Introduction: Beowulf is the only surviving heroic epic poem from the Old English period. This is an introduction that identifies the language and culture that appeared in Britain during the period between the arrival of the Anglo-Saxons in Britain in the 5th century and the Norman Conquest in 1066. The mixing of different races, languages ​​and cultures was the result of the invasion of Britain by several tribes such as the Picts, Jutes and Scots. But the West Germanic tribe; The Anglo-Saxons were the most influential tribe during this period. Thesis Statement: By analyzing the theme of loyalty in Beowulf, this essay demonstrates the role of loyalty and rewards in Anglo-Saxon culture. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Context: The poem Beowulf was written in the 8th century, so it reflects the values ​​of that culture and time period. In Anglo-Saxon culture “battle is a way of life, a necessary function of the most worthy members of society”. (xiv, Raffel). The relationship between the king and his warriors involves the warriors dedicating themselves and sacrificing their lives for the sake of their king. In return the king gives the warrior a great reward, along with fame and glory. In Beowulf, the relationship between Hrothgar and Beowulf, and Beowulf and Wiglaf demonstrate the importance of loyalty and rewards in Anglo-Saxon culture. Theme Sentence: Beowulf shows immense loyalty to the king of the Danes, Hrothgar, throughout the poem. Hrothgar doesn't even need to ask Beowulf for his help in killing the monster that is terrorizing Herot, known as Grendel. Evidence and Citations: Beowulf insists that it was "his duty to go to the great king of the Danes." (Beowulf 416). Beowulf is not only willing to “die in battle while held in Grendel's fierce grip,” but he also manages to defeat the monster (635-637). Despite his victory, Grendel's mother returns to avenge her son and kills one of Hrothgar's closest friends. As a result, the king implores Beowulf to “save them, once again.” There is no shortage of loyalty to the king when Beowulf agrees, without hesitation, to “let Hrothgar's sorrow end” and “avenge their friends.” Evidence and Quotes: Beowulf shows his courage and loyalty to Hrothgar when he fearlessly kills Grendel's mother. Commentary: Even after risking his life several times to defend the king, Beowulf still insists that if Hrothgar ever needs his help again to "summon" him and that he will "come as he once came." Ultimately proving that the king-warrior relationship becomes stronger through loyalty. Topic Sentence: In compensation for Beowulf's loyal and courageous actions, Hrothgar gives him many rewards. Evidence and Quotations: Immediately, Hrothgar promises Beowulf that if he "eliminates Herot, then Beowulf's ship will sail home with its holds full of treasure." As king, Hrothgar's promises of fame and fortune are the primary reason for his devotion to the king. Comment: In Anglo-Saxon culture, the rewards given to a soldier indicate the honor of his position and enhance the relationship between the king and the warrior. Hrothgar is so grateful for Grendel's death that he tells Beowulf to "take, in return, whatever Beowulf may desire from whatever Hrothgar possesses." Evidence and Citations: Hrothgar not only gives Beowulf "a foaming cup, a coat of mail, a golden arm, bands, and the fairest necklace known to men" (1193-1195), but also rewards Beowulf, after defeating Grendel's mother. Rewards are a necessity in the warrior-king relationship because they are the reason for the warriors' loyalty. Theme sentence: After many years, Beowulf becomes king of the Geats and his bravewarrior, Wiglaf, demonstrates the value of loyalty in the re-warrior relationship. When a deadly dragon comes to threaten his country, Beowulf and some warriors plan to destroy the monster. Despite the warrior he once was, Beowulf is now too old to fight the dragon alone and "the famous son of Edgetho stares at death", "none of his companions help him... only one of them remains... remembering, how must make a good man, what kinship should mean." The cowardly actions of Beowulf's warriors show absolute disgrace and disrespect towards Beowulf. Evidence and Quotes: However, Wiglaf manages to defend his king and demonstrates his loyalty to his king when he says "he would rather burn himself than see the flames swirl around his lord." Wiglaf's devotion to Beowulf is undeniable "when Beowulf needs him most Wiglaf shows his courage, strength and skill... he helps his lord by striking the lowest dragon." Evidence and Quotes: Even after the death of the great king Wiglaf, he remains loyal by scolding the other men for "running like cowards, dropping their swords as soon as the danger was real." Unlike Beowulf's devotion to Hrothgar, Beowulf's soldiers fled when he needed their help most. Commentary: Despite most of his warrior's actions, Wiglaf's relationship with Beowulf is related to Beowulf's loyalty to Hrothgar, fighting for their king and sacrificing his own life to protect their king. Topic Sentence: Beowulf expresses the rewards aspect of the warrior-king relationship when he repays his warrior, Wiglaf, for his loyalty and courage. Evidence and Quotes: After Wiglaf helps his king defeat the dragon, Beowulf orders him to "find the dragon's treasure... his gold is theirs." (2745). Wiglaf is able to "take what he wants, all the treasures that please his eyes". In addition to the dragon's treasure that Wiglaf is rewarded with, Beowulf also tells Wiglaf to "take what Beowulf leaves and lead his people." Comment: In Anglo-Saxon culture it is normal for Beowulf to express his gratitude to Wiglaf through riches and permission to lead the people. The way Beowulf rewards Wiglaf is very similar to the rewards Hrothgar gives Beowulf for his loyal deeds. Wiglaf is an outstanding example of loyalty in this epic. His loyalty to his master Beowulf is incomparable. We counted him at Beowulf's side whenever he needed it. He had served Beowulf with all his power and intelligence. Last but not least, when all of us walked away in fear, during the fight between the mighty dragon and Beowulf, he was the one who fought bravely through the appearance of Beowulf. Remember: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Concluding Paragraph: The values ​​of reward and loyalty in Anglo-Saxon culture are represented through the relationship between Hrothgar and Beowulf and Beowulf and Wiglaf. In Anglo-Saxon society, that of warrior is one of the most honorable ranks one can achieve. The loyalty that the warriors show to their king is shown through Beowulf's actions of killing Grendel and Grendel's mother, to defend Hrothgar and his people, as well as Wiglaf's assistance to Beowulf in slaying the dragon. As a result of the warriors' efforts and loyalty, the kings, who in this case are Beowulf and Hrothgar, generously reward their soldiers with abundant riches and infinite glory. References Liggins, E. M. (1973). REVENGE AND REWARD AS RECURRING MOTIFS IN “BEOWULF”. Neuphilologische Mitteilungen, 193-213. (https://www.jstor.org/stable/43342814)White, J. (1993). Beowulf, line 78. The Explicator, 51(3), 138-139., 62(4), 829-850..