Beowulf Leadership Qualities

Beowulf is the clear protagonist of the novel and an example of a “perfect” warrior from the middle ages. He has all the ideal traits that make him so distinguished and respected. An example of his loyalty was going to meat Hrothgar to fight the Grendel. He was not forced to do this but his father had an obligation to the king so Beowulf carried that forward.

Beowulf also displays great courage, for example, when he fought the dragon, he knew it was his last battle, but there was no hint of fear on his face and he fought like a warrior until the bitter end. These traits make someone a hero in today’s society. A hero that is willing to fight for what they believe in and lead people into the correct path. A hero that is willing to give their all and not give up when there is an immense obstacle up ahead. These two heroes might share different stories, but they share the same courage to fight and the honor to give their all.

Leadership Skills in Beowulf The Anglo-Saxon poet who composed the epic poem Beowulf portrayed Beowulf to be a model of the perfect leader (Loughman). Beginning when he voyages to Heorot Hall to defeat Grendel, and concluding when he becomes king and dies a heroic death; Beowulf is in a position of leadership throughout the entire poem. Consequently, Beowulf possesses an abundance of characteristics that establish him as a strong leader. Throughout the course of Beowulf’s life, as depicted in the epic poem, the majority of his followers are loyal to him up until his fatal death.

Beowulf actions, and mindset shows that he is an epic hero. (11.749-756), this quote shows his supernatural strength and bravery. “When the going was heavy in the high waves, I was the strongest swimmer of them all.” This quote shows that swimming for hours isn’t something just any male or female could do, it takes a lot of body strength and fatigue. (11.529-534), in these lines, “ I have heard moreover that the monster scorns in his reckless way to use weapons; therefore..

Beowulf is willing to risk his life by battling battles to protect the people. There are three main battles. The first battled Beowulf had to fight was against Grendel. The second battle, Beowulf had to fight was against Grendel's mother. The third battle, Beowulf fight was against a dragon.

Everyone knew the type of pride Beowulf had. He had defeated 8 sea monsters and made it clear that nothing could stop him and his beliefs. Beowulf also killed Grendel’s mother after she too tried to attack. He put her head on a stick and showed his accomplishment. Hrothgar told Beowulf ‘ Beowulf fights the dragon saying that nothing he does will change him from killing him.

Beowulf would arrive at the kingdom to help them against the monsters. When the monster began terrorizing the people in the kingdom, Beowulf arrives in a flash to battle against Grendel, Beowulf murdered the monster and was considered a hero, he was very dependable because he was there when the kingdom really needed him. The kingdom was in need of a great fearless hero and they found one that had honor, courage, dependability, and teamwork. These are the main traits that every hero needs to be able to help people

Not only have we seen brute strength, honorable courage, and admirable loyalty shine through beowulf, Beowulf also possess a great trait not many others have; his will to fight to the death, or self sacrifice. Not once throughout the story did Beowulf ever turn down a battle. Not once did he fear or flee his enemy. Not once did he ever give up even if death had him by the throat causing his mind to flood nothing but fearful thoughts and feelings throughout his body. Every battle Beowulf fought, he fought as if it was his last and that is what truly makes him the great warrior he is.

Beowulf possessed the poised demeanor necessary to defeat all evils by the arrogant swing of his sword. The commitment shown by lending his life to the welfare of his people was imperative in order to be called a flawless warrior. Beowulf embodied the determination that Anglo-Saxons saw as unmeasurably valuable. If nothing more than just fiction, Beowulf is the ideal hero of the people from who he originated. “They said that of all the kings upon the earth he was the man most gracious and fair-minded, kindest to his people and keenest to win fame.”

Beowulf is a strong heroic hero who shows honor,selfless,courage. Beowulf is a strong heroic hero in a way because heroes are protectors and he protected his people of his town. So he is a hero in fact a strong one and a loyal one. There is lots of ways he shows loyalty one i can show is “I had a fixed purpose when i came to sea as i sat in the boat with my band of men I meant to perform to the uttermost what your people wanted or perish in attempt in the fields clutches i shall fulfill my purpose prove myself of proud deeds or meat my death her in the mead-hall”(pages 632-639).I chose this quote because it shows that beowulf would give his head for his people. I think that beowulf wanted to die for his king after all that is the reason

Beowulf makes known that “no man but [himself] could hope to defeat this monster, [and] no one could try.” Beowulf wants to have this fight all to himself, so he can take all of the glory. He is too selfish to conclude that only he could defeat the monster alone. Beowulf cannot be thought of as a hero because “Beowulf only longed for fame.” Beowulf does not perform heroic deeds just to save the citizens, but to receive more admiration from the citizens.

The authors use of the hero tradition is contradicted when we get a glimpse of Beowulf’s arrogance. During the final battle as Beowulf said his goodbyes to his followers, he humbly reassured them, “fate decides which of [them] wins,” showing now sound of arrogance (666-667). Beowulf is living up to the “hero” expectation in the citizens’ eyes; he is being selfless for this kingdom. However this role is not applicable for him just yet. His humility, that the other characterized for him, is overlooked as he states, “this dragon’s treasure, his gold and everything hidden in that tower will be mine,” showing his true intentions.

He strangled Grendel with his bare hands. He fought Grendel’s mother by himself with no hesitation and fought the dragon to the death but in doing so Beowulf gave his life for those he vowed to protect. Beowulf’s life story is a true epic hero that will be spoken for

Christopher Reeves once said, “A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.” Although Beowulf was human, he was not an ordinary individual, hero, or king, for he was a man who displayed superhuman qualities in his efforts to protect the Danish and Geatish people. Beowulf, who was established Geatish warrior that spent his life in battle, showed these extraordinary characteristics that made him an epic hero, one who possesses superhuman, almost god-like qualities. Being constantly on a quest, risking his life for glory and the greater good of society, and being superiorly intelligent, courageous and strong are the three most important reasons why Beowulf deserves such a notable

Beowulf went through so much to prove he was worthy enough to protect their kingdom and defeat Grendel. The story Beowulf was a great story to read and a great movie to watch; however, the battles were very eye catching and had a lot of extravagant and heroic doings of Beowulf. The first scenario that I’m going to discuss in the movie and story of Beowulf is The Battle with Grendel. In the movie Grendel attacked Beowulf in the Heriot while everyone was dancing and singing.