Theme Of Loyalty In Beowulf
The code of loyalty in Beowulf is mainly seen in the relationship between a king and his knight(s). Loyalty is the driving component of “comitatus,” or the agreement of protection in exchange for land and status between a king and his knight. By actively preserving this arrangement in moments of objection, one can rise to fame and nobility, such as Beowulf did. Essentially every relationship seen in Beowulf, from King Hygelac and Beowulf, to Beowulf and Wiglaf, is informed by the code loyalty.
Although the majority of the poem centers around Beowulf’s time under King Hrothgar, the greatest demonstration of loyalty between king and knight exists between King Hygelac and Beowulf. Upon returning to King Hygelac’s hall after defeating Grendel’s mother, Beowulf offers all the gifts he received to his king. Despite King Hrothgar’s intentions of blessing solely Beowulf with these gifts, it is expected of Beowulf to deliver his rewards to his king who will then reward Beowulf. By passing on acquired treasures to one’s king, preservation of the code of loyalty occurs. Beowulf understands that he would not be in this high position nor achieve these great accomplishments without Hygelac. This awareness later on positions Beowulf to become king; but first his loyalty is again tested in the matters of Hygelac’s son. Though Hygd offers Beowulf the opportunity to be king following King Hygelac’s death, Beowulf declines and insists the legitimately throne belongs to Hygelac’s son. Only
Pride In Beowulf
747 Words | 3 PagesHe withheld his strength, unless necessary, and with time, grew the loyalty, courage, and faith warriors have today. To start off with, loyalty is defined as “the quality of being loyal to someone or something”. In Beowulf by Seamus Heaney, Beowulf is illustrated in your mind as a powerful being who is modest in thought and speech and he is very loyal to his king and the Danes king, Hrothgar. Beowulf, is both modest and humble, when kindly explaining to
Theme Of Duty In Beowulf
792 Words | 4 PagesIn Beowulf, the most prominent theme is the duty. A duty to be fulfilled by the person that is assigned to. It gives characters in the poem unique identity because of their devotion to duty. This means the warrior must fulfill his obligations to protect the people of the land and risk his life for their king. It also applies to women, in Beowulf, a woman's duty is to entertain the men as well as to serve a symbol of peace.
Theme Of Leadership In Beowulf
815 Words | 4 PagesIn addition, Beowulf is also generous because when Beowulf arrives back to his homeland. He is carrying many riches from his battles against evil in Hrothgar’s land. He goes and talks to his king, whereupon he gives all of it to him and the queen, even a prized golden collar. Beowulf simply said that all he gained was gained as a retainer of his king, so it all belonged to him (lines 82-83). This shows that Beowulf had no greed and did not desire any gold or riches.
Why Is Wealth Important In Beowulf
851 Words | 4 PagesThe Anglo-Saxon kings in Beowulf are very generous with their wealth to those who have served them. Consequently this exchange of wealth shows a positive relationship among the kings and their subjects. For example, Hrothgar gives Beowulf gifts in order to thank him for defeating both Grendel and Grendel’s mother: “Then Halfdane’s son presented Beowulf with a gold standard as a victory gift, an embroidered banner; also brest-mail and a helmet; and a sword carried high, that was both precious object and token of honour.” (1019-1023). Beowulf has helped Hrothgar by slaying the monsters that were attacking his tribe and killing his people.
Herot Quotes In Beowulf
532 Words | 3 PagesBeowulf attempted to comfort Hrothgar and the warriors by exclaiming, “Let your sorrow end! It is better for us all to avenge our friends, not mourn them forever”. He then aims to convince Hrothgar that “for the glory of his name, fame after death is the noblest of goals”. Beowulf believes it is worth dying for a good
The Motivation In Beowulf
558 Words | 3 PagesGlory is the prime motivation for Beowulf in his story. Beowulf wants to be remembered for the great deeds he has done in his lifetime, like Hrothgar. Hrothgar, the king has earned his glory in his youth. “To Hrothgar was given such glory of war, such honor of combat, that all his kin obeyed him gladly…” (Part 1) Hrothgar is now old and unable to protect his kingdom, and Beowulf decides that he will step in and help because of the glory it will give him.
Examples Of Honor In Beowulf
805 Words | 4 PagesHe has true honor and respectfully distributes treasure and gifts to those whom he believes rightfully deserves them. Beowulf’s loyalty to the Danes helps shed light on his true character. He expresses that he believes he may die in battle between Grendel, but that does not dissuade him from fighting the beast. Another example is when Hygelac dies, Beowulf is asked to take the throne. In doing so, that would mean the the son of Hygelac would be stripped of his own inheritance, which is dishonorable in Beowulf’s eyes, and thus he declines the offer.
Beowulf Courage Quotes
628 Words | 3 PagesBeowulf is a strong heroic hero who shows honor,selfless,courage. Beowulf is a strong heroic hero in a way because heroes are protectors and he protected his people of his town. So he is a hero in fact a strong one and a loyal one. There is lots of ways he shows loyalty one i can show is “I had a fixed purpose when i came to sea as i sat in the boat with my band of men I meant to perform to the uttermost what your people wanted or perish in attempt in the fields clutches i shall fulfill my purpose prove myself of proud deeds or meat my death her in the mead-hall”(pages 632-639).I chose this quote because it shows that beowulf would give his head for his people. I think that beowulf wanted to die for his king after all that is the reason
Importance Of Anglo Saxon Values In Beowulf
526 Words | 3 PagesThese nations were all founded by Anglo-Saxons and while they shared languages, religions, and culture, they were constantly at war with each other, as all Anglo-Saxon warriors must embody possibly the most important of the Anglo-Saxon values, loyalty. Warriors must be absolutely loyal to their own kings and must fight to protect him and the kingdom even at the cost of their own life. In Beowulf, both loyalty and lack of loyalty are displayed. Beowulf's loyalty is shown when he asks his king, Hygelac, if he could be allowed to help King Hrothgar defeat the monster Grendel, who had been attacking Hrothgar's kingdom for the past 12 years. His victory over Grendel added greatly to his reputation as a warrior, and he had earned the respect of Hrothgar, but Beowulf remained loyal and returned to his king.
Essay On Archetypes In Beowulf
1250 Words | 5 PagesThe story tells of many characters who faced the same circumstances as Beowulf, yet failed to respond in a similar and valiant effort, like Beowulf. For example, when facing the dragon nearly all of his hand picked soldiers coward in fear. Beowulf then showed humility by turning down his first offer to be king. When Hrothgar died, he offered Beowulf the throne; however, he refused, which allowed the rightful heir, Hrothgar’s son to be placed into power. This decision exemplifies the value he placed on ethics and honor.
Examples Of Glory In Beowulf
353 Words | 2 PagesBeowulf had done the unthinkable—he had killed a demon that no warrior of Denmark could have done. This opened several new doors for Beowulf, including one that promised of honor, glory, and riches. Beowulf had achieved his goal of fame, a goal which had created a poem of a hero that birthed and shaped a story to be told even years later. Furthermore, Beowulf’s fame was set in stone by Hrothgar, the king who owed Beowulf his everything, including his thanks. After giving Beowulf the speech to further glorify his prominence, Hrothgar declares, “Glory is now yours/
Beowulf Qualities Of A Hero Essay
490 Words | 2 PagesThe definition of a true hero is very subjective as people have their own opinions on what makes someone a hero. Some people might consider someone who does the right thing a hero, for some it may be people who fight for their country. The characteristics of a hero might vary, but in the epic “Beowulf,” Beowulf is sought out to be the hero because of three main traits; his noble cause, code of honor, and his strength and courage. Each of these traits makes up the hero he is portrayed to be. One of the first qualities described in the epic is the act of a noble cause.
Gold And Gold In Beowulf Essay
696 Words | 3 PagesIn Anglo-Saxon culture, gold was one of the most valuable possessions a person could own. Gold and treasure was a sign of wealth, honor, respect and power. To the Anglo-Saxons, people lived their lives to become more honorable in the eyes of their peers. People valued others who had more treasure as it was a sign of their accomplishments. The role of wealth, treasure and gold in this poem is important to the power and the honor of the individual.
The Hero's Journey In Beowulf '
338 Words | 2 PagesBeowulf is the main hero in the poem, and he travels to the land of the Danes to help King Hrothgar get rid of the monster Grendel. After having slain Grendel, there is still a huge crisis present. Grendel’s mother comes to the Hall of Heorot to avenge the death of her kinsmen by killing Aeschere. Aeschere is one of Hrothgar’s most trusted advisors, and his loss bear’s heavy on Hrothgar’s heart. In the culture displayed in Beowulf, the bonds of friendship and kinsmanship are very important to the characters.
Examples Of Heroism In Beowulf
1718 Words | 7 Pages"He gave Herdred all his support, offering an open heart where Higlac's young son could see wisdom he still lacked himself: warmth and goodwill were what Beowulf brought his new king. " This shows Beowulf's loyalty to Higlac his late King, and to his family. Beowulf would not be dishonorable by taking what wasn't rightfully his; he would rather stand by Higlac's son and teach him all he knows. Beowulf is the hero to his King's son and country, by staying loyal and having honor.
More about Theme Of Loyalty In Beowulf
Pride In Beowulf
747 Words | 3 PagesTheme Of Duty In Beowulf
792 Words | 4 PagesTheme Of Leadership In Beowulf
815 Words | 4 PagesWhy Is Wealth Important In Beowulf
851 Words | 4 PagesHerot Quotes In Beowulf
532 Words | 3 PagesThe Motivation In Beowulf
558 Words | 3 PagesExamples Of Honor In Beowulf
805 Words | 4 PagesBeowulf Courage Quotes
628 Words | 3 PagesImportance Of Anglo Saxon Values In Beowulf
526 Words | 3 PagesEssay On Archetypes In Beowulf
1250 Words | 5 PagesExamples Of Glory In Beowulf
353 Words | 2 PagesBeowulf Qualities Of A Hero Essay
490 Words | 2 PagesGold And Gold In Beowulf Essay
696 Words | 3 PagesThe Hero's Journey In Beowulf '
338 Words | 2 PagesExamples Of Heroism In Beowulf
1718 Words | 7 Pages