For instance, when Beowulf initially meets the King, he states that his “… father was a famous man, a noble warrior-lord named Ecgetheow…” before even mentioning his own name, and thus, throughout the poem he was known as “…son of Ecgetheow…” (46,60). In addition, as Beowulf is greeted by Hrothgar’s herald, he refers the King of the Danes as “… son of Halfdane…” and requests to meet with him in order to “… report my[his] errand…” (48). This repetitive emphasis on patriarchal lineage portrays the pride and honor each men contains, by which part of their individual identity is intertwined with who their forefathers are. And while each warrior strives to act valiantly as they attempt to reach the same standards as their ancestors, a warrior’s individual character plays a major part in his identity as well. Beowulf exemplifies the qualities of the perfect hero. This Geats hero is characterized as “… the mightiest man on earth, highborn and powerful” (45). However, some villagers, specifically Unferth were
For instance, when Beowulf initially meets the King, he states that his “… father was a famous man, a noble warrior-lord named Ecgetheow…” before even mentioning his own name, and thus, throughout the poem he was known as “…son of Ecgetheow…” (46,60). In addition, as Beowulf is greeted by Hrothgar’s herald, he refers the King of the Danes as “… son of Halfdane…” and requests to meet with him in order to “… report my[his] errand…” (48). This repetitive emphasis on patriarchal lineage portrays the pride and honor each men contains, by which part of their individual identity is intertwined with who their forefathers are. And while each warrior strives to act valiantly as they attempt to reach the same standards as their ancestors, a warrior’s individual character plays a major part in his identity as well. Beowulf exemplifies the qualities of the perfect hero. This Geats hero is characterized as “… the mightiest man on earth, highborn and powerful” (45). However, some villagers, specifically Unferth were