Loyalty and Faith (Beowulf)

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Loyalty and faith can be portrayed in many ways, however, requires discipline to be attained. “Beowulf” is an epic poem about a warrior who is required to defend a town from a beast which terrorizes and kills all of its people. This warriors name is Beowulf, whose strength and courage is put to test as he fights this beast. On the other hand, Siddhartha is a story about a young man who strives to find nirvana, a state of mind where there is no pain, worry, or an external world. Siddhartha leaves his family for a contemplative life, to reach his one goal- to let the “self” die. Both of these characters undergo experiences so as to portray loyalty, which involve making sacrifices for the well being of others. Loyalty is expresses in multiple ways, but certain actions can lead to unfaithfulness.

The quality of loyalty can be portrayed through strength and true servitude. Beowulf is a warrior who stands against anything to prove his strength. Grendel is a ferocious man-eating beast, and Beowulf takes him down. “… He twisted in pain, and the bleeding sinews deep in his shoulder snapped, muscle and bone split and broke…” (Beowulf, 816-818). In this quote, Beowulf has defeated Grendel, the beast that no man ever dared to fight. He also portrays his loyalty by serving his people. Beowulf believed his sole purpose in life was to serve his people. “ When we crossed the sea, my comrades and I, I already knew that all my purpose was this: to win the good will of your people, or die in battle…” (Beowulf, 632-635). Beowulf only wanted to serve and protect in his life, nothing more. By using strength for good and serving the people, loyalty is depicted.

The quality of faith is depicted in Siddhartha through the actions of sacrifice and trust. Siddhartha was never a selfish individual. He gave to the poor. “ Siddhartha gave his clothes to a poor Brahmin on the road and only retained his loincloth and earth-colored unstitched cloak…” (Hesse, 13). He sacrificed his clothes...
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