Heroism and Loyalty in Beowulf

Heroism and Loyalty in Beowulf

Beowulf, as one of the oldest texts in literature, is interesting to read because the text reveals much about the society for which it was written. We know that Beowulf placed a high regard for heroism and loyalty. Sarah Lawall notes that Beowulf is "both a heroic poem of dark magnificence and the most vivid account left to us of the social world and life experiences of the Germanic and Scandinavian peoples" (Lawall 1057). She adds that the poem is also a "fairy-tale story of how the hero Beowulf conquered three monsters" (1057). In addition, she notes that the "most important fact about Germanic tribal society is its violence, which is why the poet describes that society by means of a narrative of monster-killing" (1057). From this notion, we can surmise that the hero was a hero because he did great things - namely he fought monsters. Lawall adds, "Beowulf is recognized as worthy not because he is thoughtful or self-controlled (although he is both) but because he is fierce in battle" (1058). Beowulf is a story that emphasizes the greatest attributes of mankind by examining Beowulf and his desire to be an honorable hero that remains loyal to his cause.

Peter Fisher agrees with this notion, adding that the "conception of the hero derived from classical antiquity is that of a man who transcends the ordinary" (Fisher). In addition, the "impact of his life which has enriched the traditions of his people exalts his struggle into a universal myth of the conflict which man wages in the field of his earthly environment to realize and assert his humanity" (Fisher). Beowulf is no doubt a hero that is admired and feared at the same time. Frank Magill concurs, noting that the poem illustrates societal codes in the Anglo-Saxon culture. He notes that we find a "strong emphasis on courage in battle, fidelity to one's word, and loyalty to kinsmen" (Magill 91). He also notes that Beowulf, the hero, is "bound by family ties, by his own word, and by a strict code of revenge" (Magill 91). He also maintains that the poem is "not a moral allegory in which Beowulf roots evil out of the world, but an exemplum of how each man must face adversity" (91). Nothing demonstrates this more than the battles that Beowulf faces. He becomes a hero because he is loyal to his sense of duty. His people depend on him and he feels as thought he has no choice. With his character, we see how the hero is tied directly to his loyalty.

Beowulf also demonstrates his loyalty to his destiny by accepting Grendel's challenge without remorse or regret. He states about the fight, "Now I mean to be a match for Grendel,/settle the outcome in single combat" (426-7). He not only faces battle bravely, he asks the king for permission before he leaves.

Beowulf is also loyal to the people. An example of this can be seen when he explains to Wealhtheow that he meant "to perform to the uttermost/what your people wanted or perish in the attempt,/in the fiend's clutches" (634-6). Here we see Beowulf's loyalty in full fashion. He is not just accepting battle, he is telling Wealhtheow that he would rather parish in an attempt to do what is expected of him than walk away unscathed.

Perhaps the greatest expression of loyalty is displayed when Beowulf fights Grendel. Here we see that Beowulf is loyal to his values, his own sense of worth, and to the expectations of those around him. He does not run even when things do not look good for him. He does not waver. Fisher states that Beowulf "displays the characteristic traits of the hero: confidence balanced by magnanimity in discarding his weapons, and a readiness to accept the outcome whatever it may be" (Fisher). In addition, Beowulf has many loyal followers that struggle for his survival. We read that they labored to "defend/their lord's life, laying about them/as best they could with their ancestral blades" (794-6). Beowulf demonstrates his loyalty to his destiny and his followers demonstrate their loyalty to him by fighting for him when it matters the most.

We cannot think of the loyal hero without thinking of Beowulf's battle with Grendel's mother. We read that Beowulf dresses himself in his traditional war attire and is "indifferent to death" (1443). He asks Halfdane's son to "act like a father" (1479) to him if he should fall in battle. He also asks him to take care/of my young company, my comrades in arms" (1480-1). Here we see a hero that is thinking of his people should things take a turn for the worse. This is a strong characteristic of the loyal hero. His mind is not cluttered with thoughts of himself - it is as if he does not have time to think of himself at such a time.

Beowulf is a lucky man to have such loyal followers. We read that they were:

always and everywhere to be ready for action at home or in the camp, in whatever case and at whatever time the need arose to rally round their lord. (1247-50)

Every successful warrior and hero needs to have the support of his people. They need to know that he is someone whom they can hang their hopes and believe in when times are tough. This is a give and take situation in that both need each other. A hero is nothing without the support of his people and the people have nothing if they do not have a fierce warrior ready to fight for them. The story of Beowulf demonstrates the ideal of how this reciprocal relationship works. The hero needs the loyalty of the people and the people need the loyalty of their hero.

Beowulf is a hero not only because he goes to battle but also because he wins. He does not fight for the sake of fighting - he fights for his people. Again, there is something more than the simple act of winning at stake. We have a man that is prepared to not only fight for his people but also loose his life if that is what fate allows. There is no question about it. When Beowulf gives the head of Grendel to Hrothgar, he is recognized for his courage and bravery in that he protects his people and "ledged to uphold/truth and justice and respect to tradition" (1700-1). This scene is significant because Hrothgar is recognizing all the codes of the hero and he tells Beowulf, "Forever you will be/Your people's mainstay and your own warrior's/helping hand" (1706-8). To emphasize Beowulf's fine qualities, Hrothgar speaks of Heremod, a man responsible for an era of Danish death and destruction. Where Beowulf is concerned about the welfare of his people, Heremod was nothing more than a bloodthirsty man hungry for war. Hrothgar reinforces Beowulf's positive characteristics by telling him to remain committed to what he knows is true.

We can never question Beowulf's loyalty.

We read that he:

bore himself with valour;

he was formidable in battle yet behaved with honour and took no advantage; never cut down comrade who was drunk, kept his temper and, a warrior that he was, watched and controlled his God-sent strength. (2177-82)

Here we see the significance of the hero being loyal to what he knows to be right and true. Beowulf lives a good life and becomes wiser as he grows older. Beowulf was not simply loyal t his people in times of trouble, he was loyal to them at all times. Here we see that even when Beowulf had his fame and glory and did not need to be a "good man" any longer, he is a good man. This act illustrates his true nature. Indeed, Beowulf says that he "will not shift a foot" (2524) because he is an honorable man - even unto death. Wiglaf is a character that recognizes this kind of loyalty when he says, "A warrior will sooner/die than live a life of shame" (2890-1). By having Wiglaf make this statement, the importance of heroism and loyalty are emphasized. It would be one thing for Beowulf to make this statement but to hear it from Wiglaf makes it even more powerful.

Nothing makes the hero look better than making the enemy look bad. Beowulf is no different. In this story, our hero stands up to Grendel, which is depicted as an evil thing. He killed and felt no remorse or regret for killing. He was also unhappy and condemned by God. His mother and the dragon are nothing less than monsters. The battles with these evil creatures emphasize the battle between good and evil in the world. By allowing us to see the reality of the evil, we can appreciate Beowulf even more. We come to see and enjoy the contrast in that we want our hero to shine against the ugly creatures. Interestingly, this makes us want too be loyal to Beowulf. Ina word, Beowulf is a hero that can be described with one word - loyal.

Beowulf is nothing if he is not loyal. This is a significant trait and one that every warrior or hero must possess. We know that a hero must not only be loyal to oneself, but also to one's personal belief and one's country and one's belief to be a good warrior. Loyalty appears in the poem in many different ways, with one being how the other characters in the poem relate to Beowulf. For example, Hrothgar demonstrates his loyalty to Beowulf with promises of a "rich treasure" (385) for his good deeds. This scene is interesting in that we see that loyalty is a two-way street. On the one hand, Beowulf is demonstrating his loyalty to his code of ethics by offering Hrothgar his assistance because his father, Hrethel, owed Hrothgar a favor. Beowulf arrives "to follow up an old friendship" (376). On the other hand, Hrothgar repays Beowulf for his loyalty with treasures. Hrothgar tells his people that for his heroism, he will "recompense him with a rich treasure" (387). Here we see how both men recognize societal codes and honor them even thought they have never met each other. We see another example of loyalty when Unferth lends his sword, Hrunting, to Beowulf. This scene is significant because Unferth did not always think highly of Beowulf. Over time, Unferth comes to understand the hero in Beowulf and, as a result, respects him a great deal. His sword "never failed/that hand of anyone who had fought and faced the worst/in the gap of danger" (1460-2). His offering is a demonstration of loyalty declaring that he believes in Beowulf and supports him.

These are not the only cases in which Beowulf is rewarded for his loyalty. We see Halfdane's son reward Beowulf with a grand feast where he gives him gifts of gold, which are "standard as a victory gift" (1020) along with a banner, a helmet, and a sword that are "tokens of honour" (1023). Later in the story, Wealhtheow awards Beowulf with a torque and a mail. She says that Beowulf and his men are "true to the other,/loyal to lord, loving in spirit" (1228-9). Through the recognition of others, we see the greatness of Beowulf's character. We also know that Beowulf's heroism and loyalty are not insignificant. To the contrary, it is something that is to be admired and rewarded. These scenes illustrate how loyalty is extremely important to not only the warrior but also his followers.