Beowulf, Hrothgar and the Anglo-Saxon Ideal Code of Conduct The epic poem of "Beowulf" presents the characteristics of two heroes, Beowulf and Hrothgar. During this Anglo-Saxon time period, Hrothgar rules as the king of his Danish lands. However, this king faces many problems due to the disturbances of a monster known as Grendel. As an Anglo-Saxon warrior of the time, Beowulf hears of this creature and journeys through the hero's path to kill Grendel. Through this journey, Hrothgar and Beowulf reconstruct the code of conduct of an ideal Anglo- Saxon king and warrior. The Danish lands of the time are ruled by Hrothgar, a respected and generous king. These qualities of character were admired by the people of his time and place. All people of Hrothgar's kingdom respected this king, and they all accepted his "very word far and wide as a command." The people also give him great titles such as the "Lord of the Mighty Danes," " guardian of the Scyldings," and "protector of warriors." Much of these people's respect come in response to Hrothgar's generosity to everyone. This generosity can be seen towards Beowulf, when the king gives his thanks for the heroic deeds of the warrior. Hrothgar rewards Beowulf with priceless material as he says to the warrior, "You shall lack no earthly riches I can offer you." The people of the land also trust their king, who holds a strong belief in God. In the scene where Hrothgar celebrates Grendel's death, he holds the monsters hand as he says, "Let us give thanks at once to God Almighty for this sight." The followers of the king both respect and trust their ruler, and through his generosity and strong trust in good, Hrothgar displays the ideal code of conduct for an Anglo-Saxon king. Another epic hero that has qualities that follow the Anglo-Saxon code of conduct is Beowulf. This warrior, known to be the "strongest man alive," leaves for a heroic journey when he hears of the evil Grendel. He first shows his strength and bravery when he sets sail to assist Hrothgar in defeating Grendel after hearing news of the creature in his own land. Beowulf is constantly referred to as brave, such as when he defeats Grendel, and Hrothgar must reward him for his heroics. As the "brave man moved forward until he stood immediately before the Danish lord," Hrothgar says, "I will reward this brave man with treasures." The unbeatable strength of Beowulf shows during his confrontation with Grendel, when the monster instantly realizes that "never had he met any man in the regions of earth, in the whole world, with so strong a grip." The enormous creature, for the first time, meets his match and cannot help but to feel terror and "eager to escape to his lair." To further understand Beowulf's power, the author describes of an "immense invincible sword wrought by the giants" that no other human but Beowulf could handle it during battle. Through his bravery to confront the evil creature and his strength to defeat Grendel, Beowulf creates himself as the bold and powerful warrior that represents that ideal code of conduct for an Anglo-Saxon warrior. Through the hero's journey in "Beowulf," characteristics of both Hrothgar and Beowulf can be seen. Hrothgar plays his role as a respected and generous king, while Beowulf is the strong and brave warrior. In displaying these characteristics, both Hrothgar and Beowulf reconstruct the ideal code of conduct for an Anglo-Saxon king and warrior.
Needless to say, that experience has changed over time. It began from a simplistic design in 1904 as a motorized bike. However, as time progressed it brought about the introduction of the biker gang era. These were the bad asses image riding their heavy bikes down the highway, rebels who refused to give in to society’s pressures. It was the time of the Hell’s Angels, with their patches, long hair, and untidy beards that became the symbol of freedom on the road. They created the mantra of the bad ass dude on a bad ass American bike and no one was gonna tell him what to
There is a man who is a head of state. He is a very powerful man and is
Harley Davidson has built a brand that is more than just the spread eagle on a load rumbling motorcycle, but for those who purchase a Harley they are purchasing a lifestyle, an experience, or piece of American culture if you will. Due to this differentiating factor Harley has been able to charge a premium for its products and still be successful against its lower priced competition. Harley built upon this lifestyle when it created the Harley Owners’ Group (HOG). Harley would promote shows, rallies and rides through HOG in the US and even in other countries. This helped to build its coveted image into more of an exclusive club.
Allstate insurance is the second largest property and casualty insurance company by premiums in the United States. Allstate insurance handles about 12% of the U.S home and auto insurance market. (Allstate, 2014). Many of Allstate’s customers fall under what one could refer to as a traditional selection of insurance for automobiles. Recently, Allstate has noticed a major shortcoming in lifestyle insurance, which includes coverage for motorcycles, boats, and other recreational vehicles, in comparison to its competitors. The motorcycle insurance sector is a 10.4 billion dollar industry and growing (PRWEB, 2012). The U.S. Department of Transportation website reports some astounding figures, including that 5,370,035 motorcycles were registered three years before the article, 7,138,476 motorcycles registered at the time of the article, and grew to 9,477,243 registered motorcycles at the end of 2012 (NHTSA, 2013). It is obvious as to why Allstate would identify motorcycle insurance as a worthy lifestyle product to devote marketing research dollars into in order to develop new strategies for cornering a share of the market.
The character of Beowulf stands as a hero to the ancient Danes because of his actions. He is constantly being cited as a "war-chief" and a "gold-giver" (61). Beowulf has achieved fame through what he has done with his own hands. His identity as a leader is based upon the Danish society’s emphasis on personal action, as opposed to the delegation of responsibility through conscious thought. It is this very sense which spurs Beowulf to fight the dragon: "In my youth I engaged in many wars. Old guardian of the people, I shall still seek battle, perform a deed of fame, if the evil-doer will come to me..." (59). Beowulf derives his power from a strong link to the past. Without his history of glorious deeds, he would see himself bereft of the very power which qualifies him to be a good King. Beowulf’s bravery never comes in to question, he does meet every challenge head-on, with deadly attention. The society which labels Beowulf as a legendary hero, recognizes his actions and his bravery as a integral part of his definition as a hero. Without the society to support th...
In the course of man's life he will have to make many decisions, and some will decide his future. Power, loyalty, and trust, are essential, yet obtaining them is only the beginning, managing them is a much harder task. For one to succeed he must realize how much power is beneficial and how much is dangerous. Loyalty helps one's cause immensely, yet one must not take the loyalty of his followers to the extreme. Trust is one of the most important assets a man can have, he must be careful, and not take it for granted. Man must always be prepared for these times when a decision must be made, because, as seen in Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar", one irrational decision can be man's last.
In the literary works he becomes king of Geatland when their king hygealac and his son die (Beowulf,lines2250). In the works he returns to his homeland after liberating the Danes from Grendel and his mother. He does this and takes the thrown as a noble, respectable, and faithful king. Although in the film Hrothgar is obviously affected by the recent events, and when he leaves makes Beowulf his heir, then commits suicide by walking off a ledge in the mead hall, making Beowulf king of Denmark. It is not exactly a noble or respectful way to take power especially when Hrothgar had faithful
A true king attends to the needs of his people (9). A true king also attends to the business of his people (54). The people will be pleased to serve a king if he honors those who deserve it (37). An ideal ruler does not impose onto the people what they dislike (81). An ideal ruler employs the good and wise into his government (37). An ideal ruler does not give himself leisures at the expense of the people (7). A true king has the old people eating meat and wearing silk, and a true king has the masses housed and fed (6). The people will love and die for a true benevolent king
... It is also demostrated when he fought against the monstersa and save the nation from them. He did it because he loved Denmark and the Danish loved and honor him and it is explicit in the story when he says:
William Harley and Arthur Davidson wanted to take the work out of riding bicycles in 1901. After being joined by the Arthur brothers, Walter and William, they came up with the idea of putting a motor and a bicycle together. Many engine changes were made before the builders were satisfied. In 1903, they created the first Harley-Davidson motorcycle and produced three that year. Harley built its first building in 1907 on Juneau Avenue in Milwaukee. That same year, 150 motorcycles were produced. As they were used for recreational purposes, they were also used in military situations. They proved useful in border skirmishes and the government called for 20,000 bikes to be shipped overseas. Following the war, other companies tried to enter the market, but Harley remained the largest. The depression had an unfavorable effect on Harley as it did with most corporations, but it outlasted the crisis and celebrated its fiftieth year in 1953 as the sole survivor in the motorcycle industry. Harley did turn public in 1965, but was bought by thirteen senior Harley-Davidson executives in 1981. It was returned to public ownership in 1986 by offering two million shares of common stock. It was approved by the New York Stock exchange in 1987 and has been there ever since.
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Hrothgar, the king of the Danes, undoubtedly yearns for what is best for his people. Having much experience with poor fortune and atrocity, Hrothgar is most necessary for assisting Beowulf in his development as a hero. His old age and familiarity with the pros and cons of leadership and power give him much wisdom, which he then passes on to Beowulf. Hrothgar is deeply affected by Grendel’s killing sprees, but is too old and weak to fight on his own. However, “His misery leaped the seas, was told and sung in all men’s ears: How Grendel’s hatred began” (lines 64-66). The people of Herot are aware of Hrothgar’s hatred for Grendel and that he is troubled by all Grendel has done. Given that Hrothgar is a powerful, respected leader, he is able to facilitate the conquering of Grendel although he is physically unable to fight himself. Hrothgar’s strong leadership and the respect his men have for him is exceedingly evident. “In Herot, when the night hid him, he never dared to touch King Hrothgar’s glorious throne, protected by God” (lines 82-84). The referral to Hrothgar’s throne as “glorious” and “protected by god” provides evidence that he is very well-respected, and it can be concluded that he has fairly earned this respect. Hrothgar’s dedicati...
"Now that I have told you in detail of the splendor of this city of the emperor's, I shall proceed to tell you of the mint which he has in the same city, in the which he has his money coined and struck, as I shall relate to you. And in doing so I shall make manifest to you how it is that the great Lord may well be able to accomplish even much more than I have told you, or am going to tell you in this book. For, tell it how I might, you never would be satisfied that I was keeping within truth and reason!
It is no question that Beowulf was one of the b est, if not the best, warrior of his time. His skills of being a tremendous warrior are not to be questioned, but his position as a king could use a closer look. While the qualities of being a great warrior and a great king can be similar, there are some differing qualities to keep in mind. There is an extensive comparison to be made between Beowulf and Hrothgar, as a warrior and as a king and the qualities that each of them bring to the table. On lines 17 00-1739 of Beowulf, Hrothgar gives his famous speech to Beowulf on what it means to be a successful king. Hrothgar feels the need to give Beowulf this advice because he knows that Beowulf will one day need to know how to more than a warrior.
Harley Davidson has surpassed 100 years and continues to grow and move forward. As a company that started in 1903, Harley Davidson has become an icon of American motorcycles. Harley Davidson’s ideals of freedom and self-expression have transcended cultures, gender, and age (www.harley-davidson.com). The company has the purpose of fulfilling dreams of personal freedom of individuals which has translated into a very well-known brand and culture.