Beowulf is the oldest English epic and was passed down for centuries before it’s contents were penned down. The story demonstrates the values of warrior culture, and more specifically, Anglo-Saxon values. Through these morals, archetypes are explored to emphasize principal characteristics which were key to the society such as: loyalty, generosity, and brotherhood during the time the work was in circulation. In the perilous epic poem Beowulf, the poet utilizes the introduction of the character of Wiglaf to highlight the differences and similarities found in Beowulf himself to showcase the myriad of ways that heroes can be manifested in literature. “i hate u” (Hunter 1) Wiglaf and Beowulf hail from a lineage of strong warriors but the way their
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Beowulf regales his impressive abilities as he proclaims how “I alone/May purge all evil from this hall”(165-166) in an attempt to establish himself as a skilled hero. Beowulf wants others to know of his greatness as a warrior and an individual. His achievements as a warrior are disguised under the facade of being in the best interest of the community when in actuality he does it to feed his ego. As a leader, him trying to establish himself is understandable, however, it is done in a gaudy offensive manner which can’t help but staunch any connection or empathy the reader could hope to garner. From Wiglaf’s introduction he began professing his loyalty for his lord and how “I’d rather burn myself than see/Flames swirling around my lord”(725-727). He is braver than all of the battle hardened warriors who had fled in the face of adversity; the strength and sense of camaraderie he holds in his heart, despite his inexperience, is proof of his ardent character. The poet’s strong use of diction and mood invokes starkly contrasting views of the traits that heroes can have. While both individuals can be classified as heroes the way in which they are portrayed and their values allow for the reader to be exposed to multitude of facets exhibited by Wiglaf and
Beowulf regales his impressive abilities as he proclaims how “I alone/May purge all evil from this hall”(165-166) in an attempt to establish himself as a skilled hero. Beowulf wants others to know of his greatness as a warrior and an individual. His achievements as a warrior are disguised under the facade of being in the best interest of the community when in actuality he does it to feed his ego. As a leader, him trying to establish himself is understandable, however, it is done in a gaudy offensive manner which can’t help but staunch any connection or empathy the reader could hope to garner. From Wiglaf’s introduction he began professing his loyalty for his lord and how “I’d rather burn myself than see/Flames swirling around my lord”(725-727). He is braver than all of the battle hardened warriors who had fled in the face of adversity; the strength and sense of camaraderie he holds in his heart, despite his inexperience, is proof of his ardent character. The poet’s strong use of diction and mood invokes starkly contrasting views of the traits that heroes can have. While both individuals can be classified as heroes the way in which they are portrayed and their values allow for the reader to be exposed to multitude of facets exhibited by Wiglaf and