Loyalty In Beowulf: The Epic Beliefs Of The Anglo-Saxon Culture

Page 2 of 3 ZOOM Anderson 1Nathan AndersonMrs. OrfanedesEnglish 4 Honors NCVPS8 February 2018Is Beowulf a Hero?Beowulf is the main character and epic hero of one of the oldest pieces of literature recorded in the English language. In order to be held at such high esteem his traits as a hero are strong and represent what the poets of the time idealized in a hero. Beowulf’s qualities, those being his brawn, faith, and courageousness, exemplify why Beowulf is considered to be one of the best heroes to date.To start, any good hero has to have certain physical capabilities that set them apart, Beowulf is no exception. If this weren’t the case, who would be able to defeat monsters that seem larger than life?

Sir Lancelot was one of the most strongest most heroic medieval knights in the round table. King Arthur trusted Lancelot because he was known to never lose a fight, joust, or battle. Sir Lancelot was one of the most popular medieval knights in King Arthur’s court, and he was also very popular with the ladies. Lancelot was determined to fight his hardest for his king (King Arthur) and his loyalty and determination helped him to be chosen for a spot at the round table. Sir Lancelot , one of the most well known medieval knights fought for his; romance with Guinevere, his sword the Arondignt, and pushed for his quest of the Holy Grail.

Medieval Being loyal was a crucial trait of a hero in the medieval era, especially to those higher in power than them, such as their king or lord. In Beowulf, Beowulf and his crew are loyal to their King and Queen by fighting for them. The King praises the heros by saying “It is most fitting you do Queen Wealtheon. To the best of friends, who come in our greatest need”(6). The King tells the Queen that she should praise them as they have come when they needed them most.

Struggling he fights Grendel’s mother for killing Aeschere, “Angry; the steel-edged blade lay where he 'd dropped it. If weapons were useless he 'd use his hands, the strength in his fingers. So fame comes to the men who mean to win it and care about nothing else!” (505-509). Lastly, Beowulf demonstrates braveness when he encounters with the dragon. He doesn’t give up just like the rest of the superheroes, ““Then Beowulf rose, still brave, still strong, and with his shield at his side, and a mail shirt on his breast, strode calmly, confidently, toward the tower, under the rocky cliffs: no coward could have walked there!”

We idolize them because they represent the greatest values we want society to stand for. We fail to acknowledge, however, that every person is on a hero’s journey. The ones who become truly heroic are those people who listen to their soul’s calling and pursue it despite obstacles or fears. A hero fights

Beowulf was recognized as the “strongest of the Geats” and an incomparable warrior whom none could surpass. What he is most noted for is how important he finds glory to be. When he requests to fight Grendel for Hrothgar he states he will fight without a sword, as Grendel fears none and fights using his claws. Beowulf fears that if he points his sword to a creature that uses none would be disgraceful and will not bring glory. “But Beowulf longed only for fame, leaped back into battle” line 486, this shows that even as Beowulf is faced with a fight that may be his last, his need for glory

Both of these kings went through many events that had many different impacts on them and they succeeded. Although both kings have had an impact in this poem, Beowulf is the more successful king. The king of the Geats is a truly noble and courageous leader. He showes true bravery to be a great role model to his and Hrothgar’s people. “O flower of warriors, beware of that trap.

In the epic tale, Beowulf, a hero emerges and goes on to become a beloved leader. What makes Beowulf, the main protagonist of this epic, such a leader? Based on the article, Beowulf and the Teaching of Leadership, by Tom Laughman and John Finlay, I postulate that Beowulf is a charismatic leader. According to the authors, Beowulf fits into the Conger and Kanungo’s Charismatic Leader Model (p 159). The purpose of this essay is to examine what makes Beowulf a charismatic leader and relate it to society today.

Beowulf is one of the oldest and most well-known epic stories throughout the world. The main character in this story is Beowulf himself. Beowulf is a true and epic hero, who ultimately loses his life while trying to protect the he cared for. Beowulf was a man of great strength, which allowed him to defeat monster and make him the hero that he was. He did not have this strength on his own accord, but was assisted with some divine intervention.

Beowulf was invincible in his strength. He battles terrifying monster and risks his life. He showcases his heroic stoicism through his super-human physical strength. Grendel was a horrendous monster that was the incarnation of maleficence. Beowulf’s men had tried to use their weapons to fight, but Grendel “ blunted every mortal man 's blade” (Line 485).