Sophie Sollid Section Number (18) Loyalty and integrity are common foundations for ethical structures demonstrated in poems during the Pre-Christian era. Beowulf takes place in the Germanic era that is in danger due to the lack of loyalty and trust in contracts and clans. The incongruent nature of words and actions creates chaos for this society which Beowulf, the hero of the story, tries to mend. Eventually, the society of Beowulf was destroyed due to the lack of integrity for verbal contracts which was evident in marriages, promises, and verbal contracts. Beowulf demonstrated that to have order and harmony between nations and people, fulfilled promises and good deeds need to exist. The distinction between words and actions in Beowulf showcases the mistrust in the Germanic Society. …show more content…
Throughout the poem, honour has been external, which leads to hopeless boasting and promises. Beowulf introduces individual integrity by having strong morals and internal honour. This moral structure of his character allows for honesty, which differs from the motivation of other kings and warriors in the poem. The composer demonstrates, through Beowulf, that kindness and honesty can mend conflicts. Accomplishing good deeds for other people was seen often in Beowulf as Beowulf himself was a peaceful mediator of the nations. When Beowulf successfully slain the dragon that was threatening the lives of the Danish people, the king of the Danes responded, “What you have done is to draw two peoples,/the Geat nation and us neighbouring Danes,/into shared peace and a pact of friendship/in spite of hatreds we have harboured in the past” (ll. 1855-1858). With Beowulf’s acts of kindness and integrity, years of conflict have peacefully been resolved. The suggested resolution of people completing good acts is shown through the actions of Beowulf and the peace that results from those