Beowulf

4 Pages 1003 Words

Throughout time, the world has seen many great leaders. King Arthur of
“Morte D’ Arthur” and Beowulf of “Beowulf” are both considered excellent leaders. The two men share many qualities, but also greatly differ. While the men share many different traits, the ways in which they lead their men are very different. They both follow different codes, and ultimately, their admirable characteristics lead to their deaths.
Beowulf and Arthur both posses many heroic traits. The men exhibit a great deal of bravery. When faced with death, neither man panics. Instead, they remain calm and fearless. Beowulf explains his death wishes before entering battle and requests to have his assets delivered to his people. “‘Take what I leave, Wiglaf, lead my people, help them. My time is gone. Have the Geats build me a tomb…” (822-824). Arthur behaves in a similar manner. “Comfort thyself… and do as well as thou mayest, for in me is no trust to trust in… And if thou hear of me nevermore, pray for my soul” (160). Another heroic trait which the men posses is a great sense of duty. This is clearly illustrated by the way both men put their own lives at risk to protect their people from evil. Beowulf becomes excited about the opportunity to protect his people. “They have seen my strength for themselves, have watched me rise from the darkness of war… That this one facor you should not refuse me- that I, alone and with the help of my men, may purge all evil from this hall…’” (46). Arthur also is quickly preparted to battle. “‘Alas! This unhappy day!’ and so rose to his party…” (157). Although both men are great leaders, they command their men differently. One such way is the way in which they lead their people. One such way is the way in which they lead their people. Beowuld is in many ways a one-man army. He fights Grendel without the assistance of any otheres that were in his company. Anoth...