Loyalty In Beowulf

Words: 795
Pages: 4

Loyal. Honest. Brave. These are just a few of the terms used to describe the many heroes that exist- both Anglo-Saxon heroes as well as modern day heroes. Even though Anglo-Saxon heroes were developed a millennium ago, many of the characteristics stay true to today’s heroes. One character from one of the first epic poems exemplifies these characteristics, therefore he can be viewed as one of the “first superheroes” in history. This character, Beowulf, from Beowulf, demonstrates super strength, his need to boast, and his selflessness in his quest to protect others around him.
Although Beowulf demonstrates many characteristics, one of the most obvious is his superhuman strength. In fact, the whole reason Beowulf traveled overseas to the land of the Danes to save Herot is because he was
…show more content…
From the very start, Beowulf offered his help when he heard that the Danes needed it. He was on a quest to destroy evil wherever it exists, not merely to protect his own people or his own interests. This act shows that he was willing to risk his life for strangers, which is quite a selfless thing to do. Beowulf also demonstrated his selflessness before the battle with Grendel. He had turned to Hrothgar and told him to take care of his men if he were to die. This shows that his first thought was about the well being of his men, even when his life was in the hands of fate. Even after fifty years of ruling the throne, Beowulf stood up to a dragon to protect his land. He knew that he was risking his life and his rule as the king, yet he still went and fought. During this battle, he became mortally wounded, and one of his men, Wiglaf, finished off the dragon. Beowulf told Wiglaf to fetch the gold remaining in the Dragon’s tower, so that the people can have the riches. Even in his last moments, he was thinking of other’s well-being. Clearly, Beowulf was very selfless- another reason he resembles a super