Michelle Duarte Zapata
Mrs. Dutcher
ERWC
24 January 2017
The Warrior Code of Ethics
Seamus Heaney provided a new verse translation of the epic poem Beowulf, which was originally passed on orally through generations. The poem does not have a known author, but it does serve as a guide to understanding the Anglo-Saxon culture. As the plot of this story develops, so does the reader's understanding of the values that the social group lived by, and the morals they held to be evident. The characters in Beowulf serve as great representations of how the Warrior Code of Ethics was followed and ignored in their society.
The Warrior Code of Ethics refers to the code of conduct that warriors were upheld to. It outlined the way that warriors should act …show more content…
Beowulf is seen as very courageous, while Unferth does not display any form of honor. Beowulf demonstrates honor in the following lines, “And I shall fulfill that purpose, / prove myself with a proud deed / or meet my death here in the mead-hall” (636-638). This is an honorable act because the Warrior Code of Ethics teaches us that worthy warriors fight until the death. Beowulf is willing to risk his life, and put everything on the line in the name of honor. Unferth is also dishonorable. Beowulf states, “You killed your own kith and kin, / so for all your cleverness and quick tongue, / you will suffer damnation in the depths of hell” (587-589). The Warrior Code of Ethics would have never justified killing one’s own family, because family was such an important value to the …show more content…
Warriors were expected to boast about their accomplishments and victories, as it brought more honor to their name. When Beowulf is presented to Hrothgar, he immediately started to boast about his heroic exploits. Beowulf states, “King Hrothgar, / because all knew of my awesome strength. / They had seen me boltered in the blood of enemies / when I battled and bound five beasts, / raided a troll-nest and in the night-sea / slaughtered sea brutes” (417-422). Beowulf is clearly making it known that he is very powerful and courageous. Since Unferth does not have anything to boast about, he simply tries to challenge a hero’s boast. He states, “Are you the Beowulf who took on Breca / in a swimming match on the open sea, / risking the water just to prove that you could win” (506-508)? This once more, shows Unferth breaking the Warrior Code of Ethics with no worries of the potential consequences. He is not only challenging a beloved hero, he is being
Mrs. Dutcher
ERWC
24 January 2017
The Warrior Code of Ethics
Seamus Heaney provided a new verse translation of the epic poem Beowulf, which was originally passed on orally through generations. The poem does not have a known author, but it does serve as a guide to understanding the Anglo-Saxon culture. As the plot of this story develops, so does the reader's understanding of the values that the social group lived by, and the morals they held to be evident. The characters in Beowulf serve as great representations of how the Warrior Code of Ethics was followed and ignored in their society.
The Warrior Code of Ethics refers to the code of conduct that warriors were upheld to. It outlined the way that warriors should act …show more content…
Beowulf is seen as very courageous, while Unferth does not display any form of honor. Beowulf demonstrates honor in the following lines, “And I shall fulfill that purpose, / prove myself with a proud deed / or meet my death here in the mead-hall” (636-638). This is an honorable act because the Warrior Code of Ethics teaches us that worthy warriors fight until the death. Beowulf is willing to risk his life, and put everything on the line in the name of honor. Unferth is also dishonorable. Beowulf states, “You killed your own kith and kin, / so for all your cleverness and quick tongue, / you will suffer damnation in the depths of hell” (587-589). The Warrior Code of Ethics would have never justified killing one’s own family, because family was such an important value to the …show more content…
Warriors were expected to boast about their accomplishments and victories, as it brought more honor to their name. When Beowulf is presented to Hrothgar, he immediately started to boast about his heroic exploits. Beowulf states, “King Hrothgar, / because all knew of my awesome strength. / They had seen me boltered in the blood of enemies / when I battled and bound five beasts, / raided a troll-nest and in the night-sea / slaughtered sea brutes” (417-422). Beowulf is clearly making it known that he is very powerful and courageous. Since Unferth does not have anything to boast about, he simply tries to challenge a hero’s boast. He states, “Are you the Beowulf who took on Breca / in a swimming match on the open sea, / risking the water just to prove that you could win” (506-508)? This once more, shows Unferth breaking the Warrior Code of Ethics with no worries of the potential consequences. He is not only challenging a beloved hero, he is being