Gilgamesh was destined to greatness from birth. He was created as a great human (Davis). He was a man intended to live a lavish lifestyle with all the riches a man could want. Unfortunately his pride and greater strength got in the way. Gilgamesh was formed by the gods to be flawless in every way
However, There are characteristics common to most great leaders that can be picked out. The story Beowulf contains many different rulers that people follow. Among the various characteristics these men share, a few great qualities shine through, these being generosity, loyalty, and bravery. The leader Beowulf portrays these qualities multiple times throughout the story, which define him as a model of leadership for all times. One of the reasons is that Beowulf always acts decisively and courageously to combat evil, and he is also noble in his actions.
Beowulf 's job as a king was to "keep" the warriors and their treasure. Are Beowulf 's sacrifices and his bravery good enough to call him a great king? To reflect this model of kingship in this period, Beowulf tends to emphasize wisdom in national political crises, despite an obvious admiration for kings who pursue the glory of the old Germanic heroism. In
Beowulf possessed the poised demeanor necessary to defeat all evils by the arrogant swing of his sword. The commitment shown by lending his life to the welfare of his people was imperative in order to be called a flawless warrior. Beowulf embodied the determination that Anglo-Saxons saw as unmeasurably valuable. If nothing more than just fiction, Beowulf is the ideal hero of the people from who he originated. “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.” (Heaney
In Beowulf, Herot serves as the central hall for the Danes, and it symbolizes themes such as; good will always triumph over evil, and strong warriors will preserve through the toughest situations. When Hrothgar first became King of the Danes he instructed his men to “build a hall that would hold his mighty / Band and reach higher toward Heaven than anything / That had ever been known to the sons of men” (“Prologue” 68-70). Thusly after, it was built. “...Herot, the best / Of mead-halls” now stood strong, towering over the land as a symbol of Hrothgar’s powerful reputation (“Beowulf” 5-6). There, the Danes would hold feasts, tell stories and celebrate victories.
Because Wiglaf was Beowulf assistant, and the most loyal fighter. Additionally, other example how the whole kingdom's people would fain and devotion with they were mighty king.
In Anglo- Saxon England, courage and loyalty were valued (Janet, 101). A man with valor and loyalty was expected to be rewarded by their king (Janet, 103). Furthermore, above anything, everyone battled for fame because fame is the only thing that lasts. In Beowulf, Beowulf is a renowned Geatish warrior and hero (Beowulf, 153-156). His
Consequently, those who performed and contributed were rewarded. The new elites were men who earned their titles, commonly on the battlefield. A review of his Marshals would showcase that they derive from different compartments of life, including a barrel maker, a cabin boy, a former sergeant, and a minor noble. Furthermore, he created a Legion of Honor to recognize those who performed these outstanding acts (Burnham).Although this mainly applied to middle- class males, these acts created a great foundation for a fair environment upon which almost any individual, regardless of background, could flourish and gain
This still could not stop Beowulf, he is the master of fears. At the end of this plot structure he wanted the treasure to be brought to him to show what he won from this "final glory." He was than buried and they added his treasure to the legend/himself. His life was well lead. He had courage, loyalty, braveness, showed generosity to the king and his own men, and achieved
King Henry V is Shakespeare’s great heroic leader. Throughout the entire play he listens and talks with his troops in such a way that his speeches still motivate us and others. Henry being a good leader first recognized that nothing can be achieved without the people he manages and leads in other words he recognized the power of “we”, the power of union. His speeches may still be applied in today’s corporate world. Shakespeare’s Henry’s speeches are masterpieces of communication between a leader and his subordinates.