During the battle with Grendel's mother, there are numerous comments made by the poet
to the effect thatis "wigena strengest": the strongest man. He is also described as
"trusting to strength," in the knowledge that he is not at the same disadvantage as
another mortal man in his battle against this supernatural being, however fearsome Grendel's
mother may be. So, we know that the poet does set considerable store by Beowulf's great
strength. As indicated in the previous answers, we also see this strength at play in Beowulf's
fight with Grendel and in his furious manhandling of Grendel's head.
However,
there is also cause to question how far Beowulf's belief in his own strength may be overstated.
The idea of "ofermod" (over-ambition) in Beowulf has been the
subject of much scholarship. At the end of the poem, Beowulf takes on the dragon on his own, but
ultimately his belief in his own strength is insufficient to save him. In part, we are led to
believe that this is because of his...
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