Wiglaf's Loyalty In Beowulf

Wiglaf the Loyal Warrior

Loyal, courageous, and strong are all characteristics of Wiglaf, warrior of the Geats. The Geats were the tribe of the great Beowulf, in the epic of Beowulf, which is set in the 8th century in modern day Denmark and Sweden. The author of the epic of Beowulf is still unknown, and it is an epic poem about the adventures of its main character, Beowulf. Wiglaf is a character that is not mentioned in the epic of Beowulf until near the end of the epic. So why did the author include Wiglaf at all? That is a very interesting question and one that will be explained in this essay, as well as all of the reasons on why Wiglaf was an important character in this epic. This essay will discuss Wiglaf’s role in the scenes in which

he appears, how it would be different if he was not included in the epic, the important moments that Wiglaf endures, and what he does during these moments in this epic.
Initially, Wiglaf is the only warrior who remains loyal to the great Beowulf in his battle with the dragon, which is one of the largest scenes in which Wiglaf is involved in.

Beowulf is struggling to survive the force and might of the mighty dragon. With his assistance, Wiglaf is able to step in and kill the mighty beast. If Wiglaf is not included in this epic, the beast might not be killed and then he will kill more people in the village. Another important event in the epic in which Wiglaf is involved, is during the death of Beowulf, he made the loyal Wiglaf the heir to the throne. If Wiglaf is not included in the epic, there might not be an heir to the throne, and Beowulf could be the last king of the Geats. The preceding quote from the epic of Beowulf demonstrates Beowulf declaring Wiglaf as the heir of his throne. “When life leaves body, the Lord of mankind Cannot lay to my charge the killing of kinsmen! Go quickly, dear Wiglaf, to gaze on the gold Beneath the hoar stone (lines 1958-1961).” This quote shows the state of Beowulf and how he makes Wiglaf the heir to the throne. Wiglaf is a very influential character in the epic of Beowulf and if Wiglaf is excluded, Beowulf might not be able to defeat the dragon and continue the

monarchy.
Also, Wiglaf is a warrior for the Geats who demonstrates great loyalty toward Beowulf.

In the battle with the dragon, Beowulf is struggling and Wiglaf is the only warrior who helps Beowulf to eventually defeat this beast. The proceeding excerpt is from Beowulf which shows Wiglaf encouraging Beowulf to fight with everything he has left and he will be by Beowulf’s side. “Beloved Beowulf, Summon your strength, remember the vow You made of old in the years of youth Not to allow your glory to lessen As long as you lived. With resolute heart, And dauntless daring, defend your life With all your force. I fight at your side! (1587-1595)” The proceeding quote signifies that Wiglaf will never give up on Beowulf and will always fight on his side. A major characteristic of Wiglaf in this epic is his loyalty to his king, Beowulf. He will never give up on Beowulf. Even when the ten other warriors leave, he stays to help assist Beowulf in taking down the dragon. He is extremely loyalty to Beowulf and will never leave his side even in the face of death. Wiglaf loyalty towards Beowulf helps him to the killing of the mighty dragon at the end of the

epic.
In conclusion, Wiglaf is a very influential and important character in the epic of Beowulf for his involvement in the battle with the dragon and subsequently Wiglaf becoming the heir to the throne. Wiglaf is a character that does not enter the epic until near the end, but in the end he becomes very influential in taking down the final enemy in the dragon. Beowulf eventually dies from the wounds of the dragon, and at the end of the epic Wiglaf becomes the next king of the Geats. Wiglaf demonstrates his loyalties by staying with Beowulf until he takes his final breathe. Wiglaf is an important character and cannot be overlooked for his actions in the epic of Beowulf.