In the epic poem Beowulf a hero emerges after the passing away of another. An epic hero must undergo a dangerous journey and faces an enemy that threatens a nation or tribe an epic hero also embodies and represents the most cherished values and ideals of a society. The character Wiglaf demonstrates the characteristics of a true hero, and gradually emerges as a hero through out the epic Beowulf. Through out the story Wiglaf proves himself to be the successor of Beowulf by embodying various characteristics such as loyalty, devotion to others, courage and bravery. Wiglaf was the one and only one there for his leader in his time of desperation it showed that he was loyal to his successor watching Beowulf suffering and remembering everything he has done and gave to him, Wiglaf steps in and helps his comrade in a time of need while Beowulf ‘s ‘brave and noble followers’ ran off and left him.
Wiglaf knew that he owed it to Beowulf after all he has done for him instead of going and running off with the rest of the Geats Wiglaf fights and defeats the dragon for Beowulf. Wiglaf also showed the quality of devotion while all the other Geats who all claimed to stand by their leader but in actuality at the first sight of ‘… a beaten warrior none of his comrades came to him, helped him, his brave and noble followers they ran for their lives, fled deep in wood, and only one of them remained… .’ . Wiglaf was devoted and when he saw that Beowulf was struggling he stepped in and fought the dragon for his fellow successor. If there is one quality that I believe embodies a hero it’s courage and that is an essential characteristic of a hero and Wiglaf had tons of it, he didn’t follow the crowd as they were running for there lives he realized that Beowulf was there for him and it was his turn to return the favor and he risked his life.
The Essay on Beowulf The Epic Hero
An epic hero is someone who has superhuman qualities, who embodies the values of his society, and who is larger than life. This is also a good description of Beowulf. During his epic journey he displays many superhuman qualities. There is also examples of how he embodies the values of his society. He also I larger than life. Beowulf shows his superhuman strength when he battles Grendel. As Grendel ...
Wiglaf remembered when they all sat around the mead hall boasting of how brave they’d be when Beowulf needed them and he never would of thought that it would be only him who would come through for the king who gave them everything. Wiglaf embodied all the characteristics of a true epic hero he stood by his leader and when the times where tough he stood by him unlike his other comrades. He was devoted, loyal courageous and brave.
