Beowulf's Three Formal Boasts
... and makes this boast: I had a fixed purpose when I put to sea. As I sat in the boat with my band of men, I meant to perform to the uttermost what your people wanted or perish in the attempt, in the fiend’s clutches. And I shall fulfill that purpose, prove myself with a proud deed or meet my death here in the mead-hall. (lines 632-638) Beowulf clearly states his twofold purpose; he wants to help the people as well as prove himself. His motives are pure and with an honorable purpose. Beowulf would not have said anything he didn’t mean at a sumbel. This oath he makes is straightforward and clear--Beowulf means exactly what he says. The Beowulf that is seen in this first formal boast is a confident young man who is endeavoring to become a hero. When Beowulf makes his second formal boast, it is before he sets off to find and kill Grendel’s mother. This second boast is much longer and wordier. Beowulf tells Hrothgar, Wisest of kings, now that I have come to the point of action, I ask you to recall what we said earlier: that you, son of Halfdane and gold-friend to retainers, that you, if I should fall and suffer death while serving your cause, would act like a father to me afterwards. If this combat kills me, take care of my young company, my comrades in arms. And be sure also, my beloved Hrothgar, to send Hgelac the treasures I received. Let the lord of the Geats gaze on that gold, let Hrethel’s son take note or it and see that I found a ring-giver of rare magnificence and enjoyed the good of his generosity. And Unferth is to have what I inherited: to that far-famed man I bequeath my own sharp-honed, wave-sheened wonder blade. With Hrunting I shall gain glory or die. (lines 1472-1491) This second boast is filled with red flags that make it seem as if Beowulf’s motives are not quite as pure this time. First of all, for a man who just killed a monster with his bare hands, Beowulf suddenly seems to be a little bit too scared of dying. For a young man who has performed such an incredible feat, Beowulf expresses a large amount of doubt in himself. The apparent fake fear of death in this boast makes it seem as if perhaps Beowulf is trying to make himself look more daring and brave by overplaying the danger of his next adventure. The pure length of this boast when compared to the first boast makes it appear as if maybe Beowulf is trying to make a bigger deal out of what he is attempting to do than it really is. He also makes it clear that he wants all the Geats at home to hear about his great triumphs, even if he does die. This time, Beowulf’s motives are not quite so pure. He is not going after Grendel’s mother to help the people, or simply to prove himself. Beowulf wants to “gain glory or die” (line 1491). This kind of arrogance and desire for recognition is fairly common in young people who are successful, even in today’s society. Beowulf’s third and final formal boast comes many years later, before Beowulf sets out to kill the dragon. Beowulf is much older and, presumably, much wiser. The first evidence of this can be seen in the brevity of this boast. It is the shortest of the three, which can be seen as showing the wisdom of Beowulf in his old age. He no longer needs to make long, proud boa...