The earliest piece of European literature, Beowulf is a wonderful piece of Anglo Saxon poetry which praises many values and ideas that people lived by. Loyalty, reputation, and generosity are three themes that are quite noticeable and moralizing throughout the story of Beowulf. Loyalty is first seen when Beowulf comes to the assistance of the Scyldings. Beowulf has heard of a great monster, Grendel, who has been killing Hrothgar's people. By coming to the defense of Hrothgar and his people, Beowulf accomplishes three important acts of loyalty. First, Beowulf is showing loyalty to his own king in Geatland by representing his country and his people. Second, Beowulf is repaying a family debt that extends back to when Beowulf's father, Ecgtheow was king and Hrothgar protected him. Ecgtheow had killed a leader of another tribe in a bloody battle. When the other members of that tribe came after Ecgtheow, Hrothgar hid Ecgtheow and settled the feud by giving treasure to Ecgtheow's enemies. Third, Beowulf's reputation as a brave warrior would increase after the defeat of Grendel. Loyalty is also found in another character, Wiglaf. During the last battle of Beowulf's life, with the dragon, Beowulf puts his trust in eleven of the finest men who vowed to fight with him. When the men realize that Beowulf is losing against the dragon, all but one man runs and hides in the woods. Wiglaf, Beowulf's loyal helper in his last fight, stands beside Beowulf to fight the dragon. “the noble son of Weohstan saw the king in danger at his side and displayed his inborn bravery and strength”.As Beowulf is dying he passes the kingdom onto Wiglaf, repaying him for his loyalty.
Beowulf's reputation is one virtue that is described throughout the book. After arriving to help the Scyldin ...