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Role Of Companion In Beowulf

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In many heroic tales, protagonist could not be as successful or brave without the assistance of a companion. While each companion is unique and has distinct qualities to offer, there are generally specific traits that define a companion. For example, a companion remains with the hero throughout the story and compliments the vices and virtues of the hero. In the Divine Comedy, Dante is paired with the guide Virgil. Furthermore, in the account of Beowulf, a company surrounds Beowulf from the beginning until the end of his life. Exploring the roles of the companions gives a greater understanding to the story. Virgil is shown to be a true friend to Dante and proves his worth time and time again. In a passage from the Divine Comedy, Dante mentions, …show more content…

These men are brave warriors almost equal to Beowulf in strength and valor. This is supported by the passage, “steadfast companions will stand by him and hold the line.” (Beowulf, pg. 891) The company offers Beowulf support and aid. Their constant presence gives testimony to their loyalty and dedication to Beowulf. Beowulf reveals his great affection for them when he says, “take care of my young company, my comrades in arms.” (Beowulf, pg. 924) The company recognized the leadership of Beowulf and often assists Beowulf only when asked. Throughout the narrative, the company is rarely shown to accompany Beowulf directly into battle or physical conflict. One example of this occurs as Beowulf addresses his company, “Men at arms, remain here on the barrow. The fight is not yours.” (Beowulf, pg. 947) Though the company stood as a corporal companion, Beowulf also credits a spiritual companion. He regards God as his spiritual protector and director of his life. All of Beowulf’s successes and failures are attributed to God’s will. This is evident in the quote, “with the Lord’s assistance (he) has accomplished something none of us could manage before.” (Beowulf, pg. 911) This idea is further supported by the later passage, “the Lord allowed it.” (Beowulf, pg. 911) Despite the fact God permits Beowulf to fail, Beowulf continues to revere God and uses it as an opportunity to learn. All of these traits

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770285 The Idea of Good Leadership in Beowulf In the anonymous Anglo-Saxon epic poem, Beowulf, translated by Burton Raffel, heroism and leadership is one significant theme that is explored. In lines 182-211, the eponymous Beowulf is in the process of speaking to Hrothgar and his people, asking the Danish king to allow him to fight Grendel, who has been terrorizing the Danes for many years. Through his overall tone and his choice of words, Beowulf conveys the idea that a good leader is complex but well-balanced and can achieve this through several different aspects. A deeper understanding of Anglo-Saxon culture can be seen by examining this excerpt.

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Promise of friendship is a perfect example of intangible glory Beowulf received because he cares for people and helps

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The follower of almighty Beowulf, is “hailing” and praising his leader, to pronounce his true companionship and respect for the “Beowulf.” This exhibits secure loyalty to Beowulf. “My tongue grows heavy and my heart, when I try to tell you what Grendel has

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b. Beowulf i. Chose to fight with his men around him to help if

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Beowulf, still keeping his faith in God, believes that God is punishing him for his wrong doing, and he is sorta right. (Death ln 16-19). Perhaps Beowulf realizes his mistake in trusting in the worldly things to keep him safe and secure, rather than God, but it is revealed to the reader that this is not the case. Against impossible odds, Beowulf chose to rely on his armor and weapons to keep him safe; however, these things failed him. (Death ln 89-90).

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Beowulf lead out of his own personal obligation, not out of a sense of community, or leadership. Beowulf was quite a stubborn soldier, which shone through when he fought the dragon alone and did not ask for help. The “hero” put his own needs over the soldiers and warriors who were

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Loyalty, one of the main themes throughout Beowulf, is an important aspect of the Germanic culture. Loyalty in the Heroic Code is a bond between the king and his warriors; loyalty to the king is first above all, even family in this text. If the warriors lack the loyalty for their king, the urge to protect their king and tribe is diminished. Beowulf’s king, Hygelac, gave him permission to help the Danish king and his people. Beowulf exerts his loyalty to Hrothgar by protecting the king’s people, and killing Grendel.

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Although Beowulf was a warrior, he was still a good person at heart. One quote from the text is “Beowulf was like this; fierce in battle, but generous and thoughtful in spirit (Beowulf 88). The bible says that Jesus is 100% god, and 100% human, meaning that Jesus is perfect, but he still has emotions. When Beowulf goes to battle, it’s always for a good reason. EVIDENCE.In Hrothgar’s last speech he says “Stay as generous and peaceable as you are, Beowulf.

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His planned actions became reality because they were able to execute their plan properly. This plan was effective because the warriors had faith that Beowulf would be able to destroy Grendel. The warriors knew that death was a possibility but they were able to overcome this fear by placing their trust in Beowulf. Not only did Beowulf plan out the assault of Grendel, he planned out how he was going to respond to the recognition he was going to receive for his victory. Beowulf refuses the offer to become the new king and he gives away the treasure that is presented to him (Garcia).

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Rather than humbling himself before God and asking for help, he trusts in his own strength and take a big, unexpected leap. He loudly declares to King Hrothgar and the Danes in the mead hall that he will wait for Grendel “weaponless” and “unafraid” to make the fight fair for Grendel who does not possess any weapon (line 682). Beowulf shares this decision to show off his boldness and power to those who have been defeated by Grendel for years so that they will celebrate his name and life. An academic editor for the well-known Master plots volumes from Salem Press, Lawrence W. Mazzeno argues that Beowulf is dependent on God when he enters a battle, yet he is hardly like Christ who put his full trust on God only. Although he says that the almighty God determines his fate, he does not trust that it is God who brings him victory.

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Beowulf 's courage and faith can be seen troughout the entire poem. The author shows what the other

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Beowulf shows throughout the poem how he believed and worshiped one omniscient being and God’s overall almighty power. Beowulf trusts God

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This shows that God was willing to protect Beowulf to win battles, but he could also choose when his time to go was. Beowulf truly believed this because before his final battle he said he would let God choose if he should live or die. Not only did God protect Beowulf, he also protected Herot from Grendel. Grendel was not able to terrorize Herot because Hrothgar was protected by God. This is where the elements of good and evil come into play.

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The other eleven men that came with Beowulf gather around the body, and I condemned them for their failure of duty and declared that he will order them exiled. Such cowardice reveals a national weakness and is an invitation for their enemies to attack. I sent a messenger to tell the other Geats what has happened. When the Geats have gathered, I addressed them, mourning Beowulf 's death and expressing dismay at the bleak future of the Geats without Beowulf to guard them. I demonstrated how to be a good warrior and the importance of heroism to our society and the importance of loyalty.

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He knew what they had tholed, the long times and troubles they'd come through without a leader; so the Lord of Life, the glorious Almighty, made this man renowned." This quote describes how God played a large role in the success of Beowulf. Assuming that all acts of heroism proven successful are really acts of God. Thus, leaving you thinking success must be a form of divine assistance, in the hands of God. The poem takes on both beliefs of Paganism and Christianity.

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