Exceptional Leadership In Beowulf - 766 Words

Exceptional leadership has played a role in society for millennia. Every good leader has essential traits that define his or her character. Beowulf exemplifies authority in the poem Beowulf, displaying acts of courage and fearlessness throughout. Beowulf guides his warriors through life-threatening situations and emerges victorious because of his prowess as a leader. His capacity as role model instills confidence in those around him, which also establishes him as a great leader. Beowulf fits into a tradition of great leaders throughout history who lead through their courage, decisiveness, and inspirational qualities. Beowulf’s consistent courage through his actions parallels Sir Gawain’s in the Middle Ages. While discussing his†¦show more content†¦He suggests that compromising his vision would be worse than dying trying to achieve it. His determination to accomplish his goal in the face of death can be compared Joan of Arc, a Middle Ages warrior who saw visions of saints telling her to fight against the English. Because of these visions, she took up arms and led an army against the English, fighting at its head and risking everything to achieve what the visions told her to. Both of these warriors fought valiantly after committing to a decision, even at the expense of their lives. Lastly, Beowulf’s ability to instill confidence in his followers makes him a great leader, much like the African monarch, Shaka Zulu. Beowulf’s confidence in his abilities as a warrior and a leader inspires others, such as Hrothgar, to believe in his capabilities. Before Beowulf’s fight with Grendel, Hrothgar remarks that â€Å"never since my hand could hold a shield have I entrusted or given control of the Danes’ hall to anyone but you. Ward and guard it, for it is the greatest of houses† (Lines 655-658). Hrothgar has such trust in Beowulf’s abilities that he grants Beowulf control of the Danes’ hall, a privilege that has only been granted to Beowulf. Beowulf also instills confidence in his warriors, as â€Å"Time and again, Beowulf’s warriors worked to defend their lord’s life, laying about them as best they could with their ancestral blades† (Lines 793-796). Beowulf’s warriors believe inShow MoreRelated Essay Use of Digressions in Beowulf687 Words   |  3 PagesThe author of Beowulf cleverly uses digressions throughout the work in order to foreshadow events or give more insight on a situation. Some digressions may be used as guidance in how to live one’s life. The digression on page fifty-two in lines 884 through 914 of Beowulf in The Norton Anthology: English Literature Volume A, the entertainer who is singing in Beowulf’s honor after he slew the monster Grendel. 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