The great King

The epic poem «Beowulf » can easily be called the most important and the
oldest poem in English literature. Warriors, kings, monsters-this poem allows
readers to plunge into the lives of the characters, understand their actions. In
this poem were many excellent warriors but were there truly good kings?
Despite being a good warrior Beowulf was also a great King, who cleverly ruled
his country, king should be someone who the people can depend on to lead
them the right way.
There are several reasons that let call Beowulf a great King. The first reason is
that he was not afraid of fighting with monsters. Beowulf bravery offered his
help and went to Denmark with no idea how powerful or how terrible the
monster was, but he did not hesitate. It shows how brave and fearless he was.
He fought Grendel without armour and weapons keeping in his mind a desire to
defeat this monster in a fair fight bare-handed, so he did it. "I have heard
moreover that the monster scorns in his reckless way to use weapons; therefore,
to heighten Hygelac's fame and gladden his heart, I hereby renounce sword and
the shelter of the broad shield, the heavy war-board: hand-to-hand is how it will
be, a life-and-death fight with the fiend." (433-440) Shortly after his victory
over Grendel and the celebration, a new misfortune occurred, which led to
death. The king begged him to kill a new monster-Grendel's mother. And again,
Beowulf agreed to fight with her in her territory, but his chances of losing were
high if he did not find a giant sword in her lair.
The second reason that makes him a great King is his generosity that always
accompanied him during his reign. A good king should be generous with gifts
and gold. After he killed Grendel's mother King Hrothgar gave him a reward but
instead of keeping it he gave his horses and war gear to King Hygelac. Another
time when he proved his generosity was when he defended people from the
dragon. He fought the dragon despite knowing these days were his last days.
Not every warrior of that time would go to battle, knowing that it might be his
last fight. Beowulf did not quail in the face of danger and did not run away,
when he was left alone. " Before long the battle-dodgers abandoned the wood,
the ones who had let down their lord earlier, the tail-turners, ten of them
together.When he needed them most, they had made off.now they were
ashamed and came behind shields, in their battle-outfits, to where the old man
lay ". (2845-2851)
The third reason is that his loyalty to his people was amazing. A good King
must be trustworthy, leaving his people without a hint of doubt that they will
not be let down. Unfortunately, Beowulf died in his last fight and gave dragon' s
treasure to the Geats , and required to erect a tower to guide sailors. Even being
close to death he still thought of his people and their welfare. " The old lord
gazed sadly at the gold. ‘To the everlasting Lord of All, to the King of Glory, I
give thanks that I behold this treasure here in front of me, that I have been
allowed to leave my people so well-endowed on the day I die. " (2793-2798)
And the last reason is him being selfless. Selflessness is putting yourself in
danger for a group of people. Beowulf did not rush to take command of the
throne it proves that he was not selfish for power. He was going to risk his own
life in order to save others, it can be noticed throughout the poem. Killed 3
scary monsters, took care of people, put himself in danger -is what Beowulf did
his whole life
Honed martial fests did not stop Beowulf from becoming a great King. This
human was brave, the appearance and incredible power of the monsters never
frightened him, generosity was his main attribute. All his people were
convinced of the loyalty of their King and knew about his willingness to
sacrifice himself at any moment. Beowulf wisely ruled the country and was
always prepared to protect everybody.