Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Beowulf

It is unexpected that Beowulf, a fictional character, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a

real-life character, each with legacies that will never be forgotten, be compared to one another,

especially how each want to be remembered after death. Though both Beowulf and King seem

to believe in a God, when their last reflections, the way they both want to be remembered, and

their burial practices are examined, it seems that both men’s desires do not equally reflect

Christian values such as humility and sacrifice.

Initially, the final wishes of both Beowulf and King do no equally reflect Christian values

because Beowulf’s motives are selfish and self-centered, whereas King’s are more humanitarian.

Beowulf has been the king of Geatland for fifty years, and even in old age, he still boasts that he

has “never known fear, [and] as a youth [he] fought in endless battles” (624-625), showing that

Beowulf is a braggart and loves getting praises. He always wants the attention and thinks that

there is no one better than him. Even against the dragon, Beowulf believed that “no man but

[him] could hope to defeat [the dragon]” (645-646). According to Dustin Webb of University of

Michigan, “Beowulf’s focus on self-gratification through the acquisition of material wealth only

narrows with age.” Even at old age, rather than taking care of his people as a king, and Beowulf

cares more about the treasure that the dragon guards. Just before his death, Beowulf’s last wish

was to die along with the dragon’s treasure, and instead of thanking God for his people’s safety

he thanks him “for this, this gold, these jewels” (816). Beowulf only cares about acquiring more

treasure to increase his own reputation. King on the other hand wants to be remembered with

humility. He knows he has accomplished many things, yet chooses not to brag about it, showing

humility, one of the Christian values. He does not seek for treasures and fame, even declaring

that he “won’t have any money to leave behind” and there will be no “fine and luxurious things

of life to leave behind,” unlike Beowulf who decides to leave behind treasures to Wiglaf, King

prefers to be remembered by the fact that he “tried to give his life serving others… feed the

hungry… clothe those who were naked… love and serve humanity” (“Drum Major Instinct”).

Unlike Beowulf, he wants people to remember him for the good deeds he does, and not for the

accomplishments that he has done, and the fame and money that comes along with it.

Beowulf is very materialistic, and prefers to be remembered through the use of objects,

unlike King who prefers to be remembered through the idea of victory for everyone, showing

how the two men do not equally show Christian values. Beowulf wishes Wiglaf to “build [him]

a tomb… at the water’s edge, high… so sailors can see this tower, and remember [his] name”

(827-828). Beowulf wants a physical representation of him, so that even after his death, his

people will not forget him. Beowulf shows no sign of humility and his egotistic nature still

lingers even though he is about to die. King on the other hand, does not mention wanting a

statue after his death, and instead would rather be remembered for being a “drum major for

justice… drum major for peace… drum major for righteousness” (“Drum Major Instinct”). King

wants to be remembered for his service of being able to fight for what he believes in and through

his victory he was able to help others, unlike Beowulf who wants to be remembered for the

victories and successes he accomplished for himself.

Even in burial, Beowulf and King do not equally reflect Christian values. Beowulf

mentions that “funeral flames [will burn him]” (825), which is cremation. However during

Beowulf’s time, cremation was considered to be Pagan. Unlike Beowulf, King wishes to have a

burial that is Christian. He mentions how he would like for the eulogy short and for the speaker

“not to talk too long” (“Drum Major Instinct”). He wishes that the speaker not to brag about his

accomplishments, showing humility and concern for others. Even in death, King shows more

Christian values compared to Beowulf.

Source:

Webb, Dustin. "Beowulf and His Quest for Glory: An Analysis." Yahoo Contributor Network.

Yahoo!/University of Michigan, 22 Oct. 2008. Web. 03 Oct. 2013.