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Beowulf: A Classic Medieval Archetypal Leader
Beowulf is one of the earliest epic poems. It tells a classic tale of a great hero. The style of the epic reflects a much earlier writing style found in the Viking sagas. Yet the story is that of a Danish King. Literature and art are the keys to understanding society. Art is not random, but rather is a product of the society in which it lives. Beowulf is a hero in the society that produced him. It is not known it Beowulf is an exaggeration of a real king, or if he is simply a composite of the values that the society held dear. We learn much about Beowulf through this epic. Through the following research we will examine this idea more carefully. Through examination of other medieval works, a composite will be created of medieval society expected of their leaders. It will support the thesis that Beowulf is a composite of the desirable traits that a medieval leader should possess.
In the last four lines of the poem we learn of four virtues that the men use to describe Beowulf. They call him, "Mild in his mien, Most gentle of men, Kindest to kinfolk, and Keenest for fame." These virtues are echoed throughout the text of Beowulf and form a central theme of the epic. In the Prologue to Beowulf we find that Beowulf was known for gifting gold the those who had earned it and that he earned the respect and loyalty of many in the Northlands.
In Chapter 24, these virtues are contrasted to the opposite character, when it is said that Ecgwela ruled by the slaughtering the enemy. He is contrasted this character to Beowulf in that he gave no money to the worthy and lost the loyalty of his subjects. Then the comment is made to learn from this example. Also in Chapter 24 we find that God gives man the power to rule over others and gain great wealth, but also cautions one not to abuse that power. Chapter 25 continues this theme when we are cautioned to guard against greed and the devil. Beowulf is cautioned not to become selfish, or he will lose his strength. Throughout the remainder of the text we find numerous references to Beowulf's generosity towards...
We find selfless sacrifice when Beowulf goes to face the dragon alone, that no others will be in danger. The description of Beowulf in the last four lines are justified many times throughout the text through his actions more than through his words.
These descriptions are important as they help to characterize Beowulf as a classic hero. They help to align him with characteristics that were supposed to be a sign of good leadership in the Middle Ages. Leaders were supposed to be generous, selfless in sacrifice for the good of others, and honest. These characteristics were also much like those associated with Jesus Christ. Medieval society expected their leaders to be like Christ in their mannerisms and character..
One of the best examples of the definition of qualities that characterized leadership is found in the Visogothic code. In Book II, Title I, Law VI we find a chapter titled,"Concerning Those who Abandon the King, or the People, or their Country, or who Conduct Themselves with Arrogance" (Visogothic Code, Book II, Title I, Law VI). This section sets for the punishment for those who are not loyal to their country and king. The Visogothic code considered loyalty to one's country to not only be desirable, but also insisted that it became law. This idea of loyalty to one's country was very real and not confined to mythological rulers and kings. This code demonstrates that this concept was a real ideal, with real punishments attached to it for disobedience.
Nicolo Machiavelli wrote a set of guidelines to define princely virtues and desirable characteristics of leadership. In Chapter 25 is this same reference to the influence of fortune and its negative aspects as well as ways to counteract its effect (Machiavelli, Chapter 25). The virtues of generosity, a caution against greed, and selfless sacrifice and loyalty to the people is a recurring theme in medieval literature. This point is carefully illustrated in the Prologue to Canterbury tales. Canterbury tales paints a picture of the pious in which they are showing the correct virtue on the outside, but what…
The Dream of Rood is another example of the hero (Christ) overcoming an evil force (sin) (Alvin, 1975, p. 172). This poem places the classic medieval heroic figure in a Christian atmosphere and setting. However, it is still the same heroic icon, in the same battle for good vs. evil. It is apparent that many works were written on this theme at the time and that they contained the same message adapted so that it would gain the attention and acceptance of audience for which it was intended. The Dream of Rood presents Christ as a triumphant warrior, much like Beowulf returning after victoriously defeating Grendel.
The Dream of Rood's description of Christ varied drastically from the earlier accounts of the crucifixion. According the Swanton (1987, p. 100), the main differences between gothic descriptions are that the earlier versions tended to dwell on the intense details of the torture itself. Whereas, the Dream of Rood concentrated more on the heroic characteristics of Christ. This is an example where two different versions of the same event reflect an entirely different set of values and ideals. This is a good example of how literature serves as a reflection of the values associated with the society in which it was written.
It is easy to devise a composite set of characteristics that can be considered a standard of conduct that was expected by medieval society. A. leader must be strong, steadfast in the face of danger, place the well-being of other before his own, be generous, kind, fair in gifts and in punishments. He must always help those in need and maintain unwaivering allegiance to King and country under any circumstance. These characteristics are found in many heroic characters throughout the early, middle and late middle ages. They are found in almost every classic work of
Beowulf's story is being told by Christian tribes. He finds nature on his side because God is on his side - and he works within Gods will. He does not fight gods or nature, but rather only fights irrevocably evil demons. He is associated with a pious culture which is not humanistic, and in which science and other such forms of hubris are not encouraged. Beowulf is a truly
Beowulf, Grendel, and Grendel's Mother Monstrous? To be monstrous is to be something other than human, but monstrous means more than extraordinary; it is a term with a bad or evil connotation, so that those who are monstrous are not only outside of the realm of the average human being, but also outside of it in a negative way. In the novel Beowulf, one encounters three different characters who have
Beowulf What does it mean to be good in the world described in Beowulf? The way that good is described in the world of Beowulf, is as an individual who is: masculine, fearless and strong. The main character (i.e. Beowulf) is the classical depiction of this person. As he will continually, fight and slay the dragon that has been terrorizing the Danes. The way that he acts and carries himself throughout the
Beowulf On the surface, the poem Beowulf seems to be a simple tale of a brave hero who triumphs over three monsters and engages in several other battles in order to preserve what is "just" and right. A more thorough reading, however, reveals that the epic poem is filled with events that symbolize historical and social conditions that prevailed during the European reign of the Scandinavians in the seventh century to
Nevertheless, he is resolute in his decision to face the dragon in order to continue on towards his attainment of the paradoxical heroic ideal, even if he recognizes that this ideal may be the cause of unwarranted pain and suffering, and thus tells his men that "this fight is not yours, / nor is it up to any man except me / to measure his strength against the monster
Your answer should be at least five sentences long. The Legend of Arthur Lesson 1 Journal Entry # 9 of 16 Journal Exercise 1.7A: Honor and Loyalty 1. Consider how Arthur's actions and personality agree with or challenge your definition of honor. Write a few sentences comparing your definition (from Journal 1.6A) with Arthur's actions and personality. 2. Write a brief paragraph explaining the importance or unimportance of loyalty in being honorable. Lesson 1 Journal