Beowulf's Thanes Analysis

Beowulf's thanes never have the opportunity to defend him in battle because Beowulf has superhuman fighting abilities; nevertheless, Beowulf holds his thanes in the highest respects. Beowulf is confident that his thanes are "brave of heart" (666) and will protect him whenever he needs them. He thinks he knows he can trust them because they "swore to our lord" (1574) eternal protection. As Beowulf ages, his vulnerability and his reliance for his thanes become more apparent. Though they swear to keep Beowulf "both sound and safe" (1105) from evils, they run like cowards as Beowulf needs them most. On the fateful day of the dragons appearance, Beowulf's "mighty thanes" (1103) "fled to the forest" like true cowards. These cowardly thanes help set the stage for Wiglaf's bravery (in an ideal setting to be introduced) as a true and loyal thane. Wiglaf is a hero with no great powers other than his courageous heart. Wiglaf is a member of the Wægmunding, a clan that Beowulf also belongs to. He is an emotional
character that remembers all that Beowulf has done for him in the past. In spite of that, Wiglaf finds himself "with bitter reproach" (1571) fiercely criticizing the other thanes for their cowardly actions. With no time to waste, Wiglaf knows that he has to help his lord; he will be Beowulf's only "loyal thane, the kindest of comrades," (1616). Wiglaf rushes to the aid of Beowulf, only to have his wool shield be burnt by the dragons fierce fire; still, Wiglaf continues to help his lord. In the battle Wiglaf's hand is burned "as he helped his king" (1619), sacrificing his own body to help Beowulf. Together, Wiglaf and Beowulf kill the dragon, only to find his valor to be too late for Beowulf is dying. Beowulf has a realization of Wiglaf's aid in battle. After the dragon was dead, Wiglaf came to Beowulf's side, where Beowulf knew his fate was upon him and he began to ramble about his happiness with ruling a land of peace. Beowulf thanks the Lord for all his blessings of treasures for his people but saved the ultimate gesture of appreciation for Wiglaf. In an obvious act of gratitude, Beowulf gives his, "gold decked helmet, his ring and his byrny"(1717) to Wiglaf. Beowulf is proud of his thane and is very grateful for helping him slay the dragon- and what better reward for Wiglaf than taking Beowulf‘s position as king. Shortly after Beowulf's last breath, the former thanes appear "in shame"(1729). Wiglaf finds himself in a bitter rage and he begins to yell at the former thanes, listing all the wonderful things Beowulf did for them out of the goodness of his heart. All the gifts of ancient swords and the precious armors they all wear, Wiglaf claims that Beowulf "wasted these trappings of war"(1741) on people who were fake. Wiglaf blames his lords death on "the cowards whose courage had failed" (1736) him. Acting as responsible and respectable character, Wiglaf tells the townsfolk and thanes that they do not deserve the land and riches that Beowulf gave to them. Wiglaf points out the "joy of home" (1756), the legionary Beowulf is gone because of their lack of bravery and loyalty. Saving most aggressive lecture for the thanes, Wiglaf simply explains in the true thane terms, that dieing in battle is better than "life besmirched with the brand of shame". Wiglaf believes these thanes will always regret their actions but he feels that it's a fitting crime for the shattered trust when Beowulf needed them most. Wiglaf is a true hero in this story.
It is obvious that Beowulf is not ready to fight the dragon. Going against Beowulf's requests, Wiglaf interferes in the battle and together they kill the dragon. Beowulf realizes that Wiglaf prevents him from dying in vain. If the dragon actually killed Beowulf and survived, then the entire battle would have been a stain in Beowulf's legend. Yet with the passing of one hero, another hero - Wiglaf - - emerged. Wiglaf does not follow Beowulf's wishes of passing the treasures on because Beowulf is disillusioned with death, not realizing how truly disloyal his citizens are. Wiglaf represents the voice of morality in this poem. Wiglaf tries to teach the citizens a lesson in bravery and courage; he exiles them from the land and allows "men from afar hear tell of your flight and your dastardly deeds"(1759). Beowulf is a hero represented by physicality; whereas his successor is a hero based on the teachings of morality and
loyalty.