Beowulf: Lof, Comitatus, And Wyrd

Beowulf is an old english epic poem written by an unknown author. The story is about a hero who had slayed many monster and demons but the most important monsters are Grendel, his mother, and a fire dragon. During his journey, the story shows different traits of Beowulf's culture, and those are Lof, Comitatus, and Wyrd. First of all, Lof was shown in the world of Beowulf. For example, “order my troops to construct a barrow on the headland on the coast, after my pyre has cooled (Raffel)”. This shows how Lof was dispaly, Beowulf wanted a reminder of him when he is gone, and thus making his legacy immortal. Also another one is, “ My lord, the great king of the Danes commands me to tell you that he knows of your noble birth (Raffle).” This further explains his
Fame (Lof ). With this explanation, Lof is a big deal in Beowulf’s culture.
Secondly, there is comitatus in their culture as well.
Like how Wiglaf refuse to run.,” when this lord we serve needs sound men to give him their support Let us go to him help our leader through the hot flame and dread of the fire (Raffle).” It shows that even though in times at hardship they or he still stay with his lord to the end. Another one is “ Men at arms, remain here on the barrow,-safe in your armour, to see which one of us is better in the end at bearing wounds in a deadly fray (Raffel).” This shows that even the lords are loyal to his subjects. For these reason, being Comitatus to your loyal companion is a good way of living in that
culture. Last of all, Wyrd is an important part of Beowulf. “ Yet his shield defended the renowned leader’s life and limb... that final day was the first day was the first time when Beowulf fought and fate denied him glory in battle ( Raffel ). “ This was the first time that fate did not let Beowulf win a battle by himself. Similarly, “ if he wins. And if death does take take me, send the hammer Mail of my armor to Higlac, return The inheritance I had from Hrethel,- and he From Wayland.- Fate will unwind as it must! (Raffel). For this reason, of letting fate decide your death is part of Wyrd. No doubt, that it plays an important role in Beowulf’s culture. In conclusion, Lof, Comitatus, and wyrd being shown in all if most of Beowulf’s culture. These values play an important role of how they lived out their lives. As a matter of fact, the concepts of these values are centuries yet can still be seen to this day.