when he decided to fight the dragon. Beowulf’s impulsiveness often puts himself and others in danger, and while his intentions are good, his actions often have negative consequences.
While Beowulf’s tragic flaws may detract from his heroism in the eyes of modern readers, it is important to remember that the poem was written in a different time and culture. In the Anglo-Saxon culture, Beowulf’s tragic flaws would have been seen as part of his heroic character. Beowulf’s hubris, lust for fame and glory, and impulsiveness would have been viewed as evidence of his courage and bravery. In the end, Beowulf is still a hero, despite his flaws.
Beowulf’s first shortcoming, pride, is evident in his boasts upon his arrival at Herot. Despite the fact that Beowulf is a strong and talented warrior, his behaviors rather than his continual bragging should expose his abilities and brilliance. Furthermore, Beowulf’s impulsive and competitive nature urges him to act swiftly, frequently putting him in difficult situations. The hero’s uncontrolled aggressiveness and thirst for battle overrule his sensible judgment when he quarrels with Unferth or races with Brecca.
Beowulf’s final flaw, impatience, is most clearly seen in his decision to face Grendel’s mother without backup. Beowulf’s hasty choice to protect only himself in the clash against Grendel’s mother leads to the death of Aeschere, one of Hrothgar’s dearest friends and advisors. This flaw also causes Beowulf to disregard Wiglaf’s earnest pleas for help in the fight against the dragon, choosing instead to go at it alone. As a result, Beowulf suffers a fatal wound and dies alone, surrounded by his enemies.
While Beowulf does exhibit several tragic flaws, he is also a hero in many ways. He is selfless, brave and noble, always putting others before himself. He is also fiercely loyal to his friends and kingdom. Beowulf’s heroic qualities ultimately outweigh his tragic flaws, making him a true epic hero.
This is the ultimate cause of Beowulf’s death in the epic. These principles, which are very different from those exhibited by today’s twenty-first century hero – one who is brave yet modest; passionate yet noble; and driven but charitable – differ significantly from those held by the Anglo-Saxons.
Beowulf is the perfect example of a tragic hero. He has all the qualities of a great leader and warrior, yet he also possesses several fatal flaws. The three most significant flaws that Beowulf demonstrates throughout the epic poem are greed, competitiveness, and pride.
Greed is one of Beowulf’s defining qualities and it is what motivates him to perform many of his heroic deeds. After slaying Grendel and his mother, Beowulf could have returned home a hero. However, instead he decides to stay in Denmark and fight another dragon. Beowulf’s primary motivation for fighting this dragon is not to protect the people or defeat evil, but rather to acquire more wealth and fame. Beowulf is so consumed by greed that he is willing to risk his life for material gain.
The conceit of Beowulf does not detract from his legitimate might and great acts. Nonetheless, this fault is what distinguishes Beowulf as soon as he appears in the tale. When Beowulf meets Hrothgar, he informs him that his youth has been “filled with glory” (143) and describes his many accomplishments in the Geatish territories. It is at this moment that both Hrothgar and the reader first encounter Beowulf’s boastful demeanor.
Beowulf continues to speak of his accomplishments when he tells Hrothgar about the time he killed nine sea monsters and spent a night swimming in the ocean. Beowulf’s overconfidence is further evident when he states that he will kill Grendel without any help, despite the fact that numerous men have already died at Grendel’s hands.
Beowulf’s arrogance eventually gets the best of him when, after slaying Grendel, he tears off the monster’s arm and displays it in front of everyone in Heorot. This act not only goes against Hrothgar’s request for Beowulf to keep his victory a secret, but also shows Beowulf’s lack of humility. Beowulf’s hubris is finally his undoing when he fights the dragon, as his overconfidence leads him to believe that he can take on the beast without any help.
While Beowulf’s tragic flaw of conceit does not eclipse his heroic deeds, it ultimately leads to his downfall. Beowulf’s arrogance is evident from the very beginning of the story and sets the tone for the rest of the poem. Although Beowulf is able to overcome many challenges, his fatal flaw ultimately leads to his demise.
