Beowulf Comparing Beowulf and Wiglaf - 1213 Words

In the literary work of Beowulf, it is imperative to analyze the relationships between characters and how those relationships function to create new meaning or a better understanding of the literature as a whole. In Beowulf, it can be said that the characters of Beowulf and Wiglaf share parallels that serve to show Wiglaf as becoming the next king, and not only the successor of the throne, but a sign of hope for the doomed society of the Geats. These similarities can be recognized especially well through the Anglo Saxon beliefs of what makes an exceptional warrior, as well as certain language chosen when describing the two characters. Furthermore, the two characters mirror each other in motifs of the story such as the father and son†¦show more content†¦92). The next motif that illustrates the similarities of the two warriors is the parallels seen in their coming of age stories in which they are reborn to be a king. In the instance of Beowulf, there are multiple ba ttles leading to his rebirth as a king, the main one being the fight with Grendel s mom. Because of birthing imagery depicted in the scene, Beowulf drops into the abyss a thane, and essentially, through rebirth, emerges as a king. The text reads that Beowulf returned from the abyss which was a surge of waves with blood in the backwash, a very clear version of birthing imagery (P. 68). Also, the text says, He who wields power of time and tide: He is the true Lord (P. 68). This is significant to the idea that Beowulf has been reborn a king since he emerged from the lake, a birthing image, and is upheld as the true lord. Wiglaf, although less indicated in this motif, still shares a common parallel in the fact that he begins his battle with the dragon as a thane and ends as a king. When Wiglaf is described before the battle, it is said that this was his first time to be tested as a fighter (P. 89). However, the text directly after shows Wiglaf to have wise and fluent words, a qua lity of a king (P. 89). Also, birthing imagery is apparent in Wiglaf s story because of the use of the cave, a indicator of the womb. At the start ofShow MoreRelatedHeroes : A Comparison Of Beowulf And Wolverine750 Words   |  3 PagesFrom the medieval times to the aftermath of World War II we have two different but extremely similar hero figures in history. One was Beowulf, an inexperienced warrior who turned into a developed king. The other was what some would call abnormal who was later turned into a science experiment known as Wolverine. Beowulf and Wolverine are very harsh and pitiless when it comes to conflict. 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