Leadership, Values, and Beowulf the Epic Poem Term Paper

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Leadership, Values, And Beowulf

The epic poem of Beowulf is a narrative a famous warrior who eventually becomes a powerful king. The story involves the exploits of a Scandinavian warrior-prince who comes from the land of the Geats, located in what is now southern Sweden. The poem may be divided into two periods of the Beowulf's life. These two periods exemplify the heroic life in youth and old age.

The poem starts by acquainting the reader with the problems of Hrothgar, King of the Danes, who is being threatened by Grendel, a monster who relentlessly has come to the kingdom night after night for twelve years to carry off and devour the vassals of Herot. Beowulf hears of this situation and resolves to defeat the monster. Eventually, Beowulf defeats Grendel in hand to hand combat tearing off one of the monster's arms. The following night Grendel's mother comes to avenge her son's death and kills one of Hrothgar's counselors. Beowulf follows her to the sea bottom and eventually slays the woman monster. Beowulf leaves Herot a hero, returns to Geats, and becomes king of his own people. Fifty years or relative peace ensue until under his rule until Geats is put upon by a fire-spewing dragon. Beowulf resolves to kill him. In the battle that follows both Beowulf and the dragon are slain.

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The poem ends with a tribute to Beowulf's bravery, goodness, gentleness, and generosity (Serriallier). This paper will look at the leadership traits and values exhibited through this leadership in the light of the modern world.

2. Discussion

The German heroic code asserts leaders are set apart by certain qualities and shaped by the events of their lives. Often a leader is a personage of extraordinary strength, honor and bravery, is exalted for his bold exploits and is favored by the gods. A leader is willing to forfeit his life, take on challenges, and act in ways that often contributes to his people and the world. Beowulf is an example of the qualities a leader must possess according to this code (Yaguexta).

Unlike other warrior's of his time Beowulf has tremendous strength and courage. Where all other warriors had failed against these mythical creatures Beowulf succeeded. It is his extraordinary qualities and his outstanding abilities that helped him to defeat Grendel, his mother, and the dragon Beowulf is also a true hero because of his personal virtues, he exhibits loyalty, courtesy and pride. Beowulf's support of Hygelac's son, the rightful heir, to the throne instead of seeking it….....

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