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Beowulf

After each of encounters with the monsters, Beowulf gained possession of more treasure and wealth, either as form of booty or reward of the good deed. Praises were given to those who wore the precious jewels, armor, and carried the valued weapons. Treasure and wealth were distributed in the poem as rewards and gifts to those who accomplished something courageous, they also serves the purpose of assuring loyalty and allegiance. The possession of treasure and wealth symbolize honor and eminence, and one pursues treasure and wealth because of what they symbolize. Treasure and wealth came in various forms such as gold, jewels, horses, armor, and trophies of battles.
In the society where Beowulf lived, the possession of treasure, gold, swords, and armor symbolized status, honor, and accomplishment. These treasure and wealth were used to assure loyalty, allegiance and protection. Beow, son of Scyld, inherited wealth from his father, a well-respected king.
"In this way a young man ought by his good deeds, by giving splendid gifts while still in his father's house, to make sure that later in life beloved companions will stand by him, that people will serve him when war comes." (Beowulf, p.3)
After Scyld died, Beow became successor to the throne with loyalty of his countrymen. The queen of the Danes, Wealhtheow also used wealth and treasure to assure allegiance and protection. She gave Beowulf a gold necklace, two arm-ornaments, a mail-shirt and rings in hope that Beowulf will guide and protect her sons after King Hrothgar dies.
In each of the kingdom/tribes, one with the most treasure, courage and fame would come in possession of the throne; the throne was then passed down to the sons of the great warriors, the treasure and wealth of the king was then passed to the descendent. As it did when King Hygelac died in battle, his son inherited the throne even with Beowulf, the more wealthy, famous, and respected, in the court as respect to the king. Sometimes the son of...