Wiglaf is a character in the epic poem "Beowulf," which was written in Old English and is one of the oldest surviving pieces of literature in the English language. In the poem, Wiglaf is a young warrior who is loyal to the hero Beowulf and is one of the few people who stands by him when he fights the dragon that ultimately kills him.
Wiglaf is first introduced in the poem as a member of Beowulf's warrior band, known as the Geats. He is described as being brave and loyal, and he is highly respected by Beowulf and the other members of the band. When Beowulf decides to fight the dragon, he chooses Wiglaf as one of the warriors who will accompany him.
During the fight with the dragon, Beowulf is severely injured and is no longer able to defend himself. Wiglaf bravely comes to his aid and helps him defeat the dragon, but at great cost to himself. He is also injured in the battle and is left weakened and unable to continue fighting.
Despite his injuries, Wiglaf remains loyal to Beowulf and helps him in his final moments. He brings him water and tends to his wounds, and he even offers to give up his own life in exchange for Beowulf's. In the end, Beowulf dies, but he is able to do so with dignity and honor, thanks in part to the loyalty and bravery of Wiglaf.
Wiglaf's loyalty and bravery make him an important and memorable character in "Beowulf." He is a testament to the virtues of loyalty and self-sacrifice, and he serves as a role model for readers of the poem. His actions in the face of great danger and adversity demonstrate the strength of character that is possible when one is truly committed to a cause or a person.
Wiglaf in Beowulf: Character Traits of the Most Loyal Character
Wiglaf, the young warrior who helps Beowulf kill the dragon at the end of the poem, offers a new definition of heroic masculinity for a post-Beowulf not post-Beowulf! There may be minor tweaks and adjustments to these venerable ideals, but the core values and archetypal traits remain largely untouched. Because of his courageous and selfless decision, Wiglaf embodies Anglo-Saxon heroism by showing bravery, keeping his oath of loyal service to Beowulf, and providing justice. Although Wiglaf is not his offspring, Beowulf thinks of him as a son when the dying king, unable to stand, briefly reflects on his life and passes control of Geatland on to the brave young retainer. He is a man of his word and the only mighty warrior who deserved a Leader such as Beowulf. The epic poem was written between 975 to 1025 in Old English, by an anonymous author. Who's Who in Roman Britain and Anglo-Saxon England. Wiglaf rises to the most significant role in the poem, as he achieves a level of heroism matched only by Beowulf in his younger years.
In the mid-7th century, for example, A medieval tradition preserved at Life of St. Hero Analysis: Character Analysis Of Beowulf 770 Words 4 Pages Meghana Sunder Mr. For the 9th century Mercian ruler, see Wiglaf Wīġlāf Scholars have proposed various interpretations of Wiglaf's role in the poem, but agree that he is important, and that he was Beowulf's nephew, a key relationship in heroic tales of the period. Was Wiglaf a good leader? And join us for Wednesday, February 8th, 2023!! Wiglaf, as I just mentioned, is a good man. The journey consist of twelve different steps and in the story Beowulf we read about the magnificent and rough journey that Beowulf and this men accomplish.
Instead, Beowulf committed heroic acts for his own selfish reasons and never shows to values the lives of the people. Although hidden, this courageous follower soon shows his loyalty to his lord and leadership amongst his comrades. The messenger proclaims Beowulf's death to the people, and foresees a bleak future for the Geats. Beowulf seems as if he is eagerly waiting for a challenge when he stumble upon the news from Denmark. Why would she do such a thing despite the consequences of death? Then the bold-spirited ruler removed from his neck a golden circlet, and gave it to his loyal thane, the young spear-warrior, also his gold-gleaming helmet, ring and coat of mail, commanding him to use them well.
What importance is Wiglaf to the poem? Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, reprinted with corrections 2006. In this system, a lord or king offers protection to his retainers or thanes and supports them with a share of booty, gifts, and even land. You are the last of us, the only one left. He is the son of Weohstan, a Swede of the Wægmunding clan who had entered the service of Beowulf, king of the Geats. We are told that he is a kinsman of Beowulf, the last of the Waegmunding clan. Beowulf Hero Quotes 721 Words 3 Pages A character name Beowulf can be characterized as an Anglo-Saxon hero more so than an epic hero because of his actions. He predicts that now that Beowulf is gone and their shame becomes well-known, foreign nobles will come and seize their land.
Chronicle makes it probable that Wiglaf recovered the kingdom by force, and that if Ecgberht had given the kingdom to Wiglaf this would have been recorded. Albany, New York: SUNY Press. Those views change however by the course of the person's actions and we have seen Beowulf's actions change my view to say that he is a selfless hero. If he is not as mighty as his heroic predecessor, he certainly lacks nothing in courage and loyalty. Beowulf hears the news and comes to try to defeat the demon. Wachtor English 12 31 August 2015 Beowulf Character Analysis In the poem Beowulf, we see the Anglo-Saxon hero.
He was a hero in that his loyalty his king never swayed. Beowulf is a protagonist whose encounters with evil proves him to be a strong heroic warrior. He recalls a time when he and the other ten received rings and the very armor that they now have with them from Beowulf. While warfare was a focal point in their lifestyle, it was far from a savage, barbaric state of fighting. Retrieved October 26, 2007. Whereas, in Beowulf, the author makes use of many purposeful situations that lead readers to consider the intentions and major themes that they considered rare at the time. Wiglaf is a young warrior in the service of his king, Beowulf.
Stenton, Anglo-Saxon England, pp. Boasting and self-possession were another common custom of the Anglo-Saxons. In the end, the dragon is defeated, but Conclusion Take a look at the main points about Wiglaf in Beowulf covered in the article above. In the battle against the dragon, he proves to be the only Geatish warrior with courage even moderately equivalent to Beowulf's. The knight from the Canterbury Tales is considered the protagonist as he serves as an honorable servant to the king. He performs this admirable deed because he wanted to achieve immortality by being a hero. What does he give to Wiglaf and why? He declares that he would rather be burned to death than to abandon his king, and he rushes to Beowulf's defense.
. This young man was known as Wiglaf. He fought the monsters with his bare hands. Wiglaf reprimands the warriors, calling them disloyal oath-breakers and unworthy of Beowulf's generosity. Wiglaf, once a Swedish boy, was the son of Wexstan. One of simple proud qualities. Wiglaf isn't being humble to make a name for himself; he is being humble because he swore an oath to Beowulf that he would always be there Compare And Contrast Wiglaf And Beowulf 476 Words 2 Pages Many problems and questions found in Beowulf can relate to modern times.
Beowulf showcases good versus evil, which we still see everyday. Only fleetingly will the populace favor material objects, but they will forever look towards their instinctual emotions. Wiglaf is the only one willing to risk his life to help his ruler. Thanes swear devotion to their leader and vow to fight boldly, to the death if necessary, for him. We must bond together, Shield and helmet, mail-shirt and sword.
For his part, the leader rewards his thanes with treasure, protection, and land. Beowulf Archetype Analysis 955 Words 4 Pages Wiglaf proved to the kingdom and Beowulf he was worthy of being the new king of Geatland. Retrieved 5 October 2017. The punishments aren't as brutal. He was called Wiglaf, son of Weohstan, A valued shied-warrior, and man of the Scylfings, A kinsman of Aelfhere.
