FREE ESSAY ON GOD'S CHOSEN SOLDIER

GOD'S CHOSEN SOLDIER

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God's Chosen Soldier
"Beowulf", is a story of a man who seems to be unrealistic to people of today. Yet the
character, Beowulf still arouses the imagination of any generation from all over the
world. "Beowulf", is undoubtedly one of the most studied, debated over, and read epics of
all times. One of the most controversial topics in the tale is the juxtaposition of
Christian ethics which are found throughout the story, yet the time frame of the tale was
a time that is known as mainly a pagan belief existing among the people. Upon researching
different authors, one can find every possible interpretation imaginable about the
Christian verses pagan elements in the story. However, the fact still remains that either
the Christian elements found throughout was derived from the poet or perhaps a man even
in the time of Beowulf could have been chosen by God to try and lead the people to a true
God. The beautifully written epic, "Beowulf", tells of a simpler time when a man such as
Beowulf could understand and appreciate his unusual strength as a gift worthy only to be
claimed by almighty God. 
As the epic begins, a far away land is in trouble and in desperate need of hero. Beowulf
hears of a fierce monster ravaging and killing men of King Hrothgars land, the Danes.
These same people were at war long ago with Beowulf's people, the Geats, therefore
Beowulf and his people knew of the Danes well. Beowulf's' father was the first to strike
a blow and start a famous feud (Crossley-Holland, 44). Yet when Beowulf heard of the
Danes distress he quickly understood that he should go. Beowulf was considered the
bravest and strongest of his people, and most other warriors for that matter. Beowulf
understood his strength to somehow be of divine nature rather than of his own accord
(Norton Anthology, 1058). Many times throughout the epic are references made to God or to
an all-powerful force. Such references are excessively embedded in the beginning when
Beowulf speaks of "omens" about the decision to make the trip to help the Danes. For
instance, the passage written in "Beowulf" by George Clark, "Between 
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the hero's command, his announcement, and his selection of his companions for the
exploit, the Geatish councilors consult the omens and approve his plans even as he leads
his picked company to the sea and the ready ship"(Clark, 53). Also references are made to
the men giving thanks to God for a safe journey once making their way across the ocean to
the Danes (Crossley-Holland, 38). Even as he speaks to King Hrothgar he mentions several
times that if God wills a victory that he, Beowulf, will end the Danes suffering from
Grendel's rage (Norton's Anthology, 1058). In essence all of these mentioned show Beowulf
to be earnest in his desire to help the Danes for their well being, and not for fame or
fortune for his own benefit.
As we prepare to encounter the beast Grendel with Beowulf, we find that Beowulf seems
confident not in his own talents, but in God. The last conversation which Hrothgar and
Beowulf have before Beowulf actually encounters Grendel confirms this because Beowulf
tells Hrothgar that the fate of the battle is up to God. Even then Hrothgar cautions
Beowulf not to enter into the fight with selfish pride (Robinson, 84). Beowulf expressing
his intentions to fight the battle against Grendel without a weapon once again
examplifies his faith in a power greater than his own strength. It is not an indication
of selfish pride. Beowulf explains in this quote his belief about the fight: "Grendel is
no braver, no stronger than I am! I could kill him with my sword; I shall not, easy as it
would be. This fiend is a bold and famous fighter, but his claws and teeth scratching at
my shield, his clumsy fists beating at my sword blade, would be helpless. I will meet him
with my hands empty--unless his heart fails him, seeing a soldier waiting weaponless,
unafraid. Let God in His wisdom extend his hand where He wills, reward whom He
chooses!"(Norton Anthology, 1067). These words could be taken, as the translators
manipulation to the epic, yet time and time again there seems a presence around Beowulf
which is not evident amongst other characters. 
So upon meeting Grendel, Beowulf stands firm and the beast does in fact seem 
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frightened. Grendel, the descendent of Cain has finally met his ultimate match, God's
chosen 
soldier! Grendel tries with all of his might to break free from Beowulf, and does so only
after leaving his arm as proof of the battle. Beowulf later informs Hrothgar of his own
disappointment for not leaving the bleeding body lying in Herot Hall, but that God's will
was different. Hrothgar is overwhelmed with joy and begins to ready the kingdom for a
feast unlike no other. An apparent love is shown from Hrothgar to Beowulf, by the
elaborate measures he goes to repay him for this most wonderful of deeds he has performed
of the Danes. Beowulf seems modest in the accomplishment and thus very little of an
acceptance speech is heard, instead he seems apologetic when he speaks because all he has
to show from the battle with Grendel is his arm. Nevertheless, Beowulf would not offend
the King or custom by refusing the praise or gifts, which Hrothgar seems to lavish
easily. All that the Danes wish to give will only be handed to Beowulf's own King and
kinsmen, and not horded for his own reward. 
In the midst of a wonderful celebration of good fortune, another monster comes from the
depths of hell, Grendel's mother. Fiercer than Grendel she is, as a mothers passion
consumes the hall. Beowulf without hesitation enters into this great battle as well. She
too comes at night; this night unlike any other was a night the people slept as though
sleep had not touched their world in years. Grendel's mother came in and took Hrothgar's
closest friend, and for fear of her own life fled back to the swamp from which she had
come. Beowulf follows her to the swamp knowing his strength alone cannot defeat such
passion as what this mother, Grendel's mother must feel. In this we can again see a
meaningful understanding from Beowulf of an omnipotent ruler over the entire world. Thus
he enters the swamp only out of pure faith of God's abilities to carry him through. The
fight is one of such magnitude that during and after Beowulf seems to change, to somehow
mature. Perhaps even in his belief in a power over all man, there was still a little
pride in himself before this battle with Grendel's mother, yet his victory from the
battle truly 
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enlightens him of fate being only as God ordains it (Greenfield, 18). The struggle which

Beowulf goes through between having some unknown, indescribable knowledge and his
people's customs and beliefs being so very different seems to come to a climax during
this instance, and a conclusion for his confusion all at once (18). 
So we come to a conclusion to such a seemingly wonderful heroes' life. Beowulf has by
this time grown very old, and has been the King of his own people, the Geats for many
years. But one final battle is still left for Beowulf to fight and this one will prove to
be the most important of all. R. E. Kaske's interpretation of "Beowulf" explains that
this battle is the most important because, " not only does Beowulf have to encounter the
ever-present dangers as a human being of militia, but also as a king, in combating an
apparent spread of militia among his people, typified by the actions of the
goblet-stealer and the later defection of his own retainers (127). Still even in his old
age he feels the desire to protect those weaker than he and his final moments are spent
fighting for the safety of his people. In his old age, Beowulf still tells his people,
"No man could fight this battle but me and win," which again implies the understood
strength Beowulf has to be more than merely a human strength. Kaske implies that the
dragon represents the greatest of evils, since the devil is often referred to as the
dragon, and in a way Beowulf has always been fighting the dragon, or some evil (126-127).
Some wonder why the dragon kills Beowulf, and this seems an unfitting end. Yet in truth,
Beowulf accomplished his feet against the dragon, he killed him and saved his people from
another evil. But Beowulf is human and humans die. This ending to the epic is what
humanizes Beowulf and the entire epic. A mere man faces unbelievable triumphs and is
victorious every time, well almost every time. But this last battle should not be seen as
a defeat, because the victory was meant for God all along, not a human, which is why
Beowulf is finally released of his duties from God. A man cannot be worshipped as the
bravest and the strongest, only God should hold this high honor.
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Beowulf was considered a larger than life hero even in his time. Surely few people can 
obtain fame, fortune, and the respect of his piers, in one lifetime. Yet something seemed
special, or different about Beowulf. Perhaps in a world still ruled by Pagan belief
Beowulf was a man of unusual knowledge, a knowledge granted by God to a man in a world of
pagan sin. Maybe Beowulf was one of the first of the old ancestors to be chosen by God,
as Moses and Abraham are in later years, to show their people a love and forgiveness
which is unconditional and forever. A man in the midst of pagans, who will show these
heathen people a grace that will lead them to eternal heaven and rid them of an eternal
death. The many wonders about the actual origin of this epic is sure to be pondered upon
as long as man can read and rationalize. One thing seems evident though as to the origin
of Beowulf's beliefs. A life of fame did little to shorten Beowulf's belief in his
countrymen, kinsmen, or his almighty God.