Symbolism in Beowulf - Essay Example

A symbol in Beowulf was something that represented another thing by its association. Symbolism was important in Beowulf because otherwise, the poem was read as a fantasy as it had mythical creatures like monsters and dragons. Symbols in Beowulf were used to teach and entertain pagans while spreading the message that one should always do good to defeat evil.The heroic protagonist Beowulf was connected by relation or blood to many characters in this epic poem. He was the biggest symbol. He may not have been a real character but was a symbol to emphasize the importance of kinship and help in the invisible bondage among the people in their close knit traditional culture.

The fact that we do not know the identity of Beowulf ‘s real poet makes us suspect that Beowulf was not a real single identity but a fictionalized, composite one. Beowulf was likened to a great force of good that fought the evil in the symbol of monsters. This is how we can explain why he was called to fight not one but three monsters during his lifetime. This could have been written in to encourage the readers to live life fully and do good until one’s death. Beowulf was meant as a symbol to be admired and emulated.

Beowulf was destined as the hero when Wealhtheow bestowed her husband’s ‘priceless torque’ on him; the priceless torque that the prince's daughter, Wealhtheow, had given him; and three horses,supple creatures, brilliantly saddled.The bright necklace would be luminous on Hygd's breast. (Heaney 149). The precious collar was worn by Hygelac on his last battlefield. . In Beowulf, feasts and celebrations were celebrated with much fanfare because they were symbols. After each battle, the victory feast was actually a symbol to show the happiness after the restoration of law, order, peace and prosperity.

As the diners were refueled by food, so was the community thus rejuvenated. The feast was an important symbol to emphasize the value of close communal ties. For certainly, this fell in line with Beowulf's philosophy to teach readers good moral values. Thus, the banquet was only reserved for the good people and the evil monsters would never get to enjoy the fruits of good labor. Beowulf told us that he defeated Grendel's mother;My flesh was not for feasting on,there would be no monsters gnawing and gloatingover their banquet at the bottom of the sea.

Instead, in the morning, mangled and sleepingthe sleep of the sword, they slopped and floatedlike the ocean's leavings. (Heaney 39). Another important symbolism is how Beowulf used his swords. Grendel's mother was not killed by Beowulf's own superior sword because she was inferior and not worthy to be slain by his sword. Instead, she is killed by another sword Beowulf picked up. Beowulf showed us that there was honor and accountability in using a weapon and he should not take advantage over his weaker opponent by using his superior weapon which had a status symbol.

Even his sword failed him and he had to use another one. (Baker 65) Beowulf's betrayal by his people was a symbol that resembled Jesus Christ's betrayal by his disciple. Only Wiglaf remained loyal to Beowulf and he in turn, symbolized how one good man can make the difference and continue the crusade against the evil. The