Courage is a value illustrated in Beowulf because warriors are the most respected people in that time. Once killed, a warrior can be paid off with a death price worth much more that that of a peasant’s. All “the kings who ruled them had courage and greatness” (Beowulf 2). Shield was a respected king and warrior because he provided the citizens with the feeling of constant protection. He made the enemies the least of their worries. The citizens showed such admiration towards him and the other brave kings. Another example of a king described with courage is Beow, the son of Shield. When Beow was first introduced, he was introduced as “a cub in the yard” (Beowulf 13). A cub is a baby animal that is bound to become a vicious, valiant adult animal.
