Comitatus in beowulf
Not only is Wiglaf willing to die to defeat the Dragon, but he is willing to die to protect Beowulf.
Along with the thane and lord each providing services for the other, there is also a great deal of comradery between the thanes and their lord: "Some of the native terms used for this group in Beowulf may suggest something of the nature of their relationship to each other and to their king or lord: Friends, kinsmen, table comrades, hearth comrades, hall-sitters, hand companions" We first read of his battle with Grendal and how Beowulf triumphed.
In the story Beowulf the relationship between the ruler and his thanes is that of honor, friendship, and respect. That is how deep comitatus was seeded in some people during that time.
The comitatus relationship requires that "the thane swear to defend a lord to their death, while he provides them with the protection and a share of his wealth and weapons. With the strength of thirty men in one arm, the courage to fight monsters, and the knowledge to respect and consider others' feelings, Beowulf defines the word "hero.
This phrase refers to a very important tradition during the times of the Anglo-Saxons. What is it about a heroic person that always creates interest in the minds of the people?
Comitatus is presented numerously throughout Beowulf and represents the ideals and way of life of the Anglo-Saxons.
Comitatus in beowulf
The Beowulf and King Arthur storytellers use archetypes to create stories with suspense and have their heroes display values of loyalty to their respective listeners. This is one of the longest surviving Anglo-Saxon poems. At the time, there was no form of writing meaning all the stories were orally composed, which leads to certain mechanisms and strategies being used. He eventually becomes the great-grandfather of Hrothgar who is king during Grendel's attacks upon the Danes. Is it possible for such a technology oriented world such as ours to have anything in common with a world which had not even heard of electricity. The Anglo-Saxon hero's perfection is portrayed through the idea of always living up to the comitatus. The comitatus relationship requires that "the thane swear to defend a lord to their death, while he provides them with the protection and a share of his wealth and weapons. This idea that our heroes have the capability to be harmed oddly makes us love them more.It tells of a great Geat warrior, Beowulfwho learns about a horrible monster, Grendel, and decides to go slay him. This is why so many people, especially men, look upon Ted Williams with such great admiration. In Anglo Saxon stories, the relationship between the ruler and his thanes is known as comitatus.
