Loyalty In Beowulf

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Most of the time it would seem that heroes tend to do or be whatever society believes they should be. Throughout history time has altered the meaning of a hero according to the change in morals. Today a hero can be justified as someone who is adored and looked up to because of their accomplishments and bravery. In the poem of Beowulf that occurs in the eighteenth century, also known as the Anglo Saxon era, Beowulf is faced with many chances to be fearless against Grendel, Grendel's mother, and a dragon. As Beowulf continues to prevail in battle he gains the affection of the Danes and Geats. “And over and over they swore that nowhere on earth or under the spreading sky or between the seas, neither sought nor north was there a warrior worthier…show more content…
All of his fights seem to be because Hrothgar, king of the Danes, built a hall in honor of the loyalty of his warriors. Although defending Hrothgar puts Beowulf’s life in danger many times, he continues to remain faithful because Hrothgar had done Beowulf’s father, Edgetho, a favor. “My father was a famous soldier, known far and wide as a leader of men. His name was Edgetho. His life lasted many winters; wise men all over the earth surely remember him still.” (Beowulf, 260-265). His father was looked at as being very important and was known as a great leader. His influence came from his performance and leadership during war.Beowulf, just as his father, is victorious in his unarmed battle against Grendel by ripping his arm off.“The monster’s hatred rose higher, but his power had gone. He twisted in pain, and the bleeding sinews deep in his shoulder snapped, muscle and bone split and broke. The battle was over, Beowulf had been granted new glory: Grendel escaped, but wounded as he was could flee to his den, his miserable hole at the bottom of the marsh, only to die, to wait for the end of all his days.” (Beowulf, 814-822). Beowulf is victorious and Grendel is defeated however, his battle if far from over. Grendel’s mother mourns her dead son and wants revenge. “And now it was known that a monster had died but a monster still lived, and meant revenge. She’d brooded on her loss, misery had brewed in her heart, that female horror, Grendel’s mother, living in the murky cold lake assigned her since Cain had killed his only brother, slain his father’s son with an angry sword.” (Beowulf,

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