Background
In the world-famous saga of antiquity, which many scholars struggle to decipher, there is a differentiation in the interpretation of the characters of the main characters. Based on many assumptions, it is possible to compare the main character, Beowulf, and the secondary character, Wiglaf, and suggest the potential role of a new hero after Beowulf’s death. After all, people always need a leader and a hero, and the young warrior fits this description perfectly and may be able to replace the protagonist in the future.
According to the ancient time period of the situations described in Beowulf, society needed the appearance of a hero. Although it is still not possible to pinpoint the exact time the work was written, the need for people at that time to at least believe in heroes is clearly defined (Neidorf 515-516). Outsiders capable of solving problems were in favor, even with the most closed communities possible. The excessive trust of the time was easily explained by the difficulty of surviving in the conditions of the time, as confirmed by historians.
To begin discussing character comparisons or similarities, it is necessary to fully imagine the mindset and meaning of human life when Beowulf was written. According to a lot of unconfirmed data, this work was created in the 8th century, which complicates any attempt to understand the interpretation of what is going on with the modern brain.
Principles
One of the basic principles of accepting a situation in the entire perception format is mental immersion in the image formed by the author (Neidorf 516). Unfortunately, Beowulf’s incorrect perception and variation allow modern scholars to demonstrate freedom in determining the qualities of the events and characters described. Accordingly, few of the characters, including the main one, can be adequately examined or evaluated by our contemporaries, differentiating the interpretation of any received facts as much as possible.
Based on the original text of the work, young Wiglaf is very similar in his subject behavior to any society-approved male behavior of the time and, accordingly, evokes a desire for evaluation or condemnation from critics of all periods. This fact may displease most fans of classical theory and the interpretation of Beowulf. However, through a series of contradictions, even the inattentive reader of the author of Beowulf can repel all attempts by detractors to defend their own rightness.
No interpretation of peculiar perceptions of one’s martial capabilities makes sense. The work of Beowulf emphasizes and nuances true loyalty and the chasm that separates it from submission. No faux affection or promised loyalty can be embodied at the time of the writing, which can only be a negative indication of the intrusion of modernity into history. The time of Beowulf’s writing is characterized by a peculiar appreciation of the personal character, loyalty, and intelligence of any tribe members, whether they were subordinates or not.
Based on this fact, it is difficult to underestimate the influence of the figure of the Wigraph on the reader’s perception. It is clear that over the years, the accuracy of interpretation, the meaning, and the purpose of the work may have been distorted many times. However, with the abundance of researchers, historians, and scholars in pursuit of the essence of the work, one cannot help but be surprised by the diversity of interpretations from various groups of scholars or religious figures.
Comparison
One splendid example is the comparison between Beowulf, the saga’s protagonist, and Wiglaf, the protagonist’s young companion. For all the little attention paid to him in the saga, his very existence can cast a shadow over the tranquility of Beowulf’s companions and interfere with the process of the hero’s formation (Neidorf 517). Indeed, this is not the case and is not required by the peculiarities of what happens in the saga. However, most participants can somehow provide the rank and file with a reason for reflection: it makes it possible to contrast and compare Beowulf and Wiglaf at this stage as much as possible.
The entire saga and its meaning are about Beowulf’s overcoming and being physically and mentally dominated. Accordingly, specific patterns and behaviors can be observed. For example, when fighting a dragon, Beowulf summons his best warriors, knowing that not all of them can survive the battle. He asks for their help, which at the same time denies the self-confidence of the heroes as much as possible, but allows the secondary characters to prove themselves.
Thus, reinforcement of the characters’ behavioral norms emerges on the battlefield. As supporters of Beowulf, most of them chose to retreat in fear, not facing a dangerous opponent and the leader’s wrath. Some, however, spat in the face of danger and sided with the protagonist, helping him to sort out his preferences.
Despite the maximum possible commitment of the young warrior to Beowulf at the time of the conflict, there are several factors to consider when evaluating the effectiveness of companions. Part of this can be considered the protagonist’s attitude of ignoring his comrade-in-arms. In addition, the demonstration of self-sacrifice and willingness to replace the leader is overdone and obvious. The desire to avenge oneself, prevailing over the desire to avenge one’s friends, becomes intangible. The contrasting norms of Beowulf’s potential substitute become meaningless here and are transformed into a focus on vengeance instead of regret.
Accordingly, a modern interpretation of the behavior of the protagonist of Beowulf might suggest a preponderance of contemporary characters over those with whom the conflict arose. Moreover, few contemporary connoisseurs of the work can appreciate its importance and pay attention to any nuances. On this basis, researching ancient work will become even more complex and slow in pursuing an optimal solution. Apart from everything else, the comparison of the two characters is of minimal importance because there is an excessive difference in the importance and role load of the characters, indicating a need to understand the causes and effects associated with the characters.
Reference
Neidorf, Leonard. “An Old Norse Analogue to Wiglaf’s Lament (Beowulf Lines 3077–3086).” Neophilologus, vol. 102, no. 4, 2018, pp. 515–524.