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Loyalty In Beowulf

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In the epic poem Beowulf translated by Maria Headly, there are strong themes of identity, mortality, and heroic code. These prominent themes heavily surround the main character, Beowulf. The epic poem follows him through all his glory and feats from beginning to end. However, one unsung hero of the epic poem is Wiglaf. He represents all of what each theme calls to. Wiglaf is a prime example of the heroic code, and we can translate this code that is followed in the poem to present-day nobility and loyalty. Wiglaf was the only warrior brave enough to help Beowulf in his fight against the dragon. He stood by his side when no one else would. This unwavering loyalty is highly praised because supporting someone or something might not always be easy. …show more content…

He portrays a father-and-son relationship with Beowulf. Both think highly of each other and slay the dragon together. After the battle when Beowulf is dying Widglaf tells him “when one man follows his own will / many are hurt” (Headley, lines 3077-8). Here he explains the flaw of the heroic code and how too much pride can impede being a good king. Part of the heroic code states that a warrior must have iron-willed courage and seek glory, but also that a king must stay alive to protect his people. Based on Widglaf’s words, he believes Beowulf chose …show more content…

He is a character with a strong identity, yet he knows his limit as a human. This can be compared to Beowulf's blind pride and glory that consequently led to his death at the end of the poem. Wiglaf follows the heroic code and makes it part of who he is, but in the long run, he knows when it is smart to step back to preserve himself and the other side of the heroic rule where it says a king must return to his people to govern them. In this situation, he is arguably better than Beowulf because he understands and acknowledges his significance to his people and doesn’t throw it away for a chance of glory. This can be compared to having a boss at work that you admire and work with closely. Then suddenly, they leave for a higher-paying job. It’s great for them because they get more money and benefit from it, but they left their people for personal gain. Some might be upset that they left and it could leave your company in

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“Then Wiglaf went back, anxious to return while Beowulf was alive, to bring him treasure they’d won together.” This quote Wiglaf is showing Beowulf loyalty. Wiglaf could of left Beowulf to die and taken his treasures for himself, although instead he showed loyalty to Beowulf and brought the treasures to him. A example of this could be say you’re working on a project on the same subject and your teacher gives the highest grade to the other student and you got a lower grade and everyone loves the other students project but you did the same exact thing but someone in the class gives you just as much praise as the other student

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