Beowulf and King Hrothgar Characters - Essay Example

To begin with, Hrothgar and Beowulf demonstrate the same level of devotion to the old heroic code of the Germanic tribes.  This code placed a lot of value on things like strength and loyalty in warriors, hospitality and political skill in leaders, the presentable nature of women and the good reputation of the people everyone associates with.  In describing how he worked to save Beowulf’s father’s good name, Hrothgar tells Beowulf “Great was the feud that your father set off when his hand struck down Heatholaf in death among the Wylfings. … I then settled the feud with fitting payment, sent to the Wylfings over the water’s back old things of beauty; against which I’d the oath of your father” (459-61; 470-72).  In this, Hrothgar is recounting how the two families are connected in honor, allowing him to accept the help of Beowulf without losing any of his current power even though he is no longer physically strong enough to rid his kingdom of the ogre Grendel. 

In addition, Hrothgar is aware of the dangers of power that Beowulf is likely to encounter during his lifetime and seeks to warn him of them, indicating a distinct difference between the moral conscience between the civilized culture and that of the barbarian culture that doesn’t recognize such issues.  This reflective attitude is mostly seen in his speech to Beowulf just before the Geats depart from Heorot.  Here, he warns Beowulf against the sins of pride and greed as they will creep into his heart whether he will or not as he gains power and position among the tribes.  “Beloved Beowulf, best of warriors, resist this deadly taint, take what is better, your lasting profit.  Put away arrogance, noble fighter!  The noon of your strength shall last for a while now, but in a little time, sickness or a sword shall swipe it from you” (1758-63).  This mostly Christian view in a Pagan culture gives medieval men a clue as to the true path they should follow even while it leaves room for Pagan beliefs in a land before Christianity had become widespread. 

Finally, Hrothgar represents the generous lord of the hall, as is expected of the best of kings of the medieval period in idealized images like King Arthur.  In building his mead-hall palace, Hrothgar leaves plenty of room for his ring-thanes and is very generous in handing out gifts to those who frequent his hall.  He is also generous in dealing with others, as has already been demonstrated in his paying to settle Beowulf’s father’s feud.  This dedication to generosity is also seen in his speech to Beowulf.  “What he has so long enjoyed he rejects as too little; in niggardly anger renounces his lordly gifts of gilt torques, forgets and misprises his fore-ordained part…” (1748-51).  In other words, Hrothgar outlines the idea that generosity and ample support of your men is both an expected responsibility as well as a blessing bestowed on the lucky man by God, it is his obligation to look out for those below him.

Because Hrothgar is honorable in not accepting help out of charity but instead out of accepting debts repaid, he provides for a strong Christian connection and he demonstrates a God-given opportunity and obligation to look after those who serve him, he provides an excellent model of a kingly leader to the medieval man by upholding those principles that medieval knights were supposed to hold dear.  Even though he is old and no longer as strong as Beowulf, he is not able to defeat Grendel on his own, Hrothgar still manages to be thought of as a good and wise king because of these honorable, just, and generous attitudes.