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What purpose does Wiglaf serve at the end of the poem?
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!) world.
What is the purpose of Wiglaf’s opening speech?
Wiglaf’s speech is an attempt to remind the other ten retainers of the honor code of comitatus and to shame them into action. 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.
What importance is Wiglaf to the poem?
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. He proves to be the treasure that compensates the king’s death, filling the resulting void in his kingdom and in the narrative.
What Wiglaf means?
Wiglaf thus represents the next generation of heroism and the future of the kingdom. His bravery and solid bearing provide the single glint of optimism in the final part of the story, which, for the most part, is dominated by a tone of despair at what the future holds.
What does he give to Wiglaf and why?
Beowulf asks Wiglaf to bring him the treasure so that he can die knowing that he won it. He gives Wiglaf the gold necklace he wears and his armor, and dies. Beowulf describes the treasure as his final gift to his people, and passes on his kingship to Wiglaf, who is clearly the most deserving and competent of the Geats.
Why is Wiglaf a hero?
The warriors, along with Wiglaf, are to follow the Anglo-Saxon heroic code and defend Beowulf, favoring death over failure. 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.
What is Wiglaf in battle?
Wiglaf was the one Geat to stay with Beowulf in the battle with the dragon. He was a hero in that his loyalty his king never swayed. He approached the dragon while shouting encouragement to Beowulf, which distracted the dragon briefly.
Was Wiglaf a good leader?
Wiglaf, as I just mentioned, is a good man. One of simple proud qualities. He is a man of his word and the only mighty warrior who deserved a Leader such as Beowulf. He knew what kinship meant and was not about to let his comrades forget their words of bravery when the time came for them to assist Beowulf in battle.
Why is Wiglaf important to the story of Beowulf?
Character Analysis Wiglaf The one retainer who comes to Beowulf’s aid in the battle against the dragon represents the theme of loyalty in the system of the comitatus. This is the honor code that exists between the king, or feudal lord, and his warriors, sometimes called “thanes” or “retainers.”
Why was Wiglaf so important to the thanes?
Thanes swear devotion to their leader and vow to fight boldly, to the death if necessary, for him. For his part, the leader rewards his thanes with treasure, protection, and land. His generosity is one of the virtues for which he is admired. Wiglaf is a young warrior in the service of his king, Beowulf.
Who is Wiglaf in the Game of Thrones?
Wiglaf is a young warrior in the service of his king, Beowulf. We are told that he is a kinsman of Beowulf, the last of the Waegmunding clan.
Why is Wiglaf the only one willing to risk his life?
Consistent with the heroic code, they promised to come to the assistance of their king if he ever needed them. Wiglaf rightly accuses them of running when they vowed to fight. He attempts to shame them into action, but no one returns. Wiglaf is the only one willing to risk his life to help his ruler.