Is Beowulf A Good King?

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In the story Beowulf, noble warriors and kings proved their worth by dying for those they love. Beowulf, king of the Geats, and Jesus, king of the Jews, both understood the importance of sacrificing their lives for their people. A good king is a person who holds their citizens as their top priority—they promise to do whatever it takes to protect their people, even if that means fighting and dying alongside them. Beowulf was a very loyal and brave king who always looked out for the good of his people, just as Jesus did for the Jews. Beowulf can be portrayed as a good king because he always put his people first, and even though the results of some situations did not turn out in the favor of the people, he had good intentions. Beowulf exemplified …show more content…

Beowulf fought so valiantly that "no king of any neighboring clan would dare" face him and his troops (Beowulf 185). Beowulf proved his worth to his kingdom by fighting to save his people not only from their current enemies, but also to scare future enemies from attacking. During his reign, Beowulf was solely concerned with assisting his people and never cared about material gains. As he was bleeding out after defeating the dragon and winning treasure for his people, Beowulf's last thoughts were concerned with how his people would be affected. In his last breaths, Beowulf stated, "I give thanks that I behold this treasure here in front of me, that I have been allowed to leave my people so well endowed on the day I die" (Beowulf 189). Although by dying, Beowulf left his people without a king, if he did not defeat the dragon, his people would probably not live to see another day. The tough part about being a king is that you have to make tough choices and sacrifices that will ultimately keep your kingdom …show more content…

Like Jesus, Beowulf had to save his people from the suffering and evil that was brought into the world through sin. The “precious cup” that was stolen from the dragons lair brought death and destruction to the world, just like how when Adam and Eve stole and ate the forbidden fruit, suffering and death was unleashed on mankind (Beowulf 163). When Beowulf and Jesus’ kingdoms were threatened, they both stepped up as good kings and fought to protect their country. They were both willing to sacrifice, and ultimately die, for their people. Beowulf told his people that “this fight is not yours, not is it up to any man except me” (Beowulf 171). Beowulf felt that it was his duty to do whatever it takes to protect his people. He, like Jesus, was willing to fight for the good of their people, even if that meant that they would have to fight alone. Both Beowulf and Jesus ended up dying to save their people, which proves that they were both good

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