Beowulf

*"I am thou and thou art I. For as long as I can remember, I feared the prospect of viewing others as anything more than fellow members of humanity. In truth, I was afraid of weighing them down as a burden. But now I see that it is the opposite. My detachment to the people who put their faith in me is the true source of their suffering. But no more! I choose to be their shield and promise to give my life for theirs in their time of need! And now I have the power to do just that! I call upon its name to right all wrongs: the one known as the Persona Beowulf!"*

-Akira's Speech when awakening Beowulf

**Beowulf** is a Persona in Persona: Story.

## General Information

Romaji: Beourufu

Origin: Germanic

First Appearance: Persona: Story

Arcana: Fool

Persona User: Akira Ashihara

Awakens Into: Kurma

## History

Beowulf is a legendary hero originating from the epic poem named after him, which was written by a North Germanic tribe called the Geats. Growing up in Denmark, Beowulf is the son of a warrior from a Swedish clan who was banished after killing a man from a rival tribe. Seeking refuge with the Danes, he would later marry the daughter of a Geatish king and bear Beowulf. Beowulf would become famous for slaying the monster Grendel and his mother when they attacked Denmark. He would later become the king of Denmark and died during the process of killing a dragon to defend his kingdom.

## Design

Beowulf resembles a medieval knight, wearing a suit of silver armor with green chainmail underneath. His head is sunken into the breastplate, although what little is viewable resembles reptilian with deep blue eyes. On his back is a large shield heavily resembling the shell of a tortoise. He wields a large broadsword in combat with his left hand.

## Profile

*"Beowulf is a legendary hero hailing from an epic poem who was armed with an enchanted giant sword. He is most famous for successfully killing the monster Grendel and a dragon, although the later would take his life. He is compared to the legendary Norse hero Siegfried."*

-Compendium Description

Akira unlocks Beowulf as his initial Persona to protect Gentaro from a group of Lampads. Once formed by Akira's desire to push everyone away, Beowulf now is powered by his desire to protect his friends. It would temporarily revert to its original Shadow Self appearance in order to converse with his other half in the Velvet Room, serving as the Fool Social Link. This Social Link levels up during significant visits to the Velvet Room (often following major developments in the plot) and must be maxed in order to unlock the True Ending. During the events of the climax, Beowulf rescues Akira from going to the afterlife after he is killed by the Questing Beast. Empowered by the tearful words of his friends and comrades who fear that he is gone for good, Akira evolves Beowulf into Kurma by tearing off its armor and exposing the brilliant light within.

Beowulf specializes in Ice and Physical skills, with emphasis on strategic buffs that allow the Grimoire Court to turn the tides of a battle. He can not be used as Fusion material or itemized during the base game, always being kept throughout the journey. This changes only in New Game+, where he is able to be fused away to unlock Kurma. Itemizing him grants the Shield of the Protector, a new shield exclusively used by Akira that grants a free Charge after blocking an attack that would have been fatal.

## Stats

Arcana: Fool

Level: 1

Strength: 3

Magic: 2

Endurance: 2

Agility: 3

Luck: 1

Inherit: Ice

## Symbolism

* Akira's story heavily mirrors Beowulf's. Both were ordinary civilians that would become famous after slaying a monster (Grendel for Beowulf and Berserk Shingo for Akira). Their rising fame would eventually allow them to become a monarch (Akira slowly gains more recognition than Hooter and eventually is promoted to being the true leader of the Grimoire Court). Both would lose their lives in the process of killing a dragon, although Akira would revive from the dead shortly afterwards.
* Beowulf's color scheme consists mostly of green and silver. Silver is associated with riches, symbolic of how Akira no longer hates himself and now considers himself to be precious. Green is symbolic of rebirth, since Akira changes into a better person after awakening his Persona.
* Beowulf's minor turtle motif is symbolic of longevity and wisdom, similar to Akira's persistence and intelligence. This also foreshadows his evolved form.
* Beowulf is of the Fool Arcana because of his status as a legendary hero.

## Trivia

* Beowulf is already a demon in the Megami Tensai franchise who last appeared in Last Bible III. This is his first time as a Persona.
* Beowulf's design is inspired by traditional Middle Ages knights. The color scheme could also be seen as a reference to The Green Knight, a figure from Arthurian mythology.