Loyalty In Beowulf

Epics and poems mark the early days of creative writing, and it is the Anglo-Saxon epic of Beowulf that is most recognized today. Beowulf has been translated many times, but the translation by Burton Raffel sticks true to the originally intended story well. The Anglo-Saxon people held virtues somewhat reminiscent of the values held today; however, through their literature, it is clear what values they held in highest regard. Beowulf is the prime example of Anglo-Saxon writings and many of the Anglo-Saxon beliefs are clearly present throughout it. Of all the virtues present in the epic, the values of loyalty and fate are two that are. Beowulf is the story of a great warrior and leader. The titular Beowulf is an archetype of a hero, representing …show more content…
The Anglo-Saxons put loyalty to the king at extremely high regard, and that is very clear in Beowulf. There are two main moments in which the virtue of loyalty is held in highest regard. The first lasts throughout the majority of the book as Beowulf triumphs over his enemies for the good of his king. Beowulf makes clear that he lacks any selfish intentions, constantly referring to himself being a follower of Higlac, his king. Beowulf makes no attempt to gain power for himself; he does everything for his king. After defeating Grendel and his mother and receiving vast riches from the Danes, Beowulf gives it all to Higlac, showing his immense loyalty and how high he regards it. The book makes clear how the Anglo-Saxon people believe a true loyal man must …show more content…
Loyalty can be seen in great amounts much later in the story. When Beowulf faces the greatest challenge of his life, a ferocious dragon, he falters in battle for the first time. While many of his followers show themselves to lack loyalty, lying and boasting of strength only to fail when the unthinkable happens, one does not falter. Wiglaf, one of Beowulf’s men, is the only one to remain at his side; he remains loyal to Beowulf and gives him the ability and opportunity to kill the dragon in his last moments. In both cases of loyalty, Beowulf to Higlac and Wiglaf to Beowulf, loyalty is rewarded with the greatest reward as the one who remains loyal takes the place as king. Loyalty is portrayed as able to allow a soldier to rise to be king; both Beowulf and Wiglaf rise to the rank of king as a result of their continued loyalty towards the current king. The virtue inspires Anglo-Saxon people to uphold the virtue by stressing the rewards and glory that come with

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