A King is Not a Hero

Photo Taken by Rose Zhang

When people think of a successful king, they often associate them with the hero. However, many fail to notice that no one could own both the title king and the hero at the same time; they need to give up either one of the titles to become a truly successful hero or king. In the famous epic poem, Beowulf, despite Hrothgar rules the Danes, another hero, Beowulf, shows up to solve Danes’ problems while the true Danes king sits on his throne and gives all honor and credit to Beowulf. To become a truly successful leader, one must know to put down his honor and fame for his people’s safety. Also, a ruler who cares about his people in every aspect fits the title king, not someone who goes off on a quest to defeat the villain for his own glory and who saves the people along his way. Hrothgar’s responsibility is to protect his own people and he fulfilled it through appointing Beowulf to slay Grendel, providing a great example of a true ruler. Thus, I disagree with the view that Hrothgar lacked courage and failed as a king because he could not defeat Grendel, for a true leader knows to ask for help when his people need assistance.  

Unlike other warriors or leaders in that time period, Hrothgar acknowledges the need of his people and willingly gives up his honor to ask for aid. When in need of help, a true leader knows to ask for help rather than forcing himself to fight the invincible enemy. For instance, Hrothgar had victories back in his younger days; he won wars, he gained followers, and he also received treasures. To emphasize Hrothgar’s glorious days, the author writes, “The fortunes of war favored Hrothgar” (Heaney 64). Even so, Hrothgar does not go and fight off Grendel or make peace with the monster because he won all the wars in his past; Hrothgar understands he grew old and that fighting Grendel would only leave his people in more danger. On Beowulf’s arrival at Heorot, Hrothgar welcomes him with a feast and eagerly accepts Beowulf’s proposal to fight Grendel, saying, “relish the triumph of heroes to your [Beowulf] heart’s content” (490). While Beowulf has not defeated Grendel yet, Hrothgar warmly welcomes Beowulf and makes him as comfortable as possible to prepare his fight with Grendel, because Hrothgar understands clearly that without Beowulf’s help, he cannot protect his people.

Even though he did not defeat Grendel by himself, Hrothgar demonstrates the wisdom a king needs to rule his kingdom. At the arrival of Beowulf’s troops, Hrothgar knew distinctly that he needed to gain their loyalty in order to let Beowulf fight Grendel, so he generously gave plenty of drinks and he even brought out his own wife to honor them, “…the Helming woman went on her rounds, / queenly and dignified, decked out in rings, / offering the goblet to all ranks,” (620-622). Hrothgar utilizes his tactful mind to gain these warriors’ trust, even though he could not fight anymore like Beowulf, the Danes’ king’s wisdom remains and makes him qualify as a king. Furthermore, Hrothgar gives advice to Beowulf, which reveals the insight Hrothgar has and the great worldview he has. He says to Beowulf, “…beware of that trap. / Choose, dear Beowulf, the better part, / Eternal rewards. Do not give way to pride.” (1758-1760). In these lines, Hrothgar warns Beowulf about the danger pride wields, which can infiltrate the strongest warrior; he pointed out the most dangerous trap, which people in that time period ignored easily when they become a leader.

       Overall, Hrothgar gives a great example of a true king who would willingly humble himself to assist his people when in need. Throughout the story, instead of a hero who defeats enemies, Hrothgar demonstrates to the reader a wise king who knows the best for his people. No one can tackle both leader and hero titles at the same time, only either one of them. As a leader, knowing to ask for help and willingness to give up one’s own honor to protect one’s people is not failure, but the wisest and bravest decision a king could ever make.

Work Cited

Beowulf: a New Verse Translation. Translated by Seamus Heaney. W.W. Norton& Company, 2000.

Rose ✨