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Importance of Minor Characters in Beowulf

 

            The Importance of Minor Characters in Beowulf .
             For example in epics, minor characters can be as essential as the main characters. In the epic Beowuf, the charactes of Hrothgar, Unferth and Wiglaf prove necessary to the story.
             Unferth plays an important role in Beowulf. Through his quarreling with Beowulf, he reveals some of Beowulf's past achievements. Unferth says, ""You"re Beowulf, are you - the same/ Boastful fool who fought a swimming / Match with Brecca"" (239-41). Unferth's words provoke Beowulf to tell his life story, thereby revealing to the reader the extent of his bravery. Secondly, Unferth's challenge gets Beowulf angry, which provides Beowulf with more motivation to fight Grendel. Beowulf exclaims, ""And when the sun/ Comes up again, opening another/ Bright day, anyone in Denmark/ May enter this hall: that evil [Grendel] will be gone!"" (336-39). Thus, Unferth unknowingly gives Beowulf drive to kill Grendel. All points considered, Unferth's argument with Beowulf reveals the accomplishments of Beowulf and inspires him to kill the monster too. .
             Wiglaf's character adds loyalty and tradition to the epic. He proves his loyalty by not abandoning Beowulf when Beowulf gets injured. As the ending iterates, "Wiglaf's/ mind was made up; he raised his yellow / Shield and drew his sword" (758-60). Without Wiglaf's help, Beowulf would have died defeated and in shame. Wiglaf's loyalty to his king continues even after the king's death. He honors Beowulf's wish: ""Build me a tomb [ ] Here at the waters edge"" (810-12). By honoring Beowulf's last request, Wiglaf proves his loyalty to Beowulf. In addition, Wiglaf keeps a tradition alive by taking the throne. Beowulf says in agony, ""You"re the last of our far-flung family"" (821). If Wiglaf refuses to be king, then the family legacy would not continue. Therefore, Wiglaf upholds the tradition. Wiglaf's loyalty and tradition are necessities to Beowulf.


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