Beowulf: The Ideal King

A good king is defined by his strength as a warrior, his love for his people, and his quest for glory. Shield Shiefson, a great and respected Anglo-Saxon king, is described as a “scourge of many tribes, / a wreaker of mead-benches,” and “terror of the hall troops.” (4-6) He proved his worth as a ruler through military triumph, inspired fear among his enemies, and gained respect among his people. Beow, son of Shield Shiefson, gathered many loyal thanes before his rule began, so that when his time came to rule, he had many “steadfast companions” (23) to stand by his side. This “behavior that’s admired” is described as being “the path to power among people everywhere.” (24-25) These Anglo-Saxon ideals are further developed through Beowulf, who

In his early life, Beowulf is a strong warrior who, like Beow, gains the trust of his people and a loyal following of thanes. He simultaneously shows loyalty to his king, Hygelac, which exemplifies the Anglo-Saxon idea of comitatus, the Germanic code of loyalty to ones king. Beowulf is the perfect representation of courage, loyalty, and strength, and is therefore considered to be “the mightiest man on earth.” (197) The Danes look at Beowulf with great admiration, and observe that: “nowhere . . . was there anyone better / to raise a shield or to rule a kingdom.” (857-860) Once Beowulf become king, he proves to be one of the greatest Geat kings ever. Beowulf is the perfect representation of Anglo-Saxon principles, the perfect warrior, and the perfect

He exemplifies Anglo-Saxon ideals about being a good leader, but has flaws that serve to make him a more realistic character. Hrothgar upholds Anglo-Saxon principles such as the wergild, as he “healed the feud [with Ecgtheow] by paying.” (470-472) He also cares deeply for his people, which he demonstrates by building Heorot in order to share his wealth with the people and show his love for them. Hrothgar also enjoyed success as a warrior and leader, and he “came to believe / [his] enemies had faded from the face of the earth.” (1772-1773) He had fate on his side and gained many followers, and his pride had caused him to believe he was an unbeatable warrior. Yet when a force of evil strikes his hall, he allows Grendel’s terror to last for 12 years. Despite his shortcomings as a leader, Hrothgar is also presented as a good king who loves his people, and his does not lose their loyalty. Though he was unsuccessful in protecting his people, they do not blame him or see him as a bad king: “there was no laying of blame on their lord, / the noble Hrothgar, he was a good king.”