Essence of Wiglaf Actions and words are telling of a person’s character. Of the men who had boasted they would repay Beowulf’s kindness, “only one man remained to help Beowulf” when he needed help the most. The men who fled lack the conviction of their words, while the man who stayed displays fidelity to his lord and himself. For a man is only as good as his word. The name of the man …showed first 75 words of 369 total…

…showed last 75 words of 369 total…and utters his final words, “Take what I leave Wiglaf, lead my people, help them.” Beowulf’s confidence in his cousin to lead his people well foreshadows Wiglaf becoming a great leader. Wiglaf’s character-traits, loyalty, courage, and respectfulness give him the essence of an epic hero. His essence is best summarized in this statement: “When Beowulf needed him most, Wiglaf showed his courage, his strength, and skill, and the boldness he was born with.”