Beowulf Warrior Culture Warrior as a Leader Warrior as a Politician / Protector Warrior as a Spiritual Leader / Hero What is defined as a good action? What are the consequences of meeting or failing to meet the standards of a good action? Good Beowulf then kept in mind the speeches he had made in the evening and stood upright, firmly grasping Grendel's hand until the fingers broke" ... "Grendel, Hell's friend, God's enemy, sang in defeat, bewailing his wound. That man, mightiest of warriors alive, held fast." The "positive" or "good" action that was undertaken by Beowulf of actively seeking to destroy Grendel and his Mother led to a "positive" or "good" consequence of gaining praise and treasure from Hrothgar. Bad "Soon the cowards, the ten warriors, returned from the woods, those who did not dare fight with spears when their lord needed help." Now shall the treasure, the sword gifts and delightful homes given to your people, cease. You will lose your land rights when men far and wide hear of your flight, your shameful doings. Death is better to any man than a life of disgrace." The consequence of a negative action or rather lack of action is the immidiate loss of title, privilege and wealth Symbolizes Cultural Truths and Values "I thank the Wonder-King, the Ruler of All, that I could win this for my people before my death-day. I have traded my old life for the people's needs" Beowulf "Ban, then, such baleful thoughts, Beowulf dearest, best of men, and the better part choose, profit eternal; and temper thy pride" Hrothgar Provides Prosperity and Peace. Defends the Interests of the Weaker. Happiness Warrior Maintains Power Stronger Justice Weaker Governments "rule and provide for the interest of their subjects who are the weaker and not the stronger" The 'Government' "confers a benefit" from supporting the interests of the weaker. That benefit being the inaction of weaker, refraining from removing their power. -Plato's Republic In the time of the epic "Beowulf", the warrior encompassed the ideals of the hero both physically and spiritually. The warrior was the only one who could fill the role of both the physical and spiritual protector Humble Selfless "good men do not wish to be openly demanding payment for governing... [w]herefore necessity must be laid upon them, and they must be induced to serve for fear of punishment...Now the worst part of the punishment is that he who refuses to rule is liable to be ruled by one who is worse than himself." -Plato's Republic Works Cited Breeden, Dr. David; Beowulf, <http://www.lnstar.com/literature/beowulf/index.html>. Plato; Jowett, Benjamin. The Republic: Book I. Greece: 360 B.C.E. Wikipedia, “Beowulf”; < http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beowulf>.