Beowulf: Dialectical Journal 3

(4-11) “There was Shield Sheafson…his worth was proved…that was one good king.”

Ironically enough about this statement, Sheafson didn’t hold multiple of the qualities that make up a good king. He punished those who needed to be punished and people looked up to him because he got things accomplished. He was able to destroy a lot of people and places which showed he had power, which in turn, made people believe he was a good leader and proved his worthiness for the thrown. In addition to his actually qualities and actions that made him a good candidate for king, his name holds meaning as well. Shield, means a person or thing providing protection. Which is exactly what a kings are supposed to do.

Shield Sheafson was a symbolic character throughout his short presence in the book. He began life as an infant abandoned by his parents but quickly rose to be strong and powerful. When he died, he was honored with an elaborate funeral ceremony. His body was put into a boat, covered with treasures and armor (protection), and cast off to sea. Shield’s life ended as it began, with him cast drifting aimlessly on the water.