Who is Wiglaf in the story Beowulf?

Wiglaf, one of Beowulf’s kinsmen and thanes, is the only warrior brave enough to help the hero in his fight against the dragon. Wiglaf conforms perfectly to the heroic code in that he is willing to die attempting to defeat the opponent and, more importantly, to save his lord.

What does Wiglaf represent in Beowulf?

Wiglaf represents courage and loyalty in the face of unbelievable odds. In fact, he’s a sort of a reverse-Judas figure. Whereas Judas is the only one of the twelve apostles who betrays Jesus, Wiglaf is the only one of eleven thanes who remains loyal to Beowulf.

What stock epithet is given to Beowulf?

Like Unferth, Beowulf has many epithets that help add depth to his character. He is known as Prince of the Weders, Son of Ecgtheow, the Geatish Hero, Lord of the Seamen. Each of these epithets provides us with more information to better understand who the hero of the tale is and what he will bring to the tale.

Who is Wiglaf in Beowulf quizlet?

Wiglaf is a young Geatish warrior in Beowulf’s retinue who follows him to the barrow where the dragon is lurking. When all of Beowulf’s other thanes, or lords, abandon him, Wiglaf remains loyally with his king, encouraging and supporting him.

What did Wiglaf say to his comrades?

Wiglaf called out to his comrades. “I remember when we were in the mead hall and we promised to bring Beowulf swords and armor if he needed them. He picked us to join him out of all his soldiers because he believed we were good with our swords.

Was Wiglaf a geat?

Wiglaf was the one Geat to stay with Beowulf in the battle with the dragon. He was a hero in that his loyalty his king never swayed.

What are stock epithets?

stock epithet – adjectives that point out special traits of people or things. ex. “ hell-forged” and “strong-hearted” Kenning: A noun phrase which describes a well-known, familiar noun in a new and more descriptive way.

What are examples of epithets?

A girl’s name is Marilynn, but her parents call her Lynn. Her sister calls her Mary. And her friends call her Merry-go-round when she’s being silly. Lynn, Mary, and Merry-go-round are all epithets, or special nicknames that replace the name of a person and often describe them in some way.

Who is Wiglaf How does he compare to Beowulf?

Wiglaf is very much like the young Beowulf the reader meets in the early sections of the poem. He, too, is strong, loyal and courageous. When Beowulf goes to fight the dragon, he brings his best men with him.

Is Wiglaf Beowulf’s cousin?

Weohstan belonged to the clan of the Wægmundings, the same clan Beowulf’s father Ecgþeow belonged to; so Wiglaf is Beowulf’s distant cousin, and his only living relative at the time of Beowulf’s death.

What words does Wiglaf have for Beowulf’s warriors?

26 this torment all alone among the Geatish troop, 27 or fall in the struggle; now sword and helmet, 28 byrnie and battle-dress, shall be ours together!” This passage from the poem Beowulf features the character Wiglaf speaking to a group of soldiers who are hastily fleeing the scene of battle.

What does Wiglaf say to the rest of Beowulf’s followers?

What does Wiglaf say to the rest of Beowulf’s followers? He says they should be ashamed because they fled when Beowulf needed them. He called them out for leaving after they promised they would help him fight.

What did Beowulf tell Wiglaf about his life?

Beowulf tells Wiglaf that he knows he is dying and that he wishes he had a son to leave his armor to, an heir to follow after him. He takes stock of his life: he ruled for fifty years, no enemy dared confront him, he never sought feuds, and never made improper oaths, or killed kinsman.

Who is Wiglaf in The Lord of the Rings?

We are told that he is a kinsman of Beowulf, the last of the Waegmunding clan. When he realizes that Beowulf is in serious jeopardy in his battle with the dragon, Wiglaf calls to the other 10 retainers who accompanied the king to the barrow and reminds them of the promises they have made to their leader.

Why was Wiglaf so important to the thanes?

Thanes swear devotion to their leader and vow to fight boldly, to the death if necessary, for him. For his part, the leader rewards his thanes with treasure, protection, and land. His generosity is one of the virtues for which he is admired. Wiglaf is a young warrior in the service of his king, Beowulf.

Why are retainers important in the story of Beowulf?

The one retainer who comes to Beowulf’s aid in the battle against the dragon represents the theme of loyalty in the system of the comitatus. This is the honor code that exists between the king, or feudal lord, and his warriors, sometimes called “thanes” or “retainers.”