No matter how confusing you think Beowulf is, take comfort in this: Beowulf's number
one theme is almost impossible to miss.
That's because you can't go more than a few stanzas in this poem without finding yet another
celebration of heroism.
If you watched Recap 2, you know that Beowulf is all about what it takes to be a hero.
Here are some of the requirements the poem sets out:
* The right lineage.
* Courageous, heroic deeds.
* The right qualities—like strength and bravery, as well as wisdom and humility.
Part of this poem's heroic code also has to do with whether or not a hero is adaptable.
For example, in the first part of the poem, Beowulf demonstrates his heroism as a warrior.
In the second half, as king, Beowulf demonstrates a different kind of heroism—the heroism
of a good ruler.
Finally, don't forget that outside forces—fate, or the will of God, depending on whether your
perspective is pagan or Christian—play a role in making a hero, too.
So why is heroism so important—in other words, why is it a theme?
It has to do with something we all can relate to.
No matter what age you live in, there are always threats, problems that seem too big.
The concept of heroism gives us hope that greatness is not just a fairy tale; it's something
that can be defined ... and therefore attained.