Loyalty

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Loyalty is an important characteristic for Beowulf throughout his career in the epic poem. The first encounter the reader has with Beowulf’s great loyalty is when he comes to assist the Danes. Although at the time it seems like Beowulf is just trying to make a name for himself and to gain honor, we soon come to understand that a family debt Beowulf beholds to Hrothgar who had aided Beowulf’s father in earlier times. At the discovery of the conflict with the Danes, Beowulf is honored to assist Hrothgar, as he announces, “I can show the wise Hrothgar a way/to defeat his enemy and find respite—/if any respite is to reach him, ever./I can calm the turmoil in his mind.” (21). The next encounter Beowulf comes to in regards to loyalty is when he returns home to Geatland and meets with Hygelac, and when presented with “two arm bangles,/ a mail-shirt and rings, and the most resplendent/torque of gold I ever heard tell of/anywhere on earth or under heaven.” (85). Beowulf does in time present the torque of gold to Hygelac in an act of loyalty and honor. Also, later in the poem Beowulf returns to Hygelac and announces, “I am happy to present to you as gifts./It is still upon your grace that all favour depends.” (147), and presents new treasures such as “boar-framed standard to be brought,/and battle-topping helmet, Halfmann 2 the mail-shirt…and the precious war sword?” (147). After the death of Hygelac, his wife, Queen Hygd proposes the throne to Beowulf, as she believes her own son is not capable of protecting a kingdom. Beowulf’s loyalty to his uncle and his uncle’s family shines through when Beowulf kindly turns down the Queen’s offer which allows for her son to inevitably take the throne, and Beowulf devotedly serves him. When the ... ... middle of paper ... ...his last attempt strikes the dragon so hard, and the dragon meets Beowulf’s strike, resulting in the death of both of them. Although Beowulf is seconds away from eternal death, he greatly admires the extent of loyalty the brave warrior, Wiglaf, displays. As Beowulf comes to the realization that his kingdom will be left with no leader as a result of his defeat, he knows no better man to follow in his footsteps and rule with such loyalty and admiration as he himself did than the brave Wiglaf. Beowulf hands his kingdom off to Wiglaf who he knows will rule it well. Beowulf inevitably proves himself able to meet the standards at the time of a warrior and leader by portraying great loyalty to his people (Troy University). Works Cited MAURY MARYANOW, . N.p.. Web. 20 Feb 2014. . Beowulf. Print.

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