Loyalty in "Beowulf"

Paper Summary:

According to Seamus Heaney's translation of "Beowulf," one of the most significant characteristics one can possess is that of loyalty. The paper shows, in fact, that from Beowulf's tale, we see how many of the other codes of the warrior stem from loyalty. One must be loyal to oneself, one's country, and one's beliefs in order to be a good and mighty warrior. The paper also examines loyalty through the manner in which some of the other characters in the poem relate to Beowulf. It shows that Beowulf observes many of the codes that warriors were expected to live by and exhibits a severe loyalty that is almost unmatched.

From the Paper:

"Beowulf states that he "will not shift a foot" (2524) because he cannot break his word. Wiglaf understands this loyalty to one's reputation and how it is linked to being a warrior. Later in the tale, he confirms this sentiment when he says, "A warrior will sooner/die than live a life of shame" (2890-1). In a final act of loyalty, Beowulf hands Wiglaf his collar of gold, his war shirt, and his helmet and tells him to use them well."

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