time. Whether or not they had Christian or pagan beliefs that may have been related to their individual views on fate doesnt really seem to have any bearing on their beliefs in fate. Throughout the poem, Beowulf fights evil demons to protect his people and creates a sense of safety that would surely not exist if it werent for his great strength and courage. Fate has something else in store for Beowulf as the poem leads on to the infamous dragon fight. All along in the poem, Beowulf identifies the fact that he believes in fate and many of his actions are ruled by his strong belief in the fact that whatever will happen is meant to be. In the beginning of the poem, he is an invincible leader but now when it comes down to the fight with the dragon, he is old and not so sure of himself. It is at this point in the poem that the reader is clued in to the future events, which dont look very bright for this hero. All along the narrator and the characters in the poem have hinted at events to come in the future and the idea of fate has remained in the background of Beowulfs conquests and victories, controlling his every move. Beowulf knows that his time is coming and he sees a likeness of himself in the warriors that have died in the wrath of the dragon. Beowulf has always seen life and battles as a race to glory with an end in death. He identifies his code of honor and of life in a speech with Hrothgar and says, Wise sir, do not grieve. It is always better to avenge dear ones than to indulge in mourning. For every one of us, living in this world means waiting for and end. Let whoever can win glory before death. When a warrior is gone, that will be his best and only bulwark (Beowulf, 1384-1389). In this speech, Beowulf is preaching the fight for glory and life in a world where destiny waits for no one. He sees that although his time may come to an end someday, his life will have been well spent fighting in battles, proclaiming his courage, and li...
