Anglo-Saxon literature is filled with expeditions of self-proclaimed demigods, seemingly invincible, fall at the mercy of a higher power.

-trade tension between free will and fate through the scope and spreading of Christianity. Reputation building is central theme throughout Beowulf. Boasting about ones abilities and previous accomplishments constructs lof, the Germanic term for reputation. Boasting, more importantly reputation building is not as common in subsequent texts, such as The Song of Roland or Siegfried. The Song of Roland and Siegfried, both composed post-Christendom suggests Norse mythology wrought the culture, and in turn the literature. Norse mythology, often deemed cosmetology, created a society comprised of warrior elite. Humanities end, described in Norse Mythology, comes as a result of the destructive battle between warriors and Norse deities called Ragnark. Brave warriors killed in a secular conflict ascend to Valhalla in preparation for Ragnark. Getting to Valhalla was an honor. Norse Mythology offered a bleak, dark worldview, a worldview that dictated the inevitable end of humanity. This ideology of a fated humanity is unmistakable throughout the epic of Beowulf. Valhalla was reserved especially for warriors, who in the face of danger, acted with bravery and courage, qualities shown by Beowulf. In pursuit of lof, courageous decisions are made producing positive outcomes. It is a battle between fate and free will existent in Beowulf. Beowulf embodies the tension between fate and free will. Germanic scops [poet] used identified fate using the term wyrd. Wyrd is defined as the principal, power, or agency by which events are predetermined; fate, destiny.1 This understanding of wyrd disregards completely the possibility for divine intervention. While in ll: 1554 the Beowulf poet makes reference to God and victory he awarded Beowulf and all his men. It is impossible to rule out complete divine intervention. More importantly Beowulf vocalizes his belief conveying with courage fate is kind. Beowulf in conversation with Unferth expresses, Wierd saves oft/the man undoomed if he undaunted be!2 Free will used to act courageously brings a kind fate. The epics tension is defined by a single quandary Beowulf is continuously faced. Beowulf must decide between a gloried as a courageous hero to train at Valhalla in preparation for Ragnark, or decrepit of old age in a world believed to be ultimately doomed. Irrespective Beowulfs choice death is the end, and in the end it is his choice to die gloriously. In choosing to fight the monsters, Beowulf is battling his fate. Continuously using courage to deter a deadly fate, the means to a glorious end. Beowulf final boast, in preparation for battle with the monster, he addresses his Comitatus. This affair is not for you, /nor is it measured to any man but myself alone/ to match strength with this monstrous being, / attempt this deed. By daring will I win this gold; war otherwise/shall take your king, terrible lifes-bane!3 American-English Oxford Dictionary ADD PROPER CITATION Beowulf; pg. 69 3 Beowulf; pg. 131
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Fighting alone spares the lives of the loyal men who construct his Comitatus. Beowulf, of his free will chooses the loss of his own life before the lives of his closest allies. A selfless act such as this ensures, if death is the consequence of this treacherous battle to defeat The Dragon. The story continues, He boasted of no triumphs then/ He met his end in battle, a friendless exile, / felled by the sword wielded by Weoxstan: who went back to his kinsmen the cover of his kinsmans.4 Beowulf passes, gloriously, with honor, having given his own life in selfless service. In Christendom literary works such as The Song of Roland and Siegfried, lof is dissimilar. The deaths of the heroes are not glorious, but portrayed at being a component of Gods larger plan for humanity. Fate therefore is in the hands of a beneficial power, the creator. Through divine intervention God regulates the battle between the Pagans and Christians to ultimately ensure a Christian victory. In one instance God saves Olivere, allowing him to die later. He spurns his horse to strike at Olivere;/ He split the shield, the golden boss he sheers, / Along his ribs the glancing spear-point veers, / But by Gods grace his body is not pierced5 Saving Olivere here, but failing to intervene later suggests the belief in a destiny controlled by God. If God sets and controls our destiny, where does free will come into play? Heraclitus philosophized character is destiny. 6 Characteristics define intents, wants, and ultimately our personal choices. The choices we make, the character a person demonstrates, defines destiny. Roland for example, is stubborn and above all, quick to wage war on the Pagans. His fight is for fame, not as part of Gods plan for humanity. As a result Roland is responsible for the death of his men, unlike Beowulf. The Christians, though defeated in the Battle of Roncevaux, in the end are victorious because divine intervention. The voice of an angel, with a simple whisper in Charlemagnes ear, changed course of this religious war. Divine Intervention ensued Christian overall however, allows individuals to define their providence. Though these literary works are the product of different cultures, both characters face an identical fate, death. Humanities ultimate fate is death. Free will delineates the manner each hero meets their end. Beowulf presents a well-intentioned hero, who is glorified following his death as a result of his moral nobility. The Song of Roland indicates those with poor moral character die a gruesomely that fail to warrant glorification after death.

4Beowulf, 5

pg. 135-136 Song of Roland pg. 102 (Sect. 103) 6 Course Lecture Notes (Parente, 9/19/2011a ) 2