In our culture, the heroic code is usually seen in a person who has accomplished great deeds; for instance, Abraham Lincoln and George Washington led our nation through times of crisis and transitions. During the Anglo-Saxon period, the heroic code showed strength, bravery, high praise to the greater authority and to overcome evil. In Beowulf, the author uses Hrothgar speeches to the Danes to show that he embodies the heroic code. Hrothgar shows his first trait embodying the heroic code by accepting Beowulf's help. In the beginning of the epic, Beowulf comes to Hrothgar to see if he needed help. The author gives us evidence by stating "Beowulf, you've come to us in friendship and I accept your help"" (p.37). Although one might be a leader, nothing is wrong with accepting help takes courage. Beowulf feels loyal toward Hrothgar. The reason Beowulf feels loyal toward Hrothgar is that Hrothgar accepts his help and he also took in Beowulf's father. "I will pay all of my debt, I owe"" (p.17). Hrothgar also shows by paying off his debt it will show that he is loyal to his commitment.
Hrothgar wants Beowulf to give praise to God and fight Grendel. By Hrothgar being the leader he is, it will make a major impact on Beowulf's performance against Grendel. It also teaches Beowulf to fight fair instead of in a cowardly way. "I have heard moreover that the monster in his reckless ways to use weapons. The heavy war-board: hand-to-hand it shall be" " (p.22). .
Beowulf tells everyone it's going to be hands on battle, and he will gain glory for it but, it belongs to God. Beowulf is going to apply a lesson he learned from Hrothgar. Beowulf replied, "Unferth you've had your say about Breca and me. Mostly beer that was talking when the going got heavy in those high waves, I was the strongest simmer"" (p.30). That significant evidence proved that Hrothgar taught Beowulf to show strength even when it's an unimportant task.
