Wiglaf

Wiglaf is much like Beowulf. He shows “inborn bravery and strength” and is extremely honorable and respectable. Wiglaf is also remarkably loyal and kind. As Beowulf lies dying after the dragon’s defeat, Wiglaf cleans his wounds and tends to him. When Beowulf dies, Wiglaf goes through with Beowulf’s wishes and has a funeral pyre built, adorned with “helmets, heavy war-shields, and shining armour, just as [Beowulf] had ordered.” Wiglaf’s reputation as a good man remains untarnished even after he chastises Beowulf’s men for abandoning Beowulf in his time of need. The men wholly deserve the lecture, and the reader is glad Wiglaf uses such blunt language. Like Beowulf, Wiglaf is honorable and heroic but shows an additional sense of softness that seems to only magnify his strength. He concedes that Beowulf dealt the killing blow to the dragon, which frames Beowulf as the greater man. Wiglaf did not have to admit this and could have claimed the kill as his own. Instead, he speaks the truth and shows honor and loyalty to Beowulf. His kindness comes through when he cares for a dying Beowulf and fulfills his wishes.