‘As God is my witness,
I would rather my body were robbed in the same
Burning blaze as my gold-giver’s body
Than go back home bearing arms.
That is unthinkable, unless we have first
Slain the foe and defended the life
Of the prince of the Weather-Geats. I well know
That things he has done for us deserve better.
Should he alone be left exposed
To fall in battle? We must bond together,
Shield and helmet, mail-shirt and sword.’
– Beowulf, Seamus Heaney (trans.)
Lines 2650-2660: Wiglaf’s words manifests the code of the medieval warrior, a courageous act of loyalty is more important than your life. Thus it is better to lose your life than go back safe not trying to accomplish your mission.