Beowulf Is Inhumanly Strong

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This fight is a struggle of pure strength; Beowulf shows that he is inhumanly strong. When Grendel was killing Beowulf’s men one by one, others waited for their master’s move. Yet, Beowulf does nothing but pretends to be asleep until Grendel comes to attack him. This is when he surprises the monster and fatally wounds him. As a good leader Beowulf should fight along with his men. He should protect them from harm but instead he sacrificed many of his companions to carry out his plan. His purpose was to kill Grendel on his own, just as if he wanted to get the credit for himself. What is most unsettling about this fight is the fact that many of Beowulf’s men could be saved. If all warriors conformed to the idea of comitatus, which emphasizes the bonds between men fighting together and their companionship in battle, many lives could be saved. Beowulf is unfortunately the first one to violate and to fail comitatus, he proves …show more content…

Yet, Beowulf again puts his pride on a pedestal. As a king he has greater responsibilities and he should not jeopardize his life. The well being of his nation should come first. In addition, he should be a better leader to his people, who look for guidance and comfort in their king. The fight with the dragon proves that Beowulf is a fearless hero. His death is not his personal failure but it is a failure of a king. Tahmina Akhter shows what links Beowulf’s fight with Grendel to the fight with the dragon, “[a]s Beowulf silently observed his friend 's murder by Grendel in Heorot, only to prove himself the greatest hero, against the dragon his men also observe him to die, not providing any help to their dearest king”(Akhter). If Beowulf was a better leader and he respected the principles of comitatus, his companions would help him in every battle. He is himself guilty for his men turning back on him. It is his biggest mistake when he forbids his men to take part in the

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