This essay examines heroism and loyalty as the defining virtues of the Old English epic Beowulf, drawing on scholarship by Sarah Lawall, Frank Magill, and Peter Fisher. The paper traces how Beowulf demonstrates loyalty to his people, his personal code of honor, and his destiny through his three great battles against Grendel, Grendel's mother, and the dragon. It also explores the reciprocal nature of loyalty — how followers such as Wiglaf and figures such as Hrothgar and Wealhtheow honor Beowulf in return — and argues that these interlocking bonds of loyalty are what elevate Beowulf from a mere warrior to a universal heroic archetype admired across cultures and centuries.
The paper makes effective use of the reciprocity argument: rather than treating loyalty as a one-directional virtue of the hero, it shows how loyalty flows between Beowulf and those around him — followers who fight for him, kings who reward him, and characters like Wiglaf who validate his values. This structural observation strengthens the thesis by showing loyalty as a social code, not merely a personal trait.
The essay opens with critical context drawn from secondary sources, then moves chronologically through Beowulf's three major battles, using each as a lens for a different dimension of loyalty (to destiny, to people, to self). A middle section examines how loyalty is externally recognized and rewarded. The paper closes by contrasting Beowulf with his failed companions and with antagonists like Grendel, before returning to Fisher's concept of the universal hero in the conclusion.
Beowulf, as one of the oldest texts in literature, is fascinating to read because it reveals much about the society for which it was written. The poem places a high regard on 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 we can surmise that the hero earns his status by doing great things — namely, fighting 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 who 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). Furthermore, 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 without doubt a hero who is admired and feared at the same time. Frank Magill concurs, noting that the poem illustrates societal codes in 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 further 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 Beowulf faces. He becomes a hero because he is loyal to his sense of duty. His people depend on him, and he feels he has no choice. Through his character, we see how the hero is tied directly to his loyalty.
Beowulf 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 acts.
Beowulf is also loyal to his 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 fully expressed. He is not merely accepting battle; he is telling Wealhtheow that he would rather perish 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 look bleak. 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 who 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 most.
We cannot think of the loyal hero without considering 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 should he 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 who is thinking of his people in the event that 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 for self-concern at such a moment.
Beowulf is fortunate 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 the support of his people. They need to know that he is someone in whom they can place their hopes and believe when times are tough. This is a reciprocal situation: 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. There is something more than the simple act of winning at stake. We have a man who is prepared not only to fight for his people but also to lose his life if that is what fate allows. When Beowulf presents the head of Grendel to Hrothgar, he is recognized for his courage and bravery, having protected his people and "pledged to uphold / truth and justice and respect to tradition" (1700–1). This scene is significant because Hrothgar acknowledges all the codes of the hero, telling Beowulf, "Forever you will be / your people's mainstay and your own warriors' / helping hand" (1706–8). To emphasize Beowulf's fine qualities further, 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 urging 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 a comrade who was drunk, kept his temper and, 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. He was not simply loyal to his people in times of trouble — he was loyal to them at all times. Even after he had earned his fame and glory and no longer needed to prove himself a "good man," he remained one. 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 who 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 further emphasized. It would be one thing for Beowulf himself to say it, but hearing it from Wiglaf makes it even more powerful.
Nothing makes the hero look greater than placing him in contrast with evil. In this story, Beowulf stands up to Grendel, who is depicted as a creature that kills without remorse, condemned by God. Grendel's mother and the dragon are no less monstrous. The battles with these evil creatures emphasize the eternal conflict between good and evil in the world. By allowing us to see the reality of evil, the poet enables us to appreciate Beowulf all the more. The contrast invites us to root for our hero as he shines against these ugly creatures — and, in a word, it makes us want to be loyal to Beowulf ourselves. He is a hero who can be described with one word: loyal.
Beowulf is nothing if he is not loyal. This is a significant trait that every warrior or hero must possess. A hero must be loyal not only to himself but also to his personal beliefs, his country, and his calling to be a good warrior. Loyalty appears in the poem in many different forms, one of which is how the other characters 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 because we see that loyalty is a two-way street. On the one hand, Beowulf demonstrates his loyalty to his code of ethics by offering Hrothgar his assistance — his father, Hrethel, once owed Hrothgar a favor, and Beowulf arrives "to follow up an old friendship" (376). On the other hand, Hrothgar repays Beowulf's loyalty with treasures, telling his people that for Beowulf's heroism he will "recompense him with a rich treasure" (387). Here we see how both men recognize and honor societal codes even though they have never previously met.
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 greatly. 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 declaration of loyalty — a sign that he believes in Beowulf and supports him.
These are not the only cases in which Beowulf is rewarded for his loyalty. Halfdane's son rewards Beowulf with a grand feast and gives him gifts of gold, described as "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 coat of 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. His heroism and loyalty are not taken for granted — to the contrary, they are something to be admired and rewarded. These scenes illustrate how loyalty is extremely important not only to the warrior but also to those who follow him.
Two words that describe Beowulf are hero and loyal. These two distinct characteristics are what set Beowulf apart from everyone else. Beowulf places loyalty on a high pedestal and, as a result, becomes a hero. He is not a tragic hero — as Fisher points out, he "becomes the universal type of humanity and of the life of humanity in all its greatness, in its wonder and sorrow" (Fisher). This is why Beowulf endures as a beloved figure. He is real and believable. His life encompasses the best and worst of everything. He faces his own fear when he confronts Grendel, and he faces abandonment when he fights the dragon. He is a hero because he does not let his fear rule him — nor does he try to deny it. Instead, he prepares for the worst while giving everything his best effort. Because he can face all of his battles with honor, he is a hero we can love. He fought evil monsters in the tradition of the epic hero, which made him a hero in his own day. Today, we recognize his bravery as a powerful and enduring human trait.
Heaney, Seamus. Beowulf. Bilingual ed. New York: W. W. Norton & Company, 2000.
Fisher, Peter. "The Trials of the Epic Hero in Beowulf." PMLA. JSTOR Resource Database. Accessed February 15, 2008.
Lawall, Sarah. "Beowulf." The Norton Anthology of World Masterpieces. Vol. I. New York: W. W. Norton and Company, 1999.
Magill, Frank. "Beowulf." Masterpieces of World Literature. New York: Harper and Row, 1989.
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