For hundreds of years, leaders have been defined not by their personality but rather by their effectiveness in leading their people to prosperity. Beowulf, an epic poem written nearly two thousand years ago, is set during a time of great social change. Tribes began to build villages and towns as opposed to living nomadic lives. With this major lifestyle change, kingship and general leadership had to adapt while maintaining the necessary power and nobility. Beowulf shows different leaders who remain authoritative while facing issues of evil, customs, and social change. The major leaders in Beowulf lead through their selflessness and honor, while maintaining unique, individual qualities. Hrothgar leads his people to wealth and prosperity
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Beowulf does not go to Heorot for glory or wealth; instead he goes to protect Hrothgar’s people from Grendel. During the feast after Beowulf defeats Grendel, Hrothgar tells Beowulf, “You noblest of men; there’ll be nothing you’ll want for,/ no worldly goods that won’t be yours” (948). Hrothgar recognizes Beowulf’s nobility, both in status and morals. Beowulf risks his own life to protect Hrothgar’s people because he feels a duty to defend them. Usually a sacrifice this large is done for wealth or glory, however Beowulf does it because he knows it is right. Hrothgar realizes that Beowulf will become wealthy and powerful due to his principles and integrity. Beowulf praises God for the gift of his great strength and strong morals. After defeating Grendel’s Mother, he tells Hrothgar, “It was hard-fought, desperate affair/ that could have gone badly; if God had not helped me” (1656-1657). Beowulf struggles in the battle against Grendel’s Mother. She is vengeful and much stronger than her son. Throughout the fight, God helps Beowulf by performing miracles and giving him additional strength. Beowulf recognizes that God helped him in battle significantly and that his strength comes from God as a gift. He honors God by giving him the ultimate credit after the fight. Some fighters may attribute their success to themselves, but Beowulf praises a higher power for his victory
Beowulf does not go to Heorot for glory or wealth; instead he goes to protect Hrothgar’s people from Grendel. During the feast after Beowulf defeats Grendel, Hrothgar tells Beowulf, “You noblest of men; there’ll be nothing you’ll want for,/ no worldly goods that won’t be yours” (948). Hrothgar recognizes Beowulf’s nobility, both in status and morals. Beowulf risks his own life to protect Hrothgar’s people because he feels a duty to defend them. Usually a sacrifice this large is done for wealth or glory, however Beowulf does it because he knows it is right. Hrothgar realizes that Beowulf will become wealthy and powerful due to his principles and integrity. Beowulf praises God for the gift of his great strength and strong morals. After defeating Grendel’s Mother, he tells Hrothgar, “It was hard-fought, desperate affair/ that could have gone badly; if God had not helped me” (1656-1657). Beowulf struggles in the battle against Grendel’s Mother. She is vengeful and much stronger than her son. Throughout the fight, God helps Beowulf by performing miracles and giving him additional strength. Beowulf recognizes that God helped him in battle significantly and that his strength comes from God as a gift. He honors God by giving him the ultimate credit after the fight. Some fighters may attribute their success to themselves, but Beowulf praises a higher power for his victory