Examples Of Nobility In Beowulf
Avery Angel
Mr. Humber
AP English 5-6
November 12th, 2013
Nobility The epic Beowulf is seen today as a fine representation of Anglo-Saxon nobility and ignobility. The setting is Denmark, land of Danish Anglo-Saxons that lived as the Vikings of the first millennia. Many characters in Beowulf are brutal warriors that would charge into battle hoping to find glory in battle or an honorable death that would send them to Valhalla. Despite a somewhat belligerent way of life, many lived by a code of honor and had a sturdy, thick moral fiber. This tale accurately details its characters as noble and ignoble in the eyes of an Anglo-Saxon by introducing them to deadly battles, wealth, and achievement. …show more content…
For instance, Hrothgar, the King of Danes, always had loyal men accompany him in his mead-hall, Heorot, despite the fact that a monster consumed someone from Heorot for “Twelve winters of grief” (Line 147). They could have easily left the country and saved their skins, but they didn’t because Hrothgar needed men to help keep the country safe and controlled. If it wasn’t for his men, Denmark would have fallen under the tyranny of Grendel. Another example would be Wiglaf staying in Beowulf 's time of need to fend off the dragon. He stood by Beowulf and helped him slay the beast when his king was too old and too weak to do so himself. All of Geatland was saved and Wiglaf 's loyalty was what ultimately saved the day. Without loyalty to one 's superiors, evil would effortlessly arrogate the …show more content…
To honor and repay the warriors of his kingdom, Hrothgar had constructed Heorot, a colossal mead-hall for his men to drink, make merriment, and call home. By giving his people rewards such as food, mead, weapons, armor, gold, and rings to keep them pleased, he had earned their trust and their love. If he had been acquisitive and stingy with his resources, Heorot would have never been made and no one would uphold Hrothgar’s domain. Another example would be Beowulf giving up his opportunity to be the king of Geats and allowing Hygelac’s son. He had the chance to become a rich, powerful god among men and, being the perfect hero he is, gave it up to continue Hygelac’s royal bloodline. Anyone choosing to do the right thing over becoming a king is as noble as noble gets. Being generous is not only a gracious attribute, but an approach to achieve loyalty in others and become
Mr. Humber
AP English 5-6
November 12th, 2013
Nobility The epic Beowulf is seen today as a fine representation of Anglo-Saxon nobility and ignobility. The setting is Denmark, land of Danish Anglo-Saxons that lived as the Vikings of the first millennia. Many characters in Beowulf are brutal warriors that would charge into battle hoping to find glory in battle or an honorable death that would send them to Valhalla. Despite a somewhat belligerent way of life, many lived by a code of honor and had a sturdy, thick moral fiber. This tale accurately details its characters as noble and ignoble in the eyes of an Anglo-Saxon by introducing them to deadly battles, wealth, and achievement. …show more content…
For instance, Hrothgar, the King of Danes, always had loyal men accompany him in his mead-hall, Heorot, despite the fact that a monster consumed someone from Heorot for “Twelve winters of grief” (Line 147). They could have easily left the country and saved their skins, but they didn’t because Hrothgar needed men to help keep the country safe and controlled. If it wasn’t for his men, Denmark would have fallen under the tyranny of Grendel. Another example would be Wiglaf staying in Beowulf 's time of need to fend off the dragon. He stood by Beowulf and helped him slay the beast when his king was too old and too weak to do so himself. All of Geatland was saved and Wiglaf 's loyalty was what ultimately saved the day. Without loyalty to one 's superiors, evil would effortlessly arrogate the …show more content…
To honor and repay the warriors of his kingdom, Hrothgar had constructed Heorot, a colossal mead-hall for his men to drink, make merriment, and call home. By giving his people rewards such as food, mead, weapons, armor, gold, and rings to keep them pleased, he had earned their trust and their love. If he had been acquisitive and stingy with his resources, Heorot would have never been made and no one would uphold Hrothgar’s domain. Another example would be Beowulf giving up his opportunity to be the king of Geats and allowing Hygelac’s son. He had the chance to become a rich, powerful god among men and, being the perfect hero he is, gave it up to continue Hygelac’s royal bloodline. Anyone choosing to do the right thing over becoming a king is as noble as noble gets. Being generous is not only a gracious attribute, but an approach to achieve loyalty in others and become