The Role of Loyalty in Beowulf and Aglo-saxon Culture

Introduction: Beowulf is the only surviving heroic epic poem in old English period. It is an introduction identifies the language and the culture appeared in Britain during the time between the coming of Anglo-Saxons to Britain in the 5th century and the Norman Conquest in 1066. The mixing of several races, tongues and cultures were a result of invading Britain by several tribes like Picts, Jutes and Scots. But the West Germanic tribe; Anglo-Saxons was the most influential tribe during this period. Thesis statement: By analyzing the theme of loyalty in Beowulf, this essay demonstrates the role of loyalty and rewards in Anglo-Saxon culture.

Background: The poem, Beowulf was written in the 8th century, therefore it reflects the values of that culture and time period. In Anglo-Saxon culture, “battle is a way of life, a necessary function of the worthiest members of society.” (xiv, Raffel). The relationship between the king and his warriors entail that warriors are dedicated and sacrifice their lives for the benefit of their king. In return the king gives the warrior a large reward, along with fame and glory. In Beowulf, the relationship between Hrothgar and Beowulf, and Beowulf and Wiglaf demonstrate the importance of loyalty and rewards in Anglo-Saxon culture.

Topic sentence: Beowulf shows immense loyalty towards the King of the Danes, Hrothgar, throughout the entire poem. Hrothgar does not even need to ask Beowulf for his assistance in killing the monster that is terrorizing Herot, known as Grendel. Evidence & citing: Beowulf insists that it was “his duty to go to the Danes’ great King.” (Beowulf 416). Not only is Beowulf willing to “die in battle while pressed in Grendel’s fierce grip,” he is successful in his defeating the monster (635-637). Despite his victory, Grendel’s mother returns to avenge her son and kills one of Hrothgar’s dearest friends. As a result, the king pleads for Beowulf to “save them, once more”. There is no lack of loyalty to the king when Beowulf agrees, without hesitation, to “let Hrothgar’s sorrow end” and “avenge their friends”. Evidence & citing: Beowulf exhibits his bravery and loyalty to Hrothgar when he fearlessly murders Grendel’s mother. Commentary: Even after risking his life multiple times to defend the king, Beowulf still insists that if Hrothgar ever needs his help again to “summon him” and that he will “come as he came once before.”. Ultimately proving that the king-warrior relationship is grows stronger through loyalty.

Topic sentence: In compensation for Beowulf’s loyal and courageous actions, Hrothgar gives him many rewards. Evidence & citing: Immediately, Hrothgar promises Beowulf that if he “purges Herot then Beowulf’s ship will sail home with its treasure-holds full.” As king, Hrothgar’s promises of fame and fortune are Beowulf’s main motive for his devotion to the king. Commentary: In Anglo-Saxon culture, the rewards a soldier is given indicates the honorability of their position and enhances the relationship between the king and the warrior. Hrothgar is so grateful for the death of Grendel that he tells Beowulf to “take, in return, whatever Beowulf may want from whatever Hrothgar owns”. Evidence & citing: Not only does Hrothgar give Beowulf “a foaming cup, a mail shirt, golden arm, bands, and the most beautiful necklace known to men” (1193-1195), but he also rewards Beowulf, after he defeats Grendel’s mother. Rewards are a necessity in the king-warrior relationship because they are the reason for the loyalty of the warriors.

Topic sentence: After many years, Beowulf becomes King of the Geats and his brave warrior, Wiglaf, demonstrates the value of loyalty in the king-warrior relationship. When a deadly dragon comes to threaten his country, Beowulf and a few warriors plan to destroy the monster. Despite the warrior he used to be, Beowulf is now too old to fight the dragon on his own and “Edgetho’s famous son stares at death”, “none of his comrades help him … only one of them remains … remembering, as a good man must, what kinship should mean.” The cowardly actions of Beowulf’s warriors show absolute disgrace and disrespect to Beowulf. Evidence & citing: Although, Wiglaf manages to defend his king and proves his loyalty to his king when he says “he’d rather burn himself than see flames swirling around his lord.” Wiglaf’s devotion to Beowulf is undeniable “when Beowulf needs him most Wiglaf shows his courage, his strengeth and skill … he helps his lord by striking the dragon lower down.” Evidence & citing: Even after Wiglaf’s great king passes, he remains loyal by scolding the other men for “running like cowards, dropping their swords as soon as danger was real.” Unlike Beowulf’s devotion to Hrothgar, Beowulf’s soldiers fled when he needed their help most. Commentary: Despite the majority of his warrior’s actions, Wiglaf’s relationship with Beowulf correlates with Beowulf’s loyalty to Hrothgar, by fighting for their king and sacrificing their own life to protect their king.

Topic sentence: Beowulf expresses the aspect of rewards in the king-warrior relationship when he repays his warrior, Wiglaf, for his loyalty and bravery. Evidence & citing: After Wiglaf helps his king in defeating the dragon, Beowulf directs him to “find the dragon’s treasure … its gold is theirs.” (2745). Wiglaf is able to “take whatever he wants, all of the treasures that please his eye.” As well as the dragon’s treasure that Wiglaf is rewarded with, Beowulf also tells Wiglaf to “take what Beowulf leaves, lead his people.” Commentary: In Anglo-Saxon culture it is normal that Beowulf expresses his gratitude to Wiglaf through riches and the authorization to lead the people. The way that Beowulf rewards Wiglaf is very similar to the rewards Hrothgar gives to Beowulf for his loyal actions.

Wiglaf is a exceptional instance of loyalty in this epic. His loyalty in the direction of his master Beowulf is incomparable. We have considered him standing beside Beowulf each time he needed. He had served Beowulf with all his power and intelligence. Last however no longer the least, when all of us left out of fear, at the fight between the mighty dragon and Beowulf, he was once the one fought by way of Beowulf's aspect with courage.

Conclusion paragraph: The values of rewards and loyalty in Aglo-Saxon culture are portrayed through the relationship between Hrothgar and Beowulf, and Beowulf and Wiglaf. In Anglo-Saxon society, a warrior is one of the most honorable rankings one can achieve. The loyalty that warriors show to their king is displayed through Beowulf’s actions of killing Grendel, and Grendel’s mother, to defend Hrothgar and his people, as well as Wiglaf’s assistance to Beowulf in killing the dragon. As a result of the warriors’ efforts and loyalty, the kings, which in this case are Beowulf and Hrothgar, generously reward their soldiers with abundant riches and endless glory.

References

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