In order to accurately analyze Beowulf, the reader must understand first what exactly is leadership, what makes a good leader, and lastly, how does leadership affect the context of the poem as a whole.
Leadership can be defined in a myriad of ways; but for the purpose of the question, it is but not limited to the affect someone who takes charge of a group of people with authority or rank; to be an influence to those who look to the leader. In the epic poem, “Beowulf”, there are two different views on leadership based on their leaders {i.e. King Hrothgar and Beowulf). With King Hrothgar, he accepted the help of Beowulf to fight in order to defend the people of the Herodot, “Beowulf my friend/fight for us” (457-458). Due to the understanding of his age, King Hrothgar shows humility and admirable stance, adapts to someone who admires him, allowing Beowulf to fight for the people of Herodot. Beowulf on the other hand, shows his leadership by taking the initiative and offering his aid to King Hrothgar’s people, to fight the demon Grendel, who is terrorizing the people. This leader...
In Beowulf, the essence left behind by a true hero is extremely important. In epics such as this one, leaders tend to have the determination and boldness of a hero. On the other hand, the main character, Beowulf, does not display these certain traits. In this heroic poem, respect and trust come naturally. Honor and integrity are present throughout the poem.
A leader in any tale is an exceptional figure, whether good or evil, they also display tremendous strength above all others be it physical, emotional or mental. Their qualities instill in them a reverence that all of their subjects come to realize and respect. The role of leader is usually first assigned to a different character and upon completion of his journey the main character usually becomes the leader or a figure who has the potential to lead others, the leader is usually a well-known, revered, however they are alone, both figuratively and physically. Beowulf written by an unnamed poet has multiple characters that the reader can identify as leaders, one whom is within the first five lines of the text. Shielf Sheafson, is described as the scourge of many tribes becomes the first Cyng of the Danes. In Sir Gawain the Green Knight also written by an unknown author, features many leaders the greatest of which was King Arthur, followed soon by Sir Gawain and the rest of the Knights of the Round Table. Sir Gawain’s trial is actually a journey to test his leadership girls. At the end, he realizes his error and becomes the leader figure he should be. Finally, Paradise Lost written by John Milton features two leaders, Lucifer and God, though each relies on either end of the section they both in body characteristics of a leader. The leader figure through time has many of the same traits. Each leader carries with them a particular set of characteristics that make them a leader usually through a sacrificing something, there is also a sense of reverence, omnipotence, and solitude.
The Epic poem of Beowulf is a story of heroism, loyalty, ego, and fate. To be a great leader of men; a great king of the people, you must be respected and trusted. Loyalty is given to those who earn the respect and trust of their people. Beowulf was blessed with great physical strength, the pride and fearlessness of a warrior, and an equally strong command of the spoken word, which he used skillfully to his advantage. He gained the respect and trust of nearly everyone he came in contact with, largely because he possessed the characteristics of a true hero, but in the end it was his ego that sealed his fate. Although it could be said that Beowulf’s character was flawed by an enormous ego, fueled by thoughts of immortality, it is this very trait that made him an ideal hero and king.
They have great communication skills and generally work amongst the people. Good leaders need all of these skills or qualities. Beowulf does not sit out on a battle, he fights with his men rather than avoiding it. He communicated very well with everyone and gives people a reason to look up to him. Beowulf upon his last breaths, gives kingdom to wiglaf because as a great leader he must know who is fit to rule his land and gives it to someone he trusts. Beowulf rules for fifty years, which tells the audience he was well liked as a ruler. Beowulf knew one thing: many heroes you see do not practice often; humility. beowulf counted on God’s help through his quests, always prayed to his God and gave thanks to Him. Before his last battle, Beowulf senses his death is near. He realizes that this will be his last battle should he choose to fight. Even knowing this will be the last time he will be protecting his people, he still goes out in battle. This is a true marking of a leader. He is not afraid to die to save his people, what the future may hold for the hero, even if it is not on earth. Beowulf did not turn and run, he had the opportunity when many of his men failed to stand behind Beowulf during the fight against the dragon. Beowulf knew that it was his duty as king and protector to kill the beast that was laying siege to his people and precious
There is no question that Beowulf was a great leader. His fearlessness, selflessness, and faith in God all aided in shaping him into the great warrior and the great king that he was. Ancient civilizations and modern populations alike should all strive to live their lives in accordance with the characteristics of a great leader that Beowulf demonstrated, no matter where they come from or who they are.
For the most part, Beowulf’s characteristics describe those of a triumphant warrior who played a major role in defending the lives of his fellow citizens, while leading a thriving country. Although Beowulf soon became king, he died for his people, and was remembered as a victorious fighter. Beowulf is at least in part a study of kingship because it discusses the qualities that produce a good king, the disadvantages during his rule and how he overcame them, and the problems that arose upon his death.
In the era of my rule, a king was not someone who simply delivered orders to his “men” while he sat on his throne awaiting confirmation of a victory. Men admired their leader for: outstanding courage, selflessness to his tribe, personal valor, and ability to survive despite the toughest opposition. Heroism and leadership are characteristics that brought my fellow men to abide by my side despite the situation, which in response led me to become such an aspiring leader, and in the end a hero – the demonstration to attain glory through brawls. Traditions, natural laws, and religion are descriptions of my heroism and leadership.
In Beowulf it first started off showing the value of strong leaders and how important and how highly they were thought of and treated. “Hail Hrothgar!... 25/ What it has been before 26” (Beowulf 25-26). Beowulf was portrayed as a strong leader whom others looked up to as a great warrior. He speaks with dignity and high honor, he’s brave, courageous, and ready to face any task that is thrown at him. People look up to him for bravery, strength, and guidance to help them and for them to count
A leader is described as a person who guides others and has authority and influence over others. They work to influence others into meeting certain goals. There is no right or wrong definition of a leader and there is no recipe that ensures effective leadership. Successful leaders have a good balance of vision, influence, and power. Leaders gain their authority from their ability to influence others to get the work done; because of this, anyone has the potential to be a leader. (Finkelman. 2012, p15)
Beowulf is characterized as a leader from start to finish. In the beginning of the story, Beowulf, a Geat thane, catches wind of the monster Grendel and decides he wants to assist, “so Beowulf chose the mightiest men he could find, the bravest and the best of the Geats, fourteen in all, and led them
In our modern society a dictatorship is a strongly disapproved system of government. There was no democracy or formal relationship between the wishes of the citizens and the actions of those in power. This led to the difference in powers that many chose to either take advantage of, or amend problematic dilemmas and uplift the quality of life to those who they were in control of. A candidate for one of the greatest rulers in the 16th century, is the hero from the land of the Geats, Beowulf. Due to the various accolades he has earned throughout his lifetime, he was chosen as a recipient of the kingdom to boost his reputation by awarding him a granted spot at the throne.
Leadership is all about having the right amount of heart and determination to help make a difference in someone’s life. It takes certain qualities to be considered a good leader. A leader should want to help inspire others to make a change and to be the best that they can be. A true leader does not need to feel powerful, instead they empower those around them. Throughout my life I have come across various leaders who have made an impact on my life. It takes a very special person to inspire and touch people’s lives. Leadership is so much deeper than having power and bossing people around.
A well-respected, honored leader is a person that everyone strives to be. It is a type of person that everyone can look up to, try to emulate, and look in times of distress. When Beowulf decides to fight the dragon many thought he made the right decision for himself, but he was no longer able to defend his people which he knew it was time to pass on the leadership. Beowulf had no greed and did not desire any gold or riches. Also Beowulf shows great leadership in many ways by taking risks, and never fearing death. Beowulf 's first act of leadership in the poem is when he offers to fight Grendel unarmed. This is an example of leadership because he is standing up above everyone else, when all the other men are scared to. While all the other men are fearful and worried about Grendel attacking, Beowulf is able to fearlessly lie down to await the arrival of Grendel. “So Beowulf’s followers rode, mourning their beloved leader, crying that no better king had ever lived, no prince so mild, no man so open to his people, so deserving of praise.” (66) Beowulf is willing to risk his life for stranger. His leadership is also shown through his action in the poem and the movie. Beowulf’s last example of leadership is how “Beowulf arose, with his men around him, ordering a few to remain with their weapons, leading the others quickly under Herot’s step roof into Hrothgar’s presence.” In this quote Beowulf is standing up above everyone else, when
There are lots of definitions and interpretations for the term LEADERSHIP. One is “A relationship through which one person influences the behaviour or actions of other people” (Mullins, L.J. 2002, Management and Organisational Behaviour, 6th Edition, FT Publishing, p904). Another popular definition would be, “the process of influencing an organization or groups within an organization in its efforts towards achieving a goal” (Johnson, Scholes & Whittington, 2005, Exploring Corporate Strategy, 7th Edition, FT Prentice Hall, p.519)
The Webster Dictionary defines leadership as an office or position, the capacity to lead, the act or an instance of leading (Merriam-Webster, 2011). Leader is defined as; a person who directs a military force or unit, a person who has commanding authority or influence (Merriam-Webster, 2011). The Army defines leadership as the process of influencing people by providing purpose, direction, and motivation while operating to accomplish the mission and improving the organization. (Department of the Army, 2006 pg 1-2)