Parents Home Homeschool College Resources. Whereas Judas is the only one of the twelve apostles who betrays Jesus, Wiglaf is the only one of eleven thanes who remains loyal to Beowulf. He is a fearless, loyal, and strong warrior. Wiglaf in Beowulf is one of the most important characters, but he doesnt show up until the end of the poem. He says he loves her and will kill Grendel in her honor. He has nursed his king, watched him die, and mourned that loss. the single glint of optimism in the final part of the story, which, What makes him a worthy successor to Beowulf? Both of them are heroes in their own right. Because of his pride, he refuses to fight with others, but he is older and weaker, not as powerful as he once was. Wiglaf first appears in Beowulf at line 2602, as a member of the band of thanes who go with Beowulf to seek out the dragon that has attacked Geat-Land.This is the first time Wiglaf has gone to war at Beowulf's side. Beowulf, the hero of the poem, exhibits great bravery in everything he does. He'll kill Grendel before nightfall. Study Guide. Wiglaf, one of Beowulf's kinsmen and thanes, is the only warrior brave enough to help the hero in his fight against the dragon. Why is Beowulf's death a turning point for the Geats? 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. Sacrifice can benefit the greater good. Instant downloads of all 1699 LitChart PDFs Later, Wiglaf takes up the role he was given and the role that he earned. what make him a worthy successor to beowulf? Its treasure is Wiglaf symbolizes in this story loyalty within the social or political structure of this story. Sacrifice In Beowulf - 457 Words | Internet Public Library Wisdom is one of the traits of hero, but what is wisdom. In Beowulf, who is Wiglaf, and what is his relationship to Beowulf In the epic "Beowulf," there is a constant struggle between good and evil. what makes wiglaf a worthy successor to beowulf [7] Gallacher and Damico have acknowledged this alternative interpretation but feel that it is unnecessary to argue that one discernible element within a name submerges another as all interpretations are collectively useful in the pursuit of deep analysis. _____48. Wiglaf helps Beowulf through every task. The bond between Beowulf and Wiglaf is apparent as the king speaks to the young man and Wiglaf tries to comfort him. Lines 1925-2210. Hrothgar replied that he remembers him when . Find more answers Ask your question Previous Next SSR + SW take 5-10 mins to review for their test.SW apply their knowledge to a Unit exam on Beowulf.SW . leader or warrior. No explanation related to lineage is . Wiglaf was willing to die by Beowulf's side. King Beowulf grooms no successor, and the Geats probably think that he will live forever anyway. Lines 1251-1491. Like Like The Danes go through many years of worry, danger, and death at the arms of Grendel. what makes wiglaf a worthy successor to beowulf to die attempting to defeat the opponent and, more importantly, He accommodates perfectly to be a worthy successor and that he is willing to die in trying to kill the beast and to save his lord. Contact Crypterio Theme support team if you need help or have questions. The latest generation of titles in this series also features glossaries and visual elements that complement the classic, familiar format. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The other warriors fear and respect him. All the people believed that they had killed the monster and solved the issue, however when they were least expecting it, in section 19, lines 1295-1305, Grendel's mothers came to Herot killing Hrothgar's best friend. The poet says of Wiglaf, "So should a man be, a thane at need! The dragon had a hoard of treasures, and one day, a slave came upon the hoard and took something. Do Animals Have Rights? These similarities can be recognized especially well through the Anglo Saxon beliefs of what makes an . What does the sword's failure in battle potentially suggest about its owner? It is Wiglaf's blow that slows the serpent and decreases his firepower, thus enabling Beowulf to manage one last thrust with a knife that opens the dragon's belly and kills him. Why is Beowulf's death a turning point for the Geats? Here are some other descriptions of the young warrior, as found in Seamus Heaneys translation of Beowulf: By these descriptions, it is implied just how beloved and respectful the young man is together with Wiglafs character traits overall. Once Beowulf is dead, that bond of loyalty disappears, since it is a bond of homosocial intimacy rather than one mediated by any larger entity of tribe or group or nascent nation. (Norton, 59.) Summary. Who is the successor to Beowulf in Beowulf? - Answers Although Beowulf desired for the treasures to be given to his people, the people buried them with him, as illustrated in section 43, lines 3160-3165. Wiglaf is the young warrior who sticks by Beowulf's side while he fights with the dragon. What Size Are Darcey And Stacey. Neither of these actions will stop Beowulf from dying, but they may make him more comfortable in the process; washing and un dressing, of course, are services that women have traditionally tended to perform for children or for incapacitated people or for the dead, in fact. Beowulf, the hero of the poem, exhibits great bravery in everything he does. Asked by samantha s #597102. Wiglaf conforms perfectly to the heroic code in that he is willing to die attempting to defeat the opponent and, more importantly, to save his lord. [B 6] He rebukes the other thanes[B 7] and goes to Beowulf's aid[B 8] crying words of encouragement. [B 22], Wiglaf's last appearance is at line 3120, where he chooses seven thanes to help him push the dragon's corpse over the cliff into the sea, loot the lair, and lay the treasure on Beowulf's funeral pyre. reinforces the character traits he displays earlier in the poem. Discover their experiences of living a life with the great king. - 3012873 Fate has swept away all of my kin to the measured end, those earls in courage; I must go after them. [8], In the 1981 animated film Grendel Grendel Grendel, Wiglaf (voiced by Ernie Bourne[9]) is portrayed as one of Hrothgar's thanes rather than an ally of Beowulf, and is killed by Grendel. He is the only one of Beowulfs warriors who comes to help him fight against the dragon. Wiglaf's Character In 'Beowulf' - 977 Words | Studymode Even though loyalty is such an important part of the heroic culture at the time, most of Beowulfs chosen soldiers run away in fear. This question has been asked a lot of times because of his fierce personality in the epic poem since Grendel was the main villain in the Beowulf folklore. Destroying the presence of evil in the kingdom of Heorot was an exceptional feet, but what makes Beowulf stand out is his purpose. "[B 4], When Beowulf damages his sword wounding the dragon and is burned by the dragon's fire,[B 5] Wiglaf is the only man of Beowulf's band to overcome his fear of the dragon. It is demonstrated in section 35, lines 2599-2601, "and only one of them . journey begins in the medias res. Analyzes how wiglaf is a deus ex machina who aids beowulf in his battle with the dragon. Its treasure is 2. At this moment, the two kinsmen experience the intensity and physical intimacy of this decidedly martial and heroic space. How does Beowulf become king of the Geats? You can view our. The first way in which. What makes wiglaf a worthy successor to beowulf | consbujupe1983's Ownd However, Beowulf does not immediately give the items to Wiglaf. The poet as well realizes that Wiglaf has changed through the course of the narrative. He urges the people to take a last look at Beowulf and the treasure. Surrounded by a crowd of helpful warriors, Beowulf is the last to fall. Join our Discord server and discuss Literature & Mythology. Discuss how the author uses foreshadowing in this story. [B 9], Wiglaf does not retreat, though his shield is consumed by fire. If Wiglaf was to take Beowulfs place after his death, it makes sense that they would battle Beowulfs final monster together. Dont have an account? How is the battle between Beowulf and Grendel different than the battle between Beowulf and Grendel's mother? Lines 1008-1250. Wiglaf thus represents the next generation of heroism You'll be able to access your notes and highlights, make requests, and get updates on new titles. world.The premise of the Dating Beowulf collection allows an examination of Wiglaf's affective and emotional contributions to the poem as a whole. In this interpretation, Wiglaf then remembers his duty of kinship and the bravery of his father Weohstan. He'll slay Grendel or die trying. He has the same grit and tenacity as Beowulf. The author executes this portrayal on account of allowing Hrothgar to seem hesitant to kill Grendel, while Beowulf had full confidence through God. Wiglaf is a "praise-worthy shield warrior" who goes to fight the dragon with Beowulf. In the world of Beowulf, a man's good name is his key to immortality. Wiglaf fiercely swears that he would rather die than return home without having protected his leader. The treasure hoard, without a people to use and "polish" it, is useless. He has to remind them of the importance of loyalty and honor, telling them that he would rather die than be found out theyd left their king. In his view, this is "of crucial significance". Surrounded by a crowd of helpful warriors, Beowulf is the last to fall. Define alliteration: Repetition of a consonant sound at the beginning of a word 19. Hrothgar pledges a pact of friendship between the Danes and the Geats, and suggests Beowulf would be a worthy successor to King Hygelac. Creating notes and highlights requires a free LitCharts account. "[B 19], The other eleven men that came with Beowulf[a] gather around the body, and Wiglaf condemns them for their failure of duty and declares that he will order them exiled. Read an in-depth analysis of Wiglaf. In the battle against the dragon, he proves to be the only Geatish warrior with courage even moderately equivalent to Beowulf's. In a way, his valor only serves to underscore just how weak in general and dependent on . Wiglaf shows up toward the end of the poem, and yet he is one of the most important characters in relation to Beowulf. [B 12] His hand is badly burned,[B 13] but his attack allows Beowulf to close and kill the dragon. Wiglaf seems not be offended by this deathbed slight; he remains seated by Beowulf's corpse, sprinkling it with water in a futile gesture of hope. Analyzes how wiglaf is a doomed man who inherits the kingdom and faces hostile world. 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. is Beowulf named. Many years earlier, Hrothgar paid money to the Wulfings to resolve a blood feud they had with Ecgtheow, Beowulf's father. Despite his youth, Wiglaf shows his loyalty, strength, and bravery by coming to assist Beowulf in Beowulfs final battle. Eventually, however, a younger Geatish warrior named Beowulf hears of Hrothgar's plight. 2) Beowulf does not have the element of surprise In the end, the dragon is defeated, but Beowulf dies, leaving his kingdom to Wiglaf because he has no male heir. (one code per order). This leads Eliason to suggest that Beowulf's sister married Weohstan the Waegmunding, so Wiglaf is Beowulf's nephew after all. It is only Wiglaf who decides to go and help his lord and master.