Beowulf

Beowulf In the poem "Beowulf," the hero's ultimate goal is to achieve success and further himself. Beowulf is "fated" to be a hero; he isn't motivated to do what is right and good for the sole purpose of doing what is right and good. There is good and evil in the world; however, Beowulf fighting Grendel does not necessarily mean he is fighting a symbol of evil, while representing good. It is entirely possible that …

…not his choice. Due to the references to fate, it is clear that Beowulf does not choose to fight in the battles he fights in for the sake of what is right and good; he does not even have a clear understanding of good and evil. Instead, he is driven by forces beyond his control. He only wants to gain fame and glorify himself, which is proven over and over again through his arrogant boasting.