Leadership in Beowulf
A well-respected, honored leader is a person that everyone strives to be. It is a type of person that everyone can look up to, try to emulate, and look to in times of distress. Although everyone is different in their own respects, there are characteristics common to most great leaders that can be picked out. The story Beowulf told by Robert Nye contains many different rulers that people follow. Among the various characteristics these men share, a few great qualities shine through, these being generosity, loyalty, and bravery. The leaders Beowulf and Hrothgar portray these qualities multiple times throughout the story. Generosity to ones' people and ones' friends is a characteristic everyone wants in a leader. In the story, Beowulf defeats Grendel, an enemy of Hrothgar and his people. For this mighty deed performed, Hrothgar not only holds a party for several days in Beowulf's honor, he also rewards him greatly with many riches (45-46). Another example of a leaders generosity takes place when Be
owulf arrives back to his homeland. He is carrying many riches from his battles against evil in Hrothgar's land. He goes and talks to his king, whereupon he gives all of it to him and the queen, even a prized golden collar. Beowulf simply said that all he gained was gained as a retainer of his king, so it all belonged to him (82-83). This shows that Beowulf had no greed and did not desire any gold or riches. He was generous and gave all to his king. Bravery is another necessity to being a great leader. Being afraid to face challenges that lie in the way will surely destroy ones' credibility to those he leads. Again, Beowulf personifies this trait as well. He learns of Grendel and the trouble he's causing Hrothgar, and goes valiantly to face the beast. Beowulf stays in the hall where Hrothgar nearly fell and tries where he had failed (36-42). He goes forth with no idea on how to kill Grendel, just with the knowledge of his absolute goodness. He knew he was pure and that good will conquer evil.
Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 674
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)
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