Giselle Arredondo

Ms. Figueroa

Senior English 1

27 November, 2018

Chapter 6/8: Beowulf Dies

Beowulf's men does not represent faithfulness. “None of the comrades came to him,

helped him, his brave and noble followers; they ran for their lives, fled deep in the

wood.”(Beowulf, 691-694) They do try to help by striking Grendel with their swords but Grendel

cannot be harmed by earthly blades. Beowulf’s men also does not represent the significant value

of courage. “With our lives, if he needed them. He allowed us to join him, chose us from all his

great army, thinking our boasting words had some weight, believing our promises, trusting our

swords. He took us for soldiers, for men- He ever did deserved an end like this, miserably and

alone.”(Beowulf, 713-717, 732-733) Beowulf’s men were afraid to die for him. Even though

they were grateful to him, they were not brave enough to fight against the beast.

On the other hand, Wiglaf portrays the Anglo-Saxon value of heroism. “And only one of

them remained, stood there, miserable, remembering as a good man must, what kinship should

mean.”(Beowulf) The first emotion he exhibits of anger at the actions of his fellow soldiers and

also he instantly recognizes what dishonorable behavior is and aspires to become the ideal

Anglo-Saxon heroic figure. Wiglaf also portrayed a significant value of courage and loyalty “I

remember how we sat in the mead-hall, drinking and boasting of how brave we’d be when
Beowulf needed us, he who gave us these swords and armor: all of us swore to repay him, when

the time came, kindness for kindness.” (Beowulf) In an initial attempt to inspire the group’s

courage. He rebukes the other thanes and goes to Beowulf’s aid crying words of encouragement.