Examples Of Leadership In Beowulf

Winston Churchill. George Washington. Nelson Mandela. There is a common factor between these people, and that factor is leadership. These are people that were some of the most exemplary leaders in history. In the epic of Beowulf, a similar persona is depicted. Just like Churchill, Washington and Mandela, Beowulf is a prime depiction of what a leader should be, as he displays qualities of courage and unselfishness throughout this English epic. “The man whose name was known for courage” (line 340). The fact that people associated Beowulf’s name with courage shows just how courageous he is. His acts of bravery pervade the poem. He willingly fights three monstrous creatures. Beowulf does not even carry weapons with him in his battle against Grendel; he only relies on his faith. By audaciously fighting a ferocious beast without ammunition, Beowulf gains respect and protects Hrothgar’s kingdom and demonstrates the need for courage among true

Beowulf displays this trait throughout the epic. He even loses a swimming race in order to protect his friend Breca from dangerous waters. However, one of the most notable sacrificial acts is when Beowulf goes into battle with the fire-breathing dragon knowing he will not emerge alive. The epic states, “The fabled warrior in his war-shirt and helmet trusted in his own strength entirely and went under the crag” (line 2539). He essentially walks into his death, but he does so for his people. He wants to purge his kingdom. The only way to do this is to sacrifice himself in battle, which shows an incredibly devoted leader. He ends his own life, a life that he loves, for his people. Leaders need to have a devotion so great that they are willing to do anything to help their followers. Otherwise, they would not have a following or reverence from the people. By being sacrificial, Beowulf gains respect and his message of not quitting when it comes to doing what is righteous lives