I think the heroic code is at the heart of Beowulf. Since the people who orally composed Beowulf were pre-Christianity, they had no way of imagining an after-life. The only way to live on once you died was through stories or oral traditions.
One way to ensure being remembered was to fulfill the heroic code, with its virtues of bravery, loyalty, and generosity. Fighting bravely, maintaining loyalty to your clan or kin, and then sharing your spoils with your men or family all ensure that you will be remembered.
The heroic code was vital to the Geats and, later, the Anglos and Saxons that settled in England. These peoples were warriors and one way to ensure their continued success was through adherence to the heroic code.
If you look at Beowulf, note the reason he travels to Hrothgar's land is to battle the legendary Grendel. This is to fulfill...
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the heroic code. Beowulf is being brave for accepting this challenge. He is being loyal by fulfilling an obligation to Hrothgar (for Hrothgar once aided Beowulf's father). Finally, Beowulf will share the spoils from the victory with his men and his people. All of these will help add to Beowulf's reputation, which will enable him to live on after he has died. These are the same reasons he chooses to vanquish Grendel's mother, and later as an old king, to battle the dragon.
What is the central issue in Beowulf?
I tend to believe there are several central issues, among them heroism, absolutely. However, there are also other issues present. One of them is self-sacrifice and its cost. Beowulf chose the life of a hero, which meant he would have to live a life of constant danger and with the knowledge that he could be killed at any time when he chose to defend others, etc. He chose to sacrifice many normalcies of life in order to be a hero. Being a hero came with man costs. In the end, he sacrifices himself (even when he is old) to defend his kingdom and loses his life in the process.
The central issue of the poem is about selfless heroism. The poem follows
the hero Beowulf from the time he is a young man and saves a neighboring tribe
from two evil monsters. The first monster named Grendel has been ravaging their
country for over a decade. Beowulf kills the monster and then is forced into a
battle with the monster's mother.
After he kills her too, Beowulf returns to his own country and eventually
becomes king. When Beowulf is old, an evil dragon begins to ravage his own
country Beowulf goes out to challenge this dragon, also. Beowulf is successful
in killing the third dragon, but also loses his own life. Thus, he becomes an
archetype for an epic hero.
What is the theme of Beowulf?
Two major themes of Beowulf are identity and leadership.
During the time period in which Beowulf takes place, the medieval Germanic culture was dominated by tribes and large families. At the epic poem begins, all male characters are introduced based on who their fathers are. Seemingly the only way characters describe their identity is through their family lineage, which gives them a place in society. This lineage also helps set the standard by which characters live up to. Characters are proud of their successful ancestors and strive to act as valiantly as them. Beowulf initially agrees to fight Grendel as repayment because King Hrothgar offered protection to his father.
The antagonist of the narrative, Grendel, does not belong to a tribe, but is described as a descendent of Cain, so while he does not have a place in society currently, the idea of lineage is still present.
Next, the theme of leadership is examined through both Beowulf and King Hrothgar. These two characters are both good leaders in different ways. Beowulf is a fearless warrior who puts his life at risk for personal glory, which represents young leadership qualities. The older Hrothgar does not fight in hand-to-hand combat, but rather focuses on the protection of his people by enlisting men like Beowulf, which shows a more seasoned view of leadership.