Leadership in Beowulf essays

Leadership in Beowulf essays 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 Beowulfs honor, he also rewards him greatly with many riches (45-46). Another example of a leaders generosity takes place when Beowulf arrives back to his homeland. He is carrying many riches from his battles against evil in Hrothgars 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. Loyalty is another quintessential quality in a leader. Knowing that your leader is loyal to your country or cause is necessary. Beowulf personifies this quality. After defeating Grendel, Grendels mother came after Hrothgar and his people. Beowulf went heedlessly after this new threat to help his friend. He and his company tracked Grendels mothers tracks until they reached her lair. Upon this discovery, Beowulf departed from his subordinates and went to face...