Heroic Code In Beowulf

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The Heroic Code, also known as comitatus, was an essential facet of the warrior/lord relationship in pre-Anglo Saxon culture. The patriarchal structure that bound kinsmen and thanes established the values of the heroic code. These values included bravery, pride, and fidelity. They were key to comradeship. The idea of sacrificing oneself in place of the chief of clan was one aspect of this pact that reflected their high standards. In turn, the cycle of death was reborn through generations. To die for a leader would create the powerful battle mentality that the Danes thrived on.

In the epic Beowulf, the warriors' extreme devotion to the heroic code is seen throughout the poem. The scene where Wiglaf fights the dragon before Beowulf serves as
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