The main theme in this epic story is how Beowulf was able to persevere when no ordinary men could, with his loyalty to the king, and with his thirst for honor he would not let any situation get the best of him. Beowulf first come to Hrothgar’s aid, due to the fact there was a monster, and if there was a monster, Beowulf would die striving to be the best. We Beowulf first arrived, his first test of his loyalty, honor did not come from a battle, but from a uncertain Unferth who believed Beowulf was not the hero he claimed. “You’ve been lucky in your battles Beowulf, but I thinks your luck may change if you challenge Grendel.” (258-259) Beowulf did not tolerate this, with his honor intact, he held of Unferth’s attacks, and told him off. When Beowulf decided to face Grendel he did so with no armor and no sword. For Grendel used no weapons and he wanted an evil fight. “He needs no weapons, and fears none. Nor will I.”(168-169) he goes on to say. “My lord Higlac might think less of me, if I let my sword go where my feet were afraid.”(170-171)This quote shows how even though Beowulf is in another land, ruled by another king, he still keeps his loyalty to his king Higlac. Beowulf keeps his word and kills Grendel with nothing but his hands. After the death of Grendel all of Beowulf’s doubters had converted, and everybody praised him. But has Grendel’s mother took her vengeance Beowulf’s loyalty was put to the test. Hrothgar asked Beowulf to stay, and kill yet another monster even though his deed has already been done. With the loyalty to his new king, Beowulf could not refuse.
After Beowulf killed the monsters, his undying honor, and loyalty finally paid off. Beowulf returned to his land where he became king. Now as his own king he had one more task to do, the final battle in the story of Beowulf would leave him dead, but in the most honorable way possible. The dragon attacked Beowulf “Flames beat at the iron shield for time it held”. Beowulf stood his ground, even though he knew he might not return. But if he was to run everything he had done to this point would be meaningless. As all the soldiers ran for their lives, losing all there honor, by being disloyal to the king “they ran for their lives, fled deep in a wood.” (748-749); Beowulf with just himself and his faithful companion Wiglac, “And only one of them remained, stood there, miserable, remembering as a good man must, what kinship should mean,” (749-751). managed to kill the dragon, but at the expense of Beowulf’s life. Beowulf died how every man wished; in battle with more honor and loyalty than any of his peers. He died fighting his final battle, as a hero should.
