Rather than detracting from Beowulf's epic stature, the
companions actually add to it. Oral epos is normally structured agglutinatively rather
than analytically. In a hyperliterate society, one might simply analyze the inefficacy
of prior attacks to show the superiority of Beowulf's strength and strategy. In oral
epos, the effect is created by repitition, with the failures of previous attackers build
up reedundantly to make Beowulf's final triumph more dramatic by
contrast.
More importantly, heroism is not purely
individual in Old English epic. To portray Beowulf as a great king requires showing him
as a charismatic leader, attracting numerous followers. Although the followers fail to
kill Grendel, their heroic abilities enhance the prestige of Beowulf, and his having
followers even at his young age, shows in him the capacity for the kingship he will
attain in a manner that single combat would not.
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