Leadership in Beowulf, Oedipus the King, and Antigone

Leadership can be defined as the ability of a superior to influence the behavior of a minor or group and persuade them to follow a particular course of action. A leader sets a course of action and ensures that everyone follows the action. Leading can apply to leading oneself, other individuals, groups, organizations and societies. The nature of how leading is done depends on the framework of the situation, one's point of view, and on the nature and needs of those involved. While leadership is learned, the skills and knowledge processed by the leader are influenced by their traits, such as beliefs, values, ethics, and most importantly character. Knowledge and skills directly relate to the process of leadership, while the other qualities give the leader certain characteristics that make them unique. Leaders can come from anyone in society today. They can merely come from a neighborhood kid picking up trash around the neighborhood to the hardship of being a cop on a high-speed chase. Most importantly leaders can either be well-known or barely known. They all exemplify the same characteristics. The role of leadership is greatly portrayed in all three stories of Beowulf, Oedipus the King, and Antigone.

Beowulf is a poem that was written in the Anglo-Saxon language that tells of Beowulf, a Geatish hero who fights the monster of Grendel, Grendel's mother, and even a fire-breathing dragon. Beowulf fights with determination and follows the way of his predecessors by only fighting with his bare hands. As a young man, Beowulf is a strong warrior, but as he grows up he turns into a wise and noble leader. Throughout the story, Beowulf greatly personifies lessons of leadership. From the character of Beowulf, one can learn to fight for honor ...

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...has yet to be completely convicted. He stood his ground the whole time, and never just gave up and said what the people wanted him to say. Armstrong was proud of his successful career. Creon and Antigone were prominent examples of leaders. They provided the readers with lessons of the power of unwritten law, don’t lead by fear, and stand your ground and be proud.

Leadership is very prevalent in all three stories of Beowulf, Oedipus the King, and Antigone. For a leader to be great, they must have an honest understanding of who they are, what they know, and what they can do. Followers not the leader determine if the leader is successful. If they do not trust or lack confidence in their leader, then they will be inspired. To be a successful leader, one has to convince their followers that they are worthy of being followed. Leadership ultimately is a powerful thing.