Beowulf and Serverinus

Matthew Harrison

Hist-B204

1. Beowulf and Serverinus are both saviors although they save people/cities in very different ways. Both characters are also extremely generous. They sacrifice their time and belongings for the greater good of others. Lastly, both characters are extremely brave in their own right.

1. In Beowulf by Seamus Heaney, Beowulf shows that he is indeed a savior when he travels to Hrothgar’s kingdom to help fight the demon Grendel that was responsible for the death of many Danes. Beowulf slays Grendel (810-820) along with Grendel’s mother (1560-1570) saving the Danes from their ongoing terror with these demons. Beowulf is similar to Severinus in this aspect. Although Severinus does not slay any monsters, he does save the people of Favianis from starvation. He called Procula before the people because she owned most of the produce. He made her feel terrible guilt for allowing these people to live in poverty. Severinus along with the people prayed and Procula allowed her food to finally be shared. Severinus saved the city of Favianis and was loved (5-6).  Both men are responsible for saving many lives. Therefore, they would both be considered saviors.

Through the reading I learned how generous of a character Beowulf is. When he returns home to Heorot after his fights, he gives many of his treasures to Hygelac including suits of armor and horses. In return, Beowulf received the best sword the Geat’s owned (1600-2000). Along with Beowulf, Severinus was also a very generous character. Serverinus built a monastery close to the city of Favianis. He was able to get many people to come where he taught them his sacred way of life. He taught people how to suffer because it would make them stronger and more brave. For example, he would walk barefoot even in the harsh winters to teach people humility. Even Severinus’s enemies of the church honored him because of the great changes he had made (7). Both characters show generosity in different ways, however, they are both extremely giving people.