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Loyalty In Beowulf

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The epic poem, Beowulf, was written by an anonymous author, but followed the same heroic character or person who is loyal, just like the Anglo-Saxons. The Anglo-Saxons were very dependant on their lord and they would show him their loyalty in various ways.There are several ways that define a hero, such as Beowulf, in this epic poem. A hero is not only loyal, but also unselfish, courageous, and shows his faithfulness. The next few paragraphs will show exactly how Beowulf is very much similar to an Anglo-Saxons and how he’s considered a hero. The Anglo-Saxons would do anything for their Lord. In the poem Beowulf, Beowulf shows loyalty to his lord/king by killing Grendel for him. “My lord Higlac might think less of me if I let my sword go where …show more content…

Heros can’t and shouldn’t be scared of doing anything. “ Boast and , standing erect, stopped the monsters flight, fastened those claws in his fists till they cracked, clutched Grendel closer.” (334-336). It took a lot for Beowulf to even do such a thing to Grendel, but since it was a monster and it was for his Lord, he wanted to show that he was brave enough to do that. Beowulf showed the Lord that he was courageous in this way. The Lord knew that he could do it, but Beowulf wanted to show him so he could prove himself. To be a hero you must be unselfish. At the end of this epic poem Beowulf shows how unselfish he is. “to the everlasting Lord of all, the king of Glory, I give thanks that I be had this treasure here in front of me, that I have been thus allowed to leave my people so well endowed on the day I die..” (411-415). In the quote, Beowulf is talking to his lord. He had beaten the last monster of his days. Beowulf wasn’t jumping up and down, he was just glad he got to do that one more time for himself, his servants, and most importantly he showed his lord that he was still courageous! So with loyalty,bravery, unselfishness, courage, and faithfulness towards his lord and his servants, he made one heck of a hero just like the Anglo- Saxons. “They said that of all the kings upon the earth he was the man most gracious and fair-minded, kindest to his people and keenest to win fame.”

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