Despite its continuous aging, the epic poem Beowulf is...

Despite its continuous aging, the epic poem Beowulf is still currently discussed in modern day English courses, allowing the reader to unfold and discuss certain literary themes associated throughout the epic poem. One arguable theme associated with the Anglo-Saxon styled poem is that if a great warrior can also be a prominent ruler of their land or not. A warrior is usually associated with being victorious in challenging situations, automatically associating themselves as being a great leader or king of a kingdom. However, heroic actions cannot simply determine a great leader, but rather the character’s traits unique to each great warrior which are needed to produce a great leader. Traits such as: god like strength, courage to†¦show more content†¦However Beowulf displayed vital traits needed in a great leader. At his lowest point, Beowulf still gave his all; never accepting defeat. Accepting a taunting task such as this swim requires enough courage as is, but to carry threw and be victorious demands a great respect none can share. This plays into being a great leader when faced with harmful conflict. During times of low moral, many look directly to their leadership to gain motivation. With Beowulf having such great strength and courage second to none, it would allow him to make decisions that would instill confidence and motivation in his men, likely allowing victory to follow. Coinciding with courage and strength, both loyalty and courtesy are two other key elements that lay at the core of being both a great warrior and leader. Beowulf perfectly exemplifies these two traits in his willingness to help Hrothgar and his current need for help. What proves his loyalty doesn’t come straight from his heart, but rather the past and Hrothgar’s history with Beowulf’s father. In order to resolve a gruesome blood feud between the Wulfings and Ecgtheow, Hrothgar paid a sum of money to settle their differences. Hrothgar ex plains, â€Å"This man is their son,/ here to follow up an old friendship† (375-376). Although Beowulf has no obligation to Hrothgar, he understands the sacrifice that was made for his father and is grateful for his past help. Therefore assisting in the slaying of a