Loyalty In Beowulf

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Loyal. Honest. Brave. These are just a few of the terms used to describe the many heroes that exist- both Anglo-Saxon heroes as well as modern day heroes. Even though Anglo-Saxon heroes were developed a millennium ago, many of the characteristics stay true to today’s heroes. One character from one of the first epic poems exemplifies these characteristics, therefore he can be viewed as one of the “first superheroes” in history. This character, Beowulf, from Beowulf, demonstrates super strength, his need to boast, and his selflessness in his quest to protect others around him.
Although Beowulf demonstrates many characteristics, one of the most obvious is his superhuman strength. In fact, the whole reason Beowulf traveled overseas to the land of the Danes to save Herot is because he was …show more content…
From the very start, Beowulf offered his help when he heard that the Danes needed it. He was on a quest to destroy evil wherever it exists, not merely to protect his own people or his own interests. This act shows that he was willing to risk his life for strangers, which is quite a selfless thing to do. Beowulf also demonstrated his selflessness before the battle with Grendel. He had turned to Hrothgar and told him to take care of his men if he were to die. This shows that his first thought was about the well being of his men, even when his life was in the hands of fate. Even after fifty years of ruling the throne, Beowulf stood up to a dragon to protect his land. He knew that he was risking his life and his rule as the king, yet he still went and fought. During this battle, he became mortally wounded, and one of his men, Wiglaf, finished off the dragon. Beowulf told Wiglaf to fetch the gold remaining in the Dragon’s tower, so that the people can have the riches. Even in his last moments, he was thinking of other’s well-being. Clearly, Beowulf was very selfless- another reason he resembles a super

Loyalty In Beowulf

Beowulf is not only a follower of Higlac and Hrothgar; he is a leader of the warriors of Geatland, and as a leader it was Beowulf’s duty to generously reward and care for his people. An Anglo Saxon leader took responsibility for his men and would justly reward them for their services. Before challenging Grendel’s merciless mother, Beowulf must insure the care of his men in the event that he does not return from the battle. Guaranteeing the safety of his men signifies that Beowulf is a committed leader…

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Loyalty In Beowulf

Hour November 9th, 2015 Beowulf Analysis Loyalty is a powerful bond between two people, and this bond is maintained by a mutual trust in eachother. Throughout Beowulf, loyalty is a recurring theme that gives us a deeper understanding of not one, but many characters. All a man has is his word, and the loyalty of men and women between each other is obvious in Beowulf. In this time period, loyalty was among the highest traits a person could have. The theme of Loyalty throughout this heroic epic…

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Loyalty In Beowulf

poems mark the early days of creative writing, and it is the Anglo-Saxon epic of Beowulf that is most recognized today. Beowulf has been translated many times, but the translation by Burton Raffel sticks true to the originally intended story well. The Anglo-Saxon people held virtues somewhat reminiscent of the values held today; however, through their literature, it is clear what values they held in highest regard. Beowulf is the prime example of Anglo-Saxon writings and many of the Anglo-Saxon beliefs…

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Wiglaf's Loyalty In Beowulf

flowing, how we pledged loyalty to our lord in the hall”(171). These words are words spoken from the mouth of the brave Wiglaf who stood firm on his beliefs. In the story Beowulf written by an Anglo-Saxon poet, I found Wiglaf to be the most likeable character because he is depicted as a loyal, and brave hero. It is his overall demeanor that drew me towards him and set him apart from the other characters. In the story Beowulf, Wiglaf displays his loyalty to the main character, Beowulf by continuing to stand…

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Men's Loyalty In Beowulf

few actual tough manly men. Like Beowulf, men in those times were very strong and even had super-human strength. Obviously, no man today could have super-human strength, but many men today do not even have strength. The Danish coast guard even notices how tough Beowulf is. “Nor have I seen a mightier man-at-arms on this earth than the one standing here: unless I am mistaken, he is truly noble. This is no mere hanger-on in a hero’s armour.” (Beowulf 244-251)…

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Hrothgar's Loyalty In Beowulf

In contrast, rather than focusing on the responsibilities as a way of appropriate behavior for the nobles, Beowulf focuses on the loyalty one has for his kingdom and the ability of one's strength. One exemplary action of loyalty was to give back to their people. The most noticeable and memorable action of giving back was how Hrothgar, "have men make a great mead-house which the sons of men should remember forever, and there within he would share everything with young and old that God had given him"…

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Theme Of Grendel's Loyalty In Beowulf '

A prominent theme throughout the epic of Beowulf is loyalty. An example is presented on page 35, “Grendel’s monstrous mother, in grief for her son, next attacks Herot”. After Grendel is defeated, his mother attacks Heorot in loyalty for her son. Although they are demons, Grendel's mother demonstrates loyalty for her son and promises revenge.…

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Loyalty, Bravery, And Leadership In The Epic Of Beowulf

After reading the epic of Beowulf, and seeing that the three main values are: loyalty, bravery, and leadership; this would be the easier and more comprehendible prompt. Beowulf, is the main character and he is the one who goes to rescue Hrothgar, who is the king of the Danes. His land is under attack by Grendel, who is a monster and an offspring of Cain. Beowulf is successful and kills Grendel, which his bare hands. Everything that Beowulf has done was a root of loyalty throughout his life, and it…

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Beowulf Themes

Beowulf Essay I recently read one of the best epic poems ever written. “Beowulf” is an Anglo Saxon epic that takes place in Denmark during the sixth century. Beowulf, the main character, is the hero of the story because he saves Hrothgar and the Danes from Grendel and other monsters. Even though it was written a long time ago, “Beowulf” has many important lessons and themes throughout the epic that are still relevant in today’s world. These include how we treat each other, the dangers of pride and…

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Comparing Beowulf And The Anglo-Saxon Culture

the past. In the translated version of Beowulf, by Clarence Griffin Child, Beowulf sets off to slay a monster, Grendel, who is wreaking havoc in the land of the Danes. Hrothgar, king of Danes, accepts Beowulf’s help, and Beowulf defeats Grendel. This epic is set in the time of the Anglo-Saxon culture, where tradition and values reigned supreme. Beowulf provides an insight into the values of the Anglo-Saxon culture, such as power and strength, honor and loyalty, and bravery and truth. First of all…

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