Friends Ernesto Rhodes. Gavin Waters5/3/th Grade EnglishMr. TobinThe Warrior Code in BeowulfThe epic poem, Beowulf, written by an anonymous author, revolves around the idea of comitatus or the lack thereof. Otherwise known as the Warrior Code, this is the custom and practice in which there is one central leader who is looked up to by his men but instead of Beowulf exemplifies several characteristics of the heroic code such as fair fighting, equal weapons, and showing loyalty to the ones he is in debt to and to his people. Understanding the ideas of the heroic code found in this epic poem will help to further understand the societies of the Anglo-Saxon time period that this story was written in May 03, · Mr. Tobin. The Warrior Code in Beowulf. The epic poem, Beowulf, written by an anonymous author, revolves around the idea of comitatus or the lack thereof. Otherwise known as the Warrior Code, this is the custom and practice in which there is one central leader who is looked up to by his men but instead of taking advantage of this respect that his men have for Estimated Reading Time: 5 mins
Heroic Code In Beowulf - Words | Cram
The epic poem, Beowulfwritten by an anonymous author, revolves around the idea of comitatus or the lack thereof. Otherwise known as the Warrior Code, this is the custom and practice in which there is one central leader beowulf warrior code essay is looked up to by his men but instead of taking advantage of this respect that his men have for him, the leader returns the expression of respects and acknowledges the men below him.
This acknowledgement is represented by the sharing of treasures that are looted on the many explorations of the band of warriors. In this essay, I will be exploring and analyzing several examples of the warrior code and the breakdown of beowulf warrior code essay warrior code, which are presented to us in Beowulf.
In the scene of the battle with Grendel, the author writes:. Beowulf Another example of good comitatus comes later in the poem when Beowulf and his men sail home to Hygelac. Their ship is loaded with many treasures from the thankful Spear-Danes and instead of keeping it for himself, Beowulf offers up his shipload of treasure to his leader, Hygelac. Beowulf proves himself to be the ultimate warrior, beowulf warrior code essay only on the battle field, but also in his incessant fidelity to the warrior code outside of battle.
Hygelac reciprocates this gesture by distributing the plentiful wealth among the courageous warriors. In these pages of the poem we can see the many layers of this honor chain. Every man has someone over them that they must respect and over all of them is God, beowulf warrior code essay.
Each warrior in this comitatus chain aspires to be like the man above him but every link in the chain worships the one true leader who sees every link equally. These levels of respect still exist today. They are present within families, work places, neighborhoods, and even between friends in some cases. Everyone has someone they look up to, beowulf warrior code essay, respect, and aspire to be like, whether it be your father, a CEO at work, beowulf warrior code essay, or Batman.
The admiration is reciprocated when someone above you in the chain appreciates the simple fact that someone respects and admires him or her. In the case of old warrior culture, this appreciation down the chain is shown through material gifts like battle loot. It is human instinct to improve yourself and when you have the chance to prove yourself to your inspirational figure, you take full advantage of that situation.
Beowulfs chance came when he presented Hygelac with his loot. Although there are many examples of following of the warrior code in Beowulf, there are just as many examples of the breakdown of comitatus.
When Beowulf and his men are first introduced to the Danes beowulf warrior code essay the great mead hall, Beowulf brags to the king of the Danes about his many heroic feats and how he will be the one to rid the Danish people of Grendel. In that time, bragging was not a sign of arrogance but simply the expression of a warriors worth. As Beowulf described his might, a son of Ecglaf named Unferth listened enviously, beowulf warrior code essay. It shows that Unferth is not a good enough warrior to protect his own people and so in a failing attempt to protect his reputation, he insults Beowulf.
The insult Unferth says to Beowulf is, as follows:. Tobin The Warrior Code in Beowulf The epic poem, Beowulfwritten by an anonymous author, revolves around the idea of comitatus or the lack thereof. Beowulf Another example of good comitatus comes later in the poem when Beowulf and his men sail home to Hygelac. Read full document Save. Download as for upgraded members.
Beowulf heroic code presentation
, time: 7:04FREE The Heroic Code In Beowulf Essay
Within this essay I will be analysing the literary representations of warrior culture and the Germanic heroic code within Anglo-Saxon poetry. I will argue that a strong comitatus is necessity to the success of the Germanic heroic code and what happens when the comitatus begins to fail. I will be using the literary texts Beowulf and The battle of Maldon to state my arguments which Beowulf exemplifies several characteristics of the heroic code such as fair fighting, equal weapons, and showing loyalty to the ones he is in debt to and to his people. Understanding the ideas of the heroic code found in this epic poem will help to further understand the societies of the Anglo-Saxon time period that this story was written in The roles of the warriors in this society obviously revolves around the heroic code and all that follows. The warriors in this society must possess many characteristics in order to be seen as a good warrior and as following the heroic code. The characteristics of a warrior are exemplified very well in Beowulf himself and one of his kinsmen, Wiglaf. Their selflessness and bravery, among other things, makes them the ideal warrior
No comments:
Post a Comment