The Importance of Loyalty and Rewards Between the King and His Warriors in Beowulf - Essay Example

The Importance of Loyalty and Rewards Between the King and His Warriors in Beowulf

Beowulf is an interesting poem written in the Anglo-Saxon. The poem talks about the fearless warriors such as Beowulf and Wiglaf who wear the shield of heroism, loyalty thus earning great rewards. The importance of loyalty and rewards between the king and his warriors in Beowulf is seen in this poem. Having loyalty is when one is true, faithful, devoted to someone or something, and puts them or their well-being before anything. Beowulf and Wiglaf are just a good example.

In Beowulf, the poet gives narrations of these fearless warriors who were true and faithful. Beowulf, the son of Ecgtheow, is one character that does not hesitate to show loyalty to both his family, his people, and his warriors. From when he was a warrior to when he became king, this man was truly loyal. We see so many instances where the brave and loyal disregard their safety to protect the ones they love and care. This poem teaches us a valuable lesson in several instances, like how Beowulf resolves the issue between Hrothgar and Grendel, the monster.

At the beginning of the narration, the reader discovers that Dane`s land is terrorized by a monster called Grendel. For twelve long, painful years, the people of Dane have not celebrated in the mead-hall or had a moment’s peace. Many brave warriors from Dane have tried to annihilate this monster but failed. Terror rules the land of Dane. Beowulf, who is in the land of Geats, hears of Hrothgar’s predicament. He does not hesitate to set sail to help the old king. ‘Over the sea, a day’s voyage off.... hears of Grendel’s doings and Hrothgar’s misery. He resolves to crush the fell monster....’ At first the reader cannot help but wonder the type of relationship between him and Hrothgar share or is it because he is said to be the best warrior in all the lands and that he wants to maintain that glory but further down the narration we get to know that Beowulf is aiding king Hrothgar because of a debt.

His father’s debt. The relationship being that many years down the line, when there was a blood feud, Hrothgar lent a helping hand to Ecgtheow, the Beowulfs father. Hrothgar of Denmark was a friend to Beowulfs late father, Ecgetheow. Hrothgar once aided Beowulfs father, now years later, Beowulf does not hesitate to lend a helping hand even though the mission’s deemed dangerous. He is truly a loyal character, though it is something that happened years ago, Beowulf feels that it is his responsibility to repay the king Hrothgar due to the relationship shared with his father. The young thane boast of his father’s achievements to Hrothgar. This time Hrothgar sees a glimmer of hope. Hrothgar admires this loyal thane who could have chosen to pretend not to know of the debt, but he is a true warrior bound by principles. Hrothgar believes in the young thane’s ability. Beowulf fights the monster barehanded and defeats him. (line 635-637). Hrothgar had no choice but to accept that the debt was settled after his predicament was solved. Through his loyalty, he earns the title of being a noble and undefeated warrior. Hrothgar and his people let out a sigh of relief.

Due to his victory, King Hrothgar rewards him with gratitude and gifts. Everybody likes to be rewarded. The gifts and honor to a thane act as motivation.

Grendel’s mother attacks to avenge his son’s death, Hrothgar seeks Beowulf to help him once more. Beowulf fights and attains victory. He is bestowed with the title of liegemen by king Hrothgar which is a tittle of glory and honor. When he goes back home, he is lavished with more gifts from his king Hygelac. Beowulf earns the trust of his people that he is more than capable, thus building a good relationship with others.

Beowulf refuses the chance of being crowned after the previous king Hygelac, whose relationship with him is through blood ties, perishes in a raid. Though he is deemed capable, Beowulfs refusal comes as a shock to many. Any other person would have gladly accepted the title of being king but not Beowulf. He honors the relationship he shares with his cousin. With his accomplishments together with the support from the queen, Beowulf could have easily secured the position, but he chooses to stay true and young king; Beowulf works with him until his death. The reward for his patience is the kingdom that was left behind. Beowulf inherits the throne.

When the fire breathing dragon came to wreak havoc in Beowulfs kingdom, Beowulf chooses eleven thanes, Wiglaf being amongst them to fight the dragon. Wiglaf was inexperienced, but he still stood bold and faced the dragon monster. Though he was old at age, Beowulf still chose to participate in the fight. With his eleven thanes, Beowulf fought head-on with the dragon. Beowulf was indeed loyal to his people and his kingdom. Though he knew that he might not make it out, he still fought to uphold his responsibility to his people. In the end, he earned the title of being the most loyal warrior who upheld his people’s well-being even in the face of death, and we, as the readers can’t help but admire him.

Wiglaf is another man who showed a deep sense of loyalty to his king, Beowulf. Though an inexperienced thane amongst the ten thanes, he certainly showed his loyalty to Beowulf when in the face of danger. At the time when the fire breathing dragon came to wreak havoc in Beowulfs kingdom, Beowulf chose his best eleven thanes to fight it. Wiglaf was truly loyal. Even though his wooden shield caught fire, his hands got burned, he still chose to protect his king. As an inexperienced thane, he would have chosen to run away just like the other ten thanes, but he fought shoulder to shoulder with the old king to bring the fire breathing dragon. Due to this, Wiglaf earns the title of being a king from Beowulf. Wiglaf had proven himself, and Beowulf believes that no one will be capable of such a position. Wiglaf, who had a good relationship with the king, secures his seat through capabilities rather than the titled relationship of being a distant cousin. Wiglaf shared a good relationship with his majesty, and after the latter’s demise, he took the throne.

Everybody loves rewards. Everybody loves faithfulness. Rewards breed loyalty. It is important to give out rewards now and then even in the littlest accomplishments. Indeed, loyalty is the ingredient for any successful kingdom. Rewards build and motivate a person to do the unthinkable. Beowulf is loyal to the core. Throughout his life, Beowulf remains loyal to his warriors, his kingdom, and his people. Over and over again Beowulfs character proves to be astounding. Rewards cultivate trust and motivation amongst people. Beowulf and Wiglaf are truly outstanding men. Beowulfs loyalty and bravery earned him a great title, and even after his death, he is still remembered as the great warrior and will forever be glorified. King Beowulf and Wiglaf bring loyalty to another level.