Well, like-son-like-mother I suppose. The second part of Beowulf is definitely a bit more interesting than the first in my opinion, mainly due to the fact that we see the hero of the story have to adapt to aquatic combat; something that was uncommon in the time period it was written in. This sequel of sorts is what I was anticipating when we read Homer’s Iliad last semester, so it’s a relief that we get some story continuation here. The fight with Grendel’s mother once again hinted at previous stories written by the Greeks and Romans with the sword on the wall of the underwater vault that looked like it was made to slay giants. The decision by the writer of the original tale to keep continuity with the older stories adds a unique dynamic that really helps the world-building of the epic. I find it quite ironic that the only people who really stayed to see if Beowulf would return were the people he traveled with, just goes to show who out of the bunch actually had faith that their hero would finish the job. The faith that the Geats had in Beowulf is not unlike the faith that we are called to have in Jesus; and much like the Geats, when we have unwavering faith we see the influence of God in our lives. An example of this is seen when Beowulf gives credit for the defeat of Grendel’s mother back to God:
“I barely survived the battle under water. It was hard-fought, a desperate affair that could have gone badly; if God had not helped me, the outcome would have been quick and fatal” (115).
Beowulf leaning on his own strength is formidable, but slaying God-cursed monsters requires the aid of the God who cursed them in the first place; this detail enforces the lesson the story teaches about having respect for the Lord. It seems as though this theme of leaving the outcome of the fight in the Lord’s hands will eventually see Beowulf defeated. Will this theme continue into part III? I suppose there’s only one way to find out.
p.s. I commented on Micah's and Haylee Lynd's posts.
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