Beowulfs Virtues
... Beowulf, the protagonist of this epic poem, embodied all of these virtues and lives on in memory because of this. ... Hrothgar was loyal to Beowulfs father in the past and will now be loyal to Beowulf, promising friendship between the Geats and the Danes throughout his rule. Generosity was widespread and more greatly valued during Beowulfs time than it is now. ... This gift not only increased Beowulfs fame and riches but also Hrothgar’s greatness. If Hrothgar had not displayed his gratitude for Beowulfs great deeds he would have been looked down upon. ... In our time courage is often seen as foolish or ostentatious, while during Beowulfs time it was seen as admirable and praiseworthy. Even in Beowulfs older days he kept courage by his side. ... Slaying the great dragon was not only Beowulfs last act of courage, but also Wiglaf’s first. ... " From Beowulfs words on page 25 lines 174-175, I felt a sense through Beowulfs heroism that this protection over him by God was earned through his courage and loyalty. ... Men during Beowulfs time were very proud and often boasted and exaggerated at any chance they had. ... It is interesting in the end that Beowulfs heroism, a Danish attribute, triumphs over the Christian values of humility and self-sacrifice.