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Loyalty In Beowulf

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The epic poem, Beowulf, was written by an anonymous author, but followed the same heroic character or person who is loyal, just like the Anglo-Saxons. The Anglo-Saxons were very dependant on their lord and they would show him their loyalty in various ways.There are several ways that define a hero, such as Beowulf, in this epic poem. A hero is not only loyal, but also unselfish, courageous, and shows his faithfulness. The next few paragraphs will show exactly how Beowulf is very much similar to an Anglo-Saxons and how he’s considered a hero. The Anglo-Saxons would do anything for their Lord. In the poem Beowulf, Beowulf shows loyalty to his lord/king by killing Grendel for him. “My lord Higlac might think less of me if I let my sword go where …show more content…

Heros can’t and shouldn’t be scared of doing anything. “ Boast and , standing erect, stopped the monsters flight, fastened those claws in his fists till they cracked, clutched Grendel closer.” (334-336). It took a lot for Beowulf to even do such a thing to Grendel, but since it was a monster and it was for his Lord, he wanted to show that he was brave enough to do that. Beowulf showed the Lord that he was courageous in this way. The Lord knew that he could do it, but Beowulf wanted to show him so he could prove himself. To be a hero you must be unselfish. At the end of this epic poem Beowulf shows how unselfish he is. “to the everlasting Lord of all, the king of Glory, I give thanks that I be had this treasure here in front of me, that I have been thus allowed to leave my people so well endowed on the day I die..” (411-415). In the quote, Beowulf is talking to his lord. He had beaten the last monster of his days. Beowulf wasn’t jumping up and down, he was just glad he got to do that one more time for himself, his servants, and most importantly he showed his lord that he was still courageous! So with loyalty,bravery, unselfishness, courage, and faithfulness towards his lord and his servants, he made one heck of a hero just like the Anglo- Saxons. “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.”

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His loyalty could be supernatural, relating to his unknown supernatural powers. Therefore, Beowulf tries to prove himself a hero through his three conflictual battles; the Battle with Grendel, the Battle with Grendel's mother, and the final battle with the Dragon. Beowulf proved himself a hero in the Battle with Grendel by showing immense strength. He was so confident in himself that he said, “Why would I let my sword go where my feet are afraid to,”(170); therefore, he was courageous enough to fight the powerful monster with his bare hands.

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But he knew the greatest threat came knocking at his door for a fight that will live on being told for eternity. Beowulf sacrificed his own life for those around him, “Quickly, the dragon cam at him, encouraged as Beowulf as Beowulf fell back; its breath fared, and he suffered, wrapped around in swirling flames- a king, before, but now a Beaton warrior” (lines 687-691). In the end Beowulf fought till the end fighting not only for himself but for his people. He fought like a king until his death. Beowulf gave the ultimate sacrifice to save his people.

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I am old, now, but I will fight again, seek fame still, if the dragon hiding in his tower dares to face me” (2511-2515). In conclusion, Beowulf is an epic hero. Although he made risky decisions, he did them for his people. He possessed the qualities of a hero; bravery, loyalty and fearlessness.

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Beowulf embodies many universal societal heroic values that are signified in the modern world like courage, bravery, and strength. In the poem, Beowulf displays courage. “Now, I mean to be a match for Grendel, settle the outcome in single combat” (Heaney 425-426). This quote shows courage because he’s telling them that he can fight Grendel and wants to weather he wins or loses.

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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.”

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Though it is fiction, readers can comprehend Anglo-Saxon thoughts and their concepts of heroism, life and death. Anglo-Saxon culture valued strength, honor, courage, loyalty, and fearlessness. Beowulf was a hero because he was strong, loyal, brave, honorable, and fearless. He wanted to be remembered beyond the years of his life. These values in heroes has not disappeared like its culture.

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