An Ego of Royal Proportions The epic poem Beowulf is a story of heroism, loyalty, ego, and destiny. To be a great leader of men; a great king of the people, you must be respected and trusted. Loyalty is given to those who earn the respect and trust of their people. Beowulf was endowed with great physical strength, the pride and courage of a warrior, and an equally strong command of speech, which he skillfully used to his advantage. He earned the respect and trust of almost everyone he came in contact with, mostly because he possessed the characteristics of a true hero, but ultimately it was his ego that sealed his fate. Although it could be said that Beowulf's character was tainted by a huge ego, fueled by thoughts of immortality, it is precisely this trait that made him an ideal hero and king. To be considered an ideal hero, you must be willing to risk everything to succeed. A hero is one who would give his life to save another; he who is not afraid of death. In the epic poem Beowulf, our hero takes advantage of the opportunity to prove his worth. He's young and strong and is driven to make a name for himself. The author describes Beowulf's exceptional skill and warrior character long before he is named in the poem: "Great among the Geats, this man was mightier than any then living" (Damrosch 913). Shortly after Beowulf's arrival in Denmark, Wulfgar, one of King Hrothgar's men, explains to the king why he must meet the men who have come to slay the beast. “The Geats of far-sighted navigation have come to our kingdom across the vast waters. These warriors call their leader Beowulf and bid me carry their supplication to our prince, if it pleases him to let them enter and offer them audience. I implore you t...... middle of paper ......ic Papers. Np, February 23, 2009. Google. Network. March 17, 2014. .Damrosch, David, and David L. Pike. "Beowulf." The Longman Anthology of World Literature, Compact Edition. New York: Pearson, Longman, 2008. 929-970. Print.Hanning, Robert W. “Beowulf and Anglo-Saxon Poetry.” Prudentius to medieval drama. Ed. William H. Jackson. New York: Scribner's, 1983. vol. 1 of European writers. George Stade, ed. in chief. 14 vols. 60-62.Stitt, Dr. J. Michael. "The Long Road to Becoming a King." English 477 Tolkien and fantasy literature. Ed. Doctor J. Michael Stitt. NP and Google. Network. March 14, 2014. .Wittmeyer, Phil. "The role of the king." Michele's teachings. NP and Google. Network. March 14. 2014. .