Hrothgar's Speech

British Literature

"Hrothgar's Speech"

Hrothgar's speech to Beowulf seems to be a warning from his own experience. Knowing that Beowulf has just killed Gendel and will be praised as a great warrior, Hrothgar wants Beowulf to be aware of the dangers of success, like Beowulf, he too has experienced success and in his speech tries to warn Beowulf not to become arrogant and forget that it is God who "gives wisdom and land and high estate to people on earth". Hrothgar 's speech presents the idea that man's own ignorance leads to his own downfall.
At the beginning of the passage, Hrothgar wants Beowulf to realize that a man only achieves wisdom and power through the "miracle" of the Lord's generosity. Hrothgar warns Beowulf not to become wrapped up in success, loosing sight of God and the fact that ...