. The Christ depicted in this passage willingly accepts his battle on the cross and because of this act the poet then goes on to describe Christ as a “warrior”, “strong,” and “stouthearted.” Christ is not portrayed as a meek and humble man resigned to his task as savior and lord. Within this portion of the text, he becomes a bold warrior climbing the cross as if going into battle. At the end of the poem, the narrator looks to Christ and the cross for protection. Furthermore, the primary duty of a hero is to provide his kinsmen with great treasure and weaponry. Beowulf fulfills this duty by stating “Behold this treasure … that I have been allowed to leave my people…” (Beowulf 91) to Wiglaf after defeating the dragon. The warriors in The Battle of Maldon describe their Lord and hero as a “treasure-giver,” and also a “ring-giver.” The warriors in both of these texts reflect on all that their lords or heroes provide for them. It is through this gratification for material wealth that kinsmen feel so indebted to fighting for their lord. Wiglaf illustrates this concept when he remembers “the bountiful gifts bestowed upon him” (Beowulf 88) and finds that “he could not hold back” (Beowulf 88) from his lord’s side.Christ also fulfills this duty of a hero by bestowing many wonderful gifts and treasures upon any man who will follow Him faithfully. The treasures described in the poem state that followers will “dwell in glory,” “delight in the heavens,” and “fully enjoy bliss with the saints” (Rood 28). The treasures that Christ bestows differ, however, in that they are not limited to material goods that can only be enjoyed on a mortal level. They are gifts that followers can enjoy on an eternal level. If a hero both possesses the characteristics of a hero, and fulfills his assigned duti...
