The Necessity for Generosity
by Barry Wright
Essay: The Necessity for Generosity
Pages: 10
Rating: 3 stars
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Though Christianity was extremely different from the beliefs of the Germanic tribes, some of its values were seen
as honorable in Germanic life. Christian values are repeatedly portrayed in Beowulf through the idea that the best
way to live one’s life is not through possession of fine things, but through generosity. In such a warlike culture,
humility is important to prevent unnecessary bloodshed, so generosity was necessary in order for the people to
prosper. One of the ways that people showed this humility was by giving gifts by people lower on the hierarchy.
Humility through giving gifts helps leaders remain in power over their subjects, and makes them more powerful.
Hrothgar is known as the ring giver, which shows that he gives rings a gifts to his people (Heaney 7). Rings are
generous gifts, so by giving them to his subjects, he earns there respect. Likewise, the tales of his generosity
spread, earning him respect from people belonging to other tribes. His increased respect earns him more
followers, making him a more powerful leader. This type of benefit from Christian values can also be seen through
Hygelac. Hygelac gives Beowulf land after Beowulf gave him a gift (Heaney 147-149). After receiving a gift from
Beowulf, Hygelac had to give one in return to stay superior to Beowulf. Despite the worth of land, Hygelac still
gives it to Beowulf, because of the importance of the gift giving custom in the stability of the hierarchy. The
importance of this custom is evident because even a king adheres to this custom. Likewise, those who don’t follow
this custom are portrayed as evil.
Parsimony causes contempt so great that it can lead loss of power, or even in extreme cases, death. Hrothgar
describes Heremod as...