Heroic identity in the world of Beowulf
By: by Scott Gwara.
Series: Medieval and renaissance authors and texts -- v. 2
Publisher: Brill
Published: 2009
Place of publication: Leiden; Boston
Language: eng
Number of pages: 419
ISBN-13: 9789004171701
Subjects: Beowulf; Heroic virtue in literature; Epic poetry, English (Old) -- History and criticism; Heroes in literature
Description: "Readers of Beowulf have noted inconsistencies in Beowulf's depiction, as either heroic or reckless. Heroic Identity in the World of Beowulf resolves this tension by emphasizing Beowulf's identity as a foreign fighter seeking glory abroad. Such men resemble wreccan, "exiles" compelled to leave their homelands due to excessive violence. Beowulf may be potentially arrogant, therefore, but he learns prudence. This native wisdom highlights a king's duty to his warband, in expectation of Beowulf's future rule. The dragon fight later raises the same question of incompatible identities, hero versus king. In frequent reference to Greek epic and Icelandic saga, this revisionist approach to Beowulf offers new interpretations of flyting rhetoric, the custom of "men dying with their lord," and the poem's digressions."--Jacket.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index.