Gold in Beowulf

Out of all the shapes, images and metaphores in Beowulf, gold is the most potent, and most evolving physical element in the epic poem, translated by Seamus Heany. Rich and famous have been synonymous these days, and were so in Beowulf's days as well. Fame and fortune go hand in hand and all Beowulf is after in the story is Fame. Gold is a thing of honor and of pride, all throughout the story. The psycological effect Gold has on people in the story is enormous, almost forcing Beowulf to act the way he does. The shiny yellow stuff also represents a greed greater than any living character in Beowulf. Gold is an important element to Anglo-Saxon time period, and it reflects the values they held.

The last word in the story is fame. On several occaisions Beowulf acctually says that he is after immortal fame. "Now i am old, but as king of the people i shall pursue

this fight for the glory of winning..."(lines 2512-2514) But this fame that he is after, always is coupled with a large fortune of gold. When he became famous for killing Grendel and Grendel's mother, The gold was being dished out by Hrothgar. When the fame was boosted by slaying the dragon, The hoard of gold accompanied it. Now its not to say that it is always the case with fame. because it can exist without fortune. But this story is Anglo-Saxon, which makes these two words become very closely tied together. Wealtheow Hrothgar's wife said "...your bounty will be sure. You have won renown: you are known to all men far and near, now and forever." (lines 1220-1222) Would Beowulf's actions have been different, if not for the gold and riches? Beowulf might have been following the gold, but gold was definitely

followng beowulf. In the Geatish society, the king controlled the riches, and delt them out when nessesary. Beowulf ended up becoming this very person. Fame is very much heightened with a large cash prize. Beowulf understood this. He is the "keenest to win fame." The presenting of gifts seems like a formality. Like its a necessary

thing that always happens. Even when Beowulf is fatally injured, he asks to see the treasure he has won. This