LOYALTY SHOWN IN BEOWULF Essay Example For Students

LOYALTY SHOWN IN BEOWULF Essay In the fictional story Beowulf, one of the oldest existing poems in the English language, loyalty is revealed in all aspects. Due to Gods loyal act of strength and power at an exceptional time for the Danes, Beowulf comes into existence as Scylds son. Loyalty, an act of good faith, is a quality you can cherish in everyone. Beowulfs past plays a major role in his future. Scyld, Beowulfs father, did not have a son for many years. God saw the misery that would befall the Danish nation if Scyld were to die and leave his country leaderless, so God provided Scyld with Beowulf. Afterward, Beowulf rules the Danes for many years. Then his son, Healfdene, becomes ruler, and he has four sons and a daughter. One of Healfdenes sons, Hrothgor, although not the eldest, eventually becomes king of the Danes because of his loyal courage and success in battle, and his band of warriors increases as his reputation for success and fairness grows throughout the land; eventually, he builds up a fierce army. Grendel, not only a monster in human-like shape, but he is also a descendant of Cain. He lives under an inherited curse and is denied Gods presence. Eventually, reports of Grendels bloodthirsty raids reach King Hygelacs court in Geatland. Soon afterward, Hygelacs nephew Beowulf announces that he will sail to Hrothgars kingdom and offer help. He sets out immediately, sailing across the sea with fourteen carefully chosen thanes. Arriving at the Danish shore, Beowulf and his men give thanks to God for a safe journey, then come ashore. They are greeted by Hrothgars coastal guard, who expresses surprise at the Geats brazenness, commenting particularly on Beowulfs formidable and princely bearing. Beowulf emerges triumphant and swims ashore, carrying the hilt of the giant sword and Grendels huge head. The Geats cluster about him, thanking God, and after impaling Grendels heavy head on a spear, four men carry it back to Heorot. At Heorot, they drag the head across the floor for all to see, while Beowulf relates the story of his fight beneath the water, referring to Grendels mother as the enemy of God. Beowulfs moral greatness is enhanced by contrasting his refusal of the throne to Hrothulfs display of ingratitude to Hrothgars kindness when he later lays hold of the Danish throne. Beowulf rules wisely for fifty years without war or disruption of peace. As a warrior, he is incredibly gentle, the mildest of men, and most civil. The peace of the kingdom is destroyed only when the enraged dragon roars through the Geats homeland, burning homes and destroying their mead hall. Beowulfs first thought is that he himself may have sinned, or broken an ancient law, and the dragon has been sent as Gods punishment. With superior forces like God and the heroic deeds made by Beowulf, then one can truly say they understand and respect loyalty. .