The Role of Fate in Beowulf Epic Poem

In the poem Beowulf, written by an unknown author, fate plays a crucial role in shaping who Beowulf becomes. Death, the fate of all men, is not a choice made by humans but an inevitable force controlled by fate and destiny. Just as God gave Samson his strength through his hair, it is said by priests that Beowulf was blessed with the arm strength of thirty men by God. Every individual is made unique, with varying characteristics. Beowulf willingly goes to face the dragon in his final battle, fully aware that this will be his last heroic act. Just as God gives people unique traits such as intelligence and a conscience to determine right from wrong, people may know their destiny and choose to follow it, even if it is undesirable. Beowulf, like Jesus trusting God’s plan with Judas, knew that his fate was sealed before his battle with the dragon. He continued with his destiny, aware of his impending demise, stating, “…’twill befall us as Fate decreeth.”

Free Will and Divine Fate in Beowulf

“The idea that fate in Beowulf is sometimes controlled by God is subject to qualifications.” Like modern individuals, the Anglo-Saxons believed in free will, that humans had control over certain aspects of their lives. This gave Beowulf the ability to choose his actions. Christianity, which had influenced the culture by the time of the story, portrayed fate as divine and irreversible once set in motion. Beowulf, viewed as an agent of God, followed his fate with unwavering belief. He fought for Higlac, and his loyalty to Hrothgar was proven by slaying Grendel. Possessing superhuman strength, Beowulf saw his role as fighting the forces of evil. He believed in fate’s power, stating, “fate saves the living when they drive away death by themselves.” Like Jesus, Beowulf is seen as a godlike figure who follows his destiny despite betrayal by those around him.

Fate in Life and Death: Beowulf’s Journey

William Cooke, in his analysis of Beowulf’s fate, reflects on how fate determined key events in the poem. For example, the treasure that lured the dragon into the barrow was placed there by “the last survivor of an ancient race,” raising questions about fate’s hand in Beowulf’s final battle. Time and again, fate tested Beowulf, from battles with sea monsters to the fight with Grendel. Even Grendel’s attack on the mead hall, which sparked Beowulf’s journey, seemed preordained by fate. Both good and evil individuals were seen as bound by fate, regardless of their choices in life.

The Duality of Fate: Good and Evil

Where there is good, there is always evil. Beowulf’s fate kept him alive to fight evil forces, driven by his desire to protect others rather than himself. Just as fate dictated Beowulf’s life, it also dictated the fates of those he defeated. Grendel and his mother, descendants of Cain, were brought to Beowulf by fate, spurred by jealousy and revenge. Fate even played a role in Beowulf’s victory over Grendel’s mother when he found the sword hanging on the wall. The sword, imbued with the power to kill giants, became a symbol of divine judgment upon Cain’s descendants. This intersection of fate and divine intervention raises questions about the role of destiny versus divine will in Beowulf’s life.

Conclusion: Beowulf’s Final Act of Destiny

Beowulf’s battle with the dragon serves as a moral reflection on fate. Even as a loyal and peaceful ruler for fifty years, Beowulf was not immune to death, nor did fate spare the kingdom he protected. His failure to name a successor led to the kingdom's downfall, a final cruel twist of fate. His story ends with a reflection on the inevitability of death: “It is always better to avenge dear ones than to indulge in mourning.”