The Battle of Maldon

As the fighting surges between the Vikings and the Anglo-Saxons, one character is set apart from the rest through his actions to serve as a point of contrast with the other warriors: “There the son of Odda was first to flight, / Godric from the fight, and abandoned the good man” (Lines 185-186). After his lord's death, Godric hops on Byrhtnoth’s horse and retreats from the battle, leading others to think that the earl himself has retreated because the horse still bears the earl's livery. Godric's brothers Godwine and Godwig run away into the surrounding woods as well. They are all described as being selfish and disloyal, abandoning their lord instead of avenging him. These cowards serve as examples of what a warrior should not do. Right after the deserters run to the woods, the remaining soldiers act in ways that identify them as nothing like the traitors: “Then there the proud thanes went forth, / uncowardly men hastened eagerly” (Lines 205-206). These remaining men are the ideal warriors, those who wish to either achieve revenge for their fallen leader or die trying. As the soldiers take turns speaking and encouraging their fellow warriors to fight to the death, they all share a similar message.