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Why does the hero Beowulf still appeal to us today?

Beowulf is one of English literature's most enduring heroes; his story has remained popular long after its estimated composition. Beowulf continues to appeal to modern audiences for many reasons. He's a brave and strong warrior who fights against the forces of evil and matures into a wise and noble king. These qualities are still valued today, even though Western society has advanced a great deal since Beowulf was first written. There are, however, more intricate reasons behind Beowulf's enduring appeal. For my part, I think the hero remains popular because he fights against the chaos continuously threatening to overwhelm civilized society.


Consider, for instance, all of the monsters Beowulf faces. Grendel, Grendel's mother, and the dragon all dwell in a chaotic wilderness of darkness and generally represent demonic, evil forces that repeatedly attempt to undermine the stability of human civilization. Indeed, though stability is provided by places like Heorot, this stability is perpetually uncertain, as foul fiends are constantly besieging it. In that case, the hero Beowulf acts as a stabilizing force because he fights off the chaotic forces of evil and ensures civilization is able to flourish and sustain itself. Therefore, Beowulf is appealing because he provides something essential that remains important even in contemporary society: a stable, prosperous refuge in the midst of overwhelming chaos. 

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