The Importance Of Loyalty And Rewards Between The King And His Warriors In Beowulf
Beowulf was the last surviving epic heroic poem of the Old English Period. It serves to introduce the language and culture of Britain between the Anglo-Saxons’ arrival in the 5th and 1066 Norman Conquests. Invading Britain with several tribes, including Picts and Jutes, resulted in the mixing of many races, tongues, cultures, and languages. The most influential tribe in this period was Anglo-Saxons, a West Germanic tribe.
Beowulf, a poem written in the 8th century. This means that it is representative of the culture and times. AngloSaxon culture views battle as a way and function that is essential for the best members of society. The relationship between a warrior and his king means that they are committed to their king’s benefit and willing to sacrifice their lives. The warrior receives a great reward from the king, including fame and glory. Hrothgar and Beowulf are portrayed in Beowulf. Wiglaf as well as Beowulf illustrate the importance of loyalty to Anglo-Saxon culture. Through the whole poem, Beowulf displays a great loyalty to Hrothgar the King of Danes. Hrothgar doesn’t need to ask Beowulf if he can help Herot defeat the Grendel-like monster. Beowulf insists it was “his responsibility to go to Danes’ greatest King.” (Beowulf 446) Beowulf is prepared to “die in combat while pressed under Grendel’s fierce grasp” and he succeeds in defeating Grendel (635-637). Grendel’s victory proves to be a bitter defeat for Grendel, whose mother kills Hrothgar’s closest friends. So, the king begs Beowulf “save their lives, once again”. Beowulf accepts the king’s offer without hesitation and says that he will “let Hrothgar’s grief end” in order to “avenge his friends”. Beowulf bravely and loyally supports Hrothgar as he kills Grendels mother. Beowulf insists that Hrothgar will be “come as the one he was once before” regardless of how many times he has risked his life to defend him. This proves that loyalty is the best way to strengthen the relationship between king and warrior.
Hrothgar grants many rewards as compensation to Beowulf for his brave and loyal acts. Hrothgar promises Beowulf immediately that he will purge Herot and then his ship with its treasure-holds filled will sail home.” Hrothgar is a king, and Hrothgar’s promises to fame are the main reason for Beowulf’s devotion to him. Anglo-Saxon culture teaches that soldiers are given rewards to show their honor and strengthen the relationship between the kings and warriors. Hrothgar is so grateful that Grendel died, he tells Beowulf to take in return all Hrothgar’s goods. Hrothgar presents Beowulf with a foaming drink, a mail shirt and golden arm, as well as a necklace (1193-1195). In order to keep the warriors loyal, rewards are an essential part of the king-warrior partnership.
Beowulf finally becomes King of Geats, and Wiglaf, his brave warrior proves loyalty in the king/warrior partnership. Beowulf plans to defeat a dangerous dragon that threatens his country. Beowulf has lost the warrior qualities that made him the great warrior. Wiglaf still defends his King, but he also shows his loyalty to the king by saying that “he’d rather have flames swirling around him than see himself burn.” Wiglaf’s relationship towards Beowulf is consistent with Beowulfs loyalty toward Hrothgar. He fought for his king and sacrificed his life to save him.
Beowulf reveals the rewards of king-warrior relationships when he thanks Wiglaf for his loyalty, bravery, and support. Beowulf instructs Wiglaf after Wiglaf has defeated the dragon to “find dragon’s treasure…its golden is theirs.” (27445). Wiglaf can “take whatever he likes, all the treasures that satisfy his eye,” (2745). Beowulf treats Wiglaf in a similar way to Hrothgar who rewards Beowulf because of his loyalty.
Wiglaf’s loyalty to his master Beowulf is exceptional in this epic. His loyalty to Beowulf’s master is unparalleled. He was always there for Beowulf whenever he needed. He had provided all of his intelligence and power to serve Beowulf. Last but not less, when everyone left fear, at Beowulf’s fight with the mighty beast, he was once fighting by Beowulf’s side with courage.
Hrothgar’s relationship with Beowulf is a great example of Aglo-Saxon culture’s value of loyalty and rewards. AngloSaxon society defines a warrior as the highest ranking. Beowulf executed Grendel’s killing to show his loyalty to the king, as well Wiglaf’s support to Beowulf when he killed the dragon. Because of their loyalty and hard work, Beowulf’s and Hrothgar’s kings generously reward their soldiers in abundance and unending glory.
