The Role of Lof, Wyrd and Comitatus in Beowulf

The importance of lof (fame), wyrd (fate), and comitatus (companionship/loyalty) in Beowulf. To the Anglo saxons fame was just as important as life. There fate was there destiny to them. Companionship and loyalty was the Anglo Saxons always having eachothers back no matter what. I think the Anglo-saxons showed all these attributes throughout there life.

Fame is the condition of being known or talked about by many people, especially on account of notable achievements. The battle was over, Beowulf had been granted new glory (340-341, 43). He gained a lot of fame for killing Grendal. Then that noble protector of all seamen Swam to land, rejoicing the heavy burdens he was bringing with him (579-580, 50). Not only did BeoWulf kill Grendal but his mother as well! His famous king bloody, gasping for breath(800-801, 58). Beowulf continued his legacy by fighting the dragon.

Fate is the development of events beyond a persons control, regarded as determined by a supernatural power. Fate has swept our race away, taken warriors in their strength and led them to the death that was waiting (825-827, 58). Beowulf talks about fate as he dies and what it has done to his people. Now Grendal and I are called together, and Ive come (159-160, 38). Herot talking about how fate brought him and Grendal together. But fate, that night, intended Grendal to gnaw the broken bones of his last human supper (257-259, 41). This quote talks about how it is Beowulfs fate to kill Grendal.

Loyalty is the quality of being loyal to someone or something. As Grendal and Beowulf battled across them. Hrothgars wise men had fashioned Herot to stand forever (300-302, 42). This quote talks about the loyalty these men had to Beowulf. The Geats stayed, sat sadly, watching, imagining they saw there Lord but not believing they would ever see him again (559-561, 50). The Geats were not giving up on Beowulf showing upmost loyalty staying and waiting for him to arise victorious. Then wextons son went in, as quickly as he could, did as the dying Beowulf asked, entered the inner darkness of the tower, went with his mail shirt and his sword (764-767, 57). One of Beowulfs loyal soldiers jump into action to try and save Beowulf and kill the dragon.

The importance of Fame, Fate, and Loyalty were very important to the Anglo-saxons. They are willing to do anything to get fame for their name. The Anglo-saxons believed in fate very much as they continued their battles if they were to die it was because of fate. Loyalty was one of the most important attribute to the Anglo-Saxons. they will jump into anything to save someone and have all of eachothers backs. That is why I think the Anglo-Saxons show all three of these qualities throughout there lives. 

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