Free Beowulf Essays: The Qualities of a King :: Epic Beowulf essays

Beowulf  The Qualities of a King            The story of Beowulf is one of courage, nobility, and heroism.  Beowulfpossesses apiece of these attributes both as a recent prince and an elder king.These qualities allow him to catch an honored king, yet theyalso lead to his death. His actions ar to be viewed as a precedent foryoung princes and future kings.Clearly every young prince inspires to earn enough respect to become kingin their latter(prenominal) years.  Beowulf first earns this respect when he sails toHerot to kill Grendel, the monster that has been keeping the soldiers erupt oftheir home.  Upon arrival in Herot, Beowulf brags of his pastaccomplishments, in order to earn most respect from Hrothgar and his men.In my youth I have set slightly many weather deeds.I had bound five, destroyed afamily of giants, and at wickedness in the waves slain water-monsters, sufferedgreat pain, avenged an affliction of the Weat er-Geats on those who had askedfor trouble- territory enemies to bits.  And now alone I shall settle affairswith Grendel, the monster, the demon. (Page 32) piece of music this tool has killed many of Hrothgars men, Beowulf vows to destroyhim with his bare hands.Even after doing as he so promised, Beowulf has still not finished hisduties.  The following day, he is face with another challenge killingGrendels angry mother.  When Beowulf is asked to perform this task, heaccepts altogether heatedly , as he sees it as another chance to elaboration fame, Lethim who may get glory before death that is scoop up for the warrior after hehas gone from life.(page 45)  Once again, Beowulf returns successful in his involution with the monster, only to increase his popularity within his people.These courageous and heroic deeds are expected of any young or aging prince.Clearly Beowulfs brave encounters with these monsters show his king andfollowers that he is worthy of becoming a fearless leader.  However, hisability to rule goes beyond those feats in battle.  Beowulf was showeredwith gifts of gold and wealthiness for his tremendous achievements of killing themonsters.  This is where his manner is shown to be one of strong moral.While he could have easily kept them all for himself, Beowulf gives hisrewards to his king, Higlac as he was instructed to do.  In addition,Beowulf declined his first offering at the throne.  His sense of moralityand fealty to Higlac tells him that it is only right for Higlacs son totake the throne before himself.  These congruous acts should be wisely followed