Leaders bring a sense of order and everyone has a desire for that order, in short leaders lead people to where they want to be. When times are good and when times are bad, a leader remains strong and puts aside his or her own needs and desires for the wants and needs of others. Beowulf possesses this quality and it is what makes his reign successful until his untimely death. Beowulf's courage combined with his great hunger for glory and his ability to put others before himself is what makes him a good king. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Geat society glorifies brute strength and the ability to protect. The leader who preceded him, Hrothgar, was very famous for building Heorot Hall. “There he would distribute the goods that God had given him to young and old, but not the common land or people's lives. Far and wide across the world.” (lines 71-74) his best achievement is what society values ​​and values ​​most. In the eyes of the people Hrothgar embodies all that is right, all that is great and all that is noble. “So Grendel ruled in defiance of right, one against all, until the greatest house in the world stood empty, a deserted wall. For twelve winters, seasons of woe, the Lord of the Shields suffered under his burden of pain. (Lines 144-149) Previously Hrothgar was highly respected, when Grendel attacks for the first time his method of leadership is called into question. The people have finally seen something that is bigger and more powerful than their leader, thus instilling fear over the course of twelve years. The people have not yet criticized Hrothgar's reign, they still have a lot of respect for him but are slowly losing faith in him due to the "unknown territory". A leader brings hope for a better future. When Beowulf arrives he makes his mission clear and concrete. “We have come in good faith to find your lord and shield of the nation, the son of Halfdane. Give us the right advice on a great commission to the lord of the Danes and I therefore believe that there should be nothing hidden or concealed between us. (Lines 269-272) He has explained to the Geat people that his intentions are good, although it seems that his intentions are then contradicted by his desire for glory through the way he speaks so boastfully of what he has done, ultimately he is seeking respect for people and their safety. From the people's point of view, he is everything Hrothgar was and even more in his potential to defeat the one who caused all their problems. A leader must be selfless. In a case of dramatic irony, Beowulf's demise is attributed to his great altruism. Beowulf rules for fifty years without issue, until a dragon attacks. The dragon began to breathe flames and burn bright farms... Everywhere the chaos he caused was evident. Far and near, the Geat nation bore the brunt of his brutal assaults..." Then Beowulf was given bad news, a harsh truth... He was destined to face the end of his days in this mortal world." (Lines 2312-2318, 2334, 2341-2342) Because of his previous triumphs Beowulf is expected to protect his people once again, despite his old age and the looming threat of death that comes with it. As expected, with Wiglaf's help, Beowulf goes to find the dragon, in his final act of selflessness, he receives a mortal wound in the neck but the dragon is slain and peace is restored once again. Remember: this is just a sample. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a custom essay Apart from all.