What traits do we see develop in Beowulf as he transitions from valiant warrior into kingly ruler?
What traits does Hrothgar emphasize as essential for successful leadership?
ENGL 201 | British Literature to 1800
Myra Seaman | Fall 2012
What traits do we see develop in Beowulf as he transitions from valiant warrior into kingly ruler?
What traits does Hrothgar emphasize as essential for successful leadership?
At first Beowulf seems to be like every other young man. He’s out to do honorable noble things and attain glory and wins at the same time. He classically treats life like he has nothing to loose and goes full force. Beowulf learns that he has to tone that down and be more like Hrothgar. Hrothgar is a leader who has to worry about his people. Beowulf learns he must reward and protect his warriors and his people. He also learns his personal goals cant interfere with the well being of his people.
I agree that Beowulf is somewhat “like every other man.” He’s very self-assured, noble, energetic, invincible, and has seemingly nothing to lose because he believes that the outcome of anything depends on God’s will. Although in this sense, he is humble, Beowulf seems to not have much of a multi-faceted personality.
As a kingly ruler though, Beowulf is emotional and worn out. He is seen grieving and experiencing sorrow over the rage of the dragon. Where at once he was full of life, now he is almost literally lifeless.
Beowulf is like most men to an extent, but ultimately he is not because he has done extraordinary things that no normal man could gave accomplished. His will and might surpasses that of all other men in the story and that is why he was able to succeed in killing Grendel in the first place. If he was like other men, in the 12 years that Grendel was attacking Hrothgar’s people someone would have risen up and done something, but they could not because it took someone beyond the norm, like Beowulf, to do so.
Regarding Hrothgar, on page 88, lines 1844-54, he identifies that Beowulf’s prudence of speech, strength, and wisdom will make him fit to be king. In fact, on line 1851, Hrothgar says that the “sea-Geats’ could not select a better choice anywhere for king.” This shows that Hrothgar does indeed think Beowulf has the correct traits to make a good king, and while talking to him, highlights those traits.
As a valiant warrior, Beowulf was loyal, strong, and courageous. He believed in his actions, even he if came off arrogant to the people around him. His characteristics distinguish the typical Anglo-Saxon hero, although some may believe that he is even more over-qualified than others. As a kingly ruler, he is still loyal and courageous, just not as strong because of age. He does still have the drive that fueled his strength as a young warrior. He cares more about his people as a king and less about his personal endeavors and gains.
Hrothgar is an ideal Teutonic king because he likes to lavish his kingdom with gifts, dance, and beer. I would not say that he is a gluttonous king, but just one that had a lot of pride and thought it was important to share as well as show that pride to his people. He was humble and cared for them as well which made him a great leader.
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In the beginning of the story we see Beowulf demonstrating strength, bravery and wit. He joins with the Danes in order to prove himself and gain honor and glory by slaying Grendel. He mostly was just trying to build himself some street cred. He was mostly focused on himself and his personal goals then on the needs of the townspeople as a community. Later on in the story though when Hrothgar shows that Beowulf should become king, we see that Beowulf has been demonstrating some different qualities than before. Although he is still strong willed and posses the prowess of a warrior, he is older which makes him focus more on the needs of the people he is ruling. He is sacrificing himself for the good of the people and to make sure that they are protected from the attacks of the dragon. Hrothgar emphasizes traits such as kindness, fairness, and wisdom in a king. He also makes sure that his warriors and townsfolk are treated well in respects to beer, and food, and dancing and community activities that hold them all together.
In the earlier stages of his life Beowulf seeks to gain honor for himself and also for his lord. We see this motive displayed in the boasts of his own accomplishments and upon his return to his homeland and his lord. However, as the aged king he shows a concern for his people. As he is near death Beowulf explains to Wiglaf that he is glad that he has brought glory and wealth to his people (lines 2796-8). While he does at this point mention his accomplishments, the tone is that of reflecting and hoping for a legacy rather than a boast.
As far as being a good king goes, protecting his people from other armies and threats is a major role for the king. For fifty years Beowulf’s efforts went to battling on behalf of his people. His last great act is to protect his subjects from further destruction at the hand of the dragon.
I agree with Emily in that the younger Beowulf attempted to gain only personal honor and glory and make a name for himself. He came off as maybe a little arrogant, selfish and brutal, but as we discussed in class the other day, fear was used as a tool to gain honor in the middle ages. And Beowulf clearly longed to be a leader so it was only right that he possessed these traits. For instance, he fought Grendel without the aid of weaponry, which could have cost him his life. However, despite his conceit, Beowulf was able to kill Grendel. Next he fought Grendel’s mother and this time he used a sword to win the battle, which shows that he wasn’t afraid to use some form of help. Then, when he does become king he learns to honor his men and that his main duty is to protect them. In the beginning he was only seeking personal glory, but in the end he dies for his men as he fights off the dragon.
As it has been mentioned, it seems that the way in which Beowulf fights battles reveals much about his character’s mindset and values. When fighting Grendel in the earlier passage, Beowulf enters the fight and prides himself on only having to use his bare hands to fight, instead of relying on a physical weapon to help him. Was this fruitful? Certainly, but it was reckless as well. At this point in time, Beowulf acts, thinks and functions as a warrior, looking for glory and the spoils of battle. Later when Beowulf takes on the role of king back in his own homeland, he gains a sense of responsibility. He enters the fight with the earth dragon with a much different approach. He takes a shield into battle with him, now acting with far more caution than seen before. Although, we do see Beowulf asking to see the goods that he secured through defeating the dragon, which brings into question Beowulf’s intentions. Later, this is revealed to be an act of a true king in that Beowulf wanted to see the wealth of which he had brought to his people. At this point, Beowulf becomes far more self-sacrificing in order to fulfill his responsibility to his kingdom.
As it was mentioned above, Hrothgar insists that Beowulf’s might, strong mind and speech will help him achieve greatness as a king figure, if the opportunity arose in the future. Beowulf, as a king, had the ability to use his reputation as a heroic warrior to protect his people, by discouraging any other warring kingdoms from attacking a kingdom with Beowulf as its leader. This becomes quite apparent after Beowulf’s death when Wiglaf warns everyone of the possibility that now Beowulf is gone that the kingdom is vulnerable to attack.
Even early on we see that Beowulf possesses many characteristics that make up a natural leader. His physical form has no comparison as he is strong, undeniably brave, and able to endure much fighting. People also tend to follow and listen to Beowulf because of his innate ability to lead. In this sense, i wouldn’t say he is like every other man. However, at this point in the book, Beowulf tends to utilize his abilities towards more individualistic goals. Glory, honor, and the lure of battle are what drives him. These rewards do drive many men, and I would agree that Beowulf has fallen under the spell. Throughout the poem, we see a shift as Beowulf understands that being a hero means fighting for something bigger than yourself. His former victories against Grendal and Grendal’s mother are nice, but a larger honor comes from defending his people against the dragon.
As Beowulf transitions from valiant warrior into kingly ruler, he learns that it is a reward to protect his people. He is loyal to his people and still has the same ambition that he did as a valiant warrior. At first, as a valiant warrior, we see some of the same traits as every other young man in Beowulf. He wants to achieve nobility and glory by winning his battles. As much as he is like most young men, he isn’t because he has achieved credibility that most young men could not. Regarding Hrothgar, he is an ideal king because he shows extreme pride. He lavishes his kingdom with dance, gifts, and beer to ensure that there are community activities to keep the kingdom close. Hrothgar displays traits such as humble, caring, kind, and fair, which make him the king that he is.
I think that in the beginning of “Beowulf”, Beowulf was cocky because of his abilities to always defeat difficult enemies when no one else could. Now, it seemed as if he changed into a caring character that isn’t all about his own glory but the drive to protect his people from harm. Hrothgar showed the trait of empathy and bravery because he cherishes his people and those that died under his rule. He is also more careful of decisions he makes in the best interests of his people.