One of the most essential ties in any relationship is loyalty to one another. In early British Literature, true loyalty is shown when one is willing to sacrifice his life for the one whom he is bound to. This extreme loyalty is shown by two characters. In Beowulf, Wiglaf shows this form of loyalty to Beowulf, and in "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" this loyalty is shown by Gawain to King Arthur. These characters demonstrate beautifully the importance of loyalty, for they are both willing to sacrifice themselves for their lord. .
In Beowulf, Wiglaf puts his life in danger in the name of loyalty to Beowulf. When all of Beowulf's other followers leave, Wiglaf does not. Instead, he "stood there, miserable, remembering, as a good man must, what kinship should mean" (54). Therefore, it is evident that kinship means sacrifice. Even if one is dreadfully miserable and frightened, in order to be an honorable man you must uphold the values of kinship. It is evident that loyalty is tremendously important in early British literature; being a good man essentially means maintaining your devotion and allegiance to your lord. Wiglaf is obviously seen as a hero in this story, everyone who reads this story looks back with great respect for the character of Wiglaf. Why is this? This is because Wiglaf shows true loyalty, to the degree that he is willing to sacrifice himself. This form of loyalty is the greatest measure of honor that could be shown. Wiglaf puts himself in jeopardy for Beowulf; hence he shows us what genuine loyalty means in early British Literature.
In "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight", Gawain accepts the foolish task of the Green Knight in order to save King Arthur's life and honor. The Green Knights task is irrational; therefore none of the other knights are willing to take on such a mission. However, since Gawain is equipped with such a strong loyalty, he takes on this task so Arthur would not have to complete it.
