Beowulf Leadership Style Analysis

Improved Essays
Leadership is a quality that is prevalent in almost all literature. It is shown in main characters with a rule to play and a goal to achieve. There is a lot that a reader can learn from the leadership shown in literature. Many of these leadership lessons are present in the story of Beowulf. Beowulf is a Charismatic leader, this is a leader that “focuses on leader behaviors” (Loughman). Some of the many lessons about leadership that one can learn through Beowulf pertain to trust, respect, courage, strength, promises and sacrifice.
To start off trust and respect are both valuable leadership skills that Beowulf posses. Beowulf is a character that both gets and gives respect. Hrothgar shows Beowulf that he has his respect when he tells him

Related Documents

  • Great Essays

    Heroism In Beowulf Essay

    • 2325 Words
    • 10 Pages

    In a world that is constantly evolving, the traits and actions of a hero adapt over time. What constitutes as heroism in one culture could be cowardice in another. In terms of literature, Beowulf has stood the test of time and has consistently been regarded as the epitome of heroes. While the character for whom the epic is named after performs a few daring deeds, what sets Beowulf apart from others is the exploration of his heroism in two distinct phases. The beginning of the tale starts with Beowulf in his youth; he is strong, brave, quick to volunteer to do what needs to be done.…

    • 2325 Words
    • 10 Pages
    Great Essays
  • Superior Essays

    The epic story of Beowulf portrays a young man determined to find his place in the Anglo-Saxon society as a hero, encouraged upon him from his youth, Beowulf was enthralled, one can even say he was obsessed, with the idea of fame and accomplishment. His desire for both inspired him at the moment ,and throughout the remainder of his life as a leader amongst leaders and a true hero in the complete sense of the term. Beowulf is different than most heroes in…

    • 1443 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Superior Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Beowulf Theme Analysis

    • 274 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Since the beginning of literature and storytelling, themes have been placed in stories to portray an overall lesson that the reader can relate to or take away from. There can be more than one theme in a story, but there is sometimes one main theme that the author wants the reader to understand and it is sometimes hard to choose what the bigger theme is. In Beowulf, like in many other stories, there is the obvious battle between good and evil. From the start of the epic the reader is introduced to Grendel, a descendant of Cain. Grendel represents the evil in this epic.…

    • 274 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Decent Essays

    Symbolism In Beowulf

    • 239 Words
    • 1 Pages

    The main representation of this honour-bound society is embodied in the character of Beowulf. The warrior is introduced as “the mightiest man on earth, high-born and powerful.” (197-198) This description gives the reader the first idea that this man possesses many admirable traits which contribute to shape his role as a surpassing leader. Besides, Beowulf mere presence is enough evidence of his bravery and nobility.…

    • 239 Words
    • 1 Pages
    Decent Essays
  • Great Essays

    True leadership is represented by standing up for the greater good of a group without selfishness and ignorance towards others. The story The Lord of The Flies by William Golding demonstrates a constant struggle for power and leadership between Jack, Piggy, and Ralph. The malicious actions that result draw out specific aspects of leadership from each boy. Apart from Jack and his aggressive attitude toward others or Piggy with the lack of respect he receives from the others, Ralph 's rational thinking is the trait, that as a leader, trumps the others and clearly shows how his endless efforts for the greater good of the boys make him the distinct leader.…

    • 1659 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Great Essays
  • Improved Essays

    In Hrothgar’s speech to Beowulf, Hrothgar tells Beowulf about Heremod, a past king who ruled evilly, in hopes that he will learn from Heremod's mistakes. Hrothgar also gives Beowulf advise on what kind of king he should be. Hrothgar begins his speech by describing how Heremod was a different kind of king, in that he only brought misery to the Danes. Hrothgar went on to tell how Heremod “vented his rage on the men he caroused with, killed his own comrades (lines 1713-1714).” I believe Hrothgar mentioned this personality trait of Heremod to Beowulf so that Beowulf would be aware of what the actions of a disrespectful king are, and, therefore, can avoid doing them.…

    • 613 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    The poem Beowulf is the telling of a great, brave, and fearless leader. Some would even say he is arrogant and thinks too highly of himself. Even though the book is different from the movie, Beowulf does live up to his name. You will see other people in this essay who may not like Beowulf for his titles; however, other people will forever live in his glory days. You will see many differences between the book and the movie.…

    • 752 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Superior Essays

    The Anglo-Saxon epic poem, Beowulf, describes a man with formidable strength and exceptional quality as a leader. As we see Beowulf become the epitome of an idealistic leader, he provided values and morals that most yearned to have in civilization. However, when constructing the idealistic leader in the story of Beowulf, the contrasting relationship between humans and nature plays a pivotal role in the development of Beowulf. Throughout the entirety of this story, we’re presented this binary labeled as good and evil. In order to become an epic hero of Beowulf’s caliber, humans must be the conqueror, not the conquered as it relates to nature.…

    • 1588 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Superior Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Good Vs Evil In Beowulf

    • 1143 Words
    • 5 Pages

    This shows the Hrothgar and the village trust Beowulf to run everything, due to his character traits. Beowulf represented the good in everyday life which helps everyone, and someone that helps solve the issues. His character traits help him to be able to do this. The character traits consist of; loyalty, bravery, courage, confidence, and honesty. Each trait molds him into who he is, which allows him to be a good leader and hero.…

    • 1143 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Superior Essays

    In Beowulf, Beowulf, the main character, is regarded as a hero. He is known throughout the Land of the Danes and the Land of the Geats as fearless and courageous when he comes to their aid to help slay Grendel, Grendel’s mom, and a Dragon. Beowulf’s heroism is exemplified in two phases: the first is youthful heroism and the second is mature heroism, once he is crowned King. Throughout his life, Beowulf helped not only his own people, but also those in other lands. People look up to him for his great strength and the ability to never back down from a challenge, even when he knows fate might bring him to his death.…

    • 1127 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Superior Essays
  • Superior Essays

    It is not only Beowulf’s bravery that inspires Hrothgar to trust him. Beowulf’s desire…

    • 1513 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Superior Essays
  • Improved Essays

    In, Beowulf, we follow the story of the Hero, Beowulf. Beowulf is a classic hero, he is strong, mighty, selfless, and driven to do good. He chose the path of Heroism for the majority of his life, and he only swayed right near the end when greed and self confidence corrupted his way. In the beginning of his story…

    • 648 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Reputation for Beowulf in the old times was very important because that would be way they would remember you after you pass away. Beowulf got most of his reputation by killing Grendel, a monster that has been terrorizing the town of Geatland. After Beowulf kills Grendel the king gives him pride and its happy to have a warrior. “A prince of the Geats, had killed Grendel, Ended the grief, the sorrow, the suffering forced on Hrothgar’s helpless people by a bloodthirsty fiend, No Dane doubted the victory, for the proof, hanging high from the rafters where Beowulf had hung it was the monster’s arm, claw and shoulder and all (Raffel, 49 830-836)”.…

    • 552 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Beowulf, the hard headed, gung-ho warrior, proves himself worthy in the face of any impossibility. Success, in the face of death, presents a change in character of anyone. In the case of Beowulf, he comes out as a much wiser, more mature fighter and warrior. His success helps him to develop more improved tricks and techniques to his fighting and leading style. These techniques create followers who build a legacy out of Beowulf.…

    • 1270 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Superior Essays

    First, one of the characteristics of a great king is being wise and experienced in leadership. While Beowulf might have had experience as being a warrior, he never had any experience as being a king or even being an advisor to a king. “Yet the prince of the rings was too proud to line up with a large army against the sky-plague” (Beowulf 2345-2346). This quote from the epic embodies Beowulf’s lack of experience.…

    • 1226 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Superior Essays