“The Poem of Beowulf” in the Anglo-Saxon Culture

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Main body
Summary
Works Cited

Introduction

The most significant work of ancient Anglo-Saxon poetry is the Poem of Beowulf. The poem is divided into two parts, connected only by the personality of the protagonist Beowulf. The first part is the legend of Beowulf and Grendel; the second is about Beowulf and the dragon. The development of the main theme is interrupted by a series of inserted episodes in both parts; however, these episodes are important for understanding the idea of the poem. This piece is based on ancient epic songs; therefore, many aspects and features of the Anglo-Saxon culture are represented in the poem. Beowulf embodies some of the major elements of Anglo-Saxon culture such as friendship, generosity, loyalty, and bravery.

Main body

Firstly, friendship has always been an important part of any society, and Anglo-Saxon culture is not an exception. It is also a significant theme in the story. It is represented in the relationships between Wiglaf and Beowulf, “then that brave king gave the golden necklace from around his throat to Wiglaf, gave him his gold-covered helmet, and his rings, and his mail shirt, and ordered him to use them well” (Beowulf 817-820). This selfless action represents the closeness between the characters. It also shows that Beowulf is, indeed, capable of true friendship, which supports the claim that he embodies such cultural feature, as friendship.

Secondly, generosity is another aspect of Anglo-Saxon society, as evidenced by Hrothgar’s offer of enormous wealth to Beowulf in exchange for saving the Danes in Beowulf. Generosity was also a kind of honor among warriors, as demonstrated by Hrothgar’s treatment of Beowulf simply for visiting him, “But to the table, Beowulf, a banquet in your honor: let us toast your victories and talk of the future.” (Beowulf 223-224). In this case, the protagonist is depicted as an object of generosity. Nevertheless, when Beowulf becomes a king himself, it is clear that he has the same qualities by the way he treats his people.

Thirdly, the governmental system of the Anglo-Saxons was based on the principle of loyalty. Therefore, the trait of loyalty is probably the most significant to them, which has a profound impact on their tribal culture. This is demonstrated in the literature. Beowulf’s devotion to the Danes led him to Hrothgar in order to protect Grendel (Beowulf 112-115). Beowulf was following an agreement made by his uncle with Hrothgar. To write his story, he sailed the seas, “When we crossed the sea, my comrades and I, I already knew that all my purpose was to this: win the goodwill of your people or die in battle, pressed in Grendel’s fierce grip. Let me live in greatness and courage, or here in this hall welcome my death!”(Beowulf 364-369). This supports the idea that the theme of loyalty might be major in Beowulf’s personality as well as in the whole story.

Eventually, Beowulf brags about his valor in the story by recounting his previous battles and victories. With his bare hands, he fought monsters. Until the very end, he is presented as an actually brave fighter; this reflects Anglo-Saxon lifestyle ideals. Beowulf’s bravery was best demonstrated by his actions: “….He leaped into the lake, would not wait for anyone’s answer” (Beowulf, 570-571). There are many things that the protagonist did throughout the whole story that support the idea of his great bravery. Beowulf appears as a decisive and brave hero who wins in unequal and dangerous battles. This represents the ideal of courage and nobility of his rebellious spirit.

Summary

To summarize, Beowulf actually provides the ideals of conduct in the Anglo-Saxon tradition, such as generosity, bravery, loyalty, and friendship. Character’s speeches, actions, and relationships with others in the poem support this idea. He is loyal to a sense of honor, and his actions and deeds are a model of heroic idealism. It can be said with certainty that Beowulf presents an example of a form of moral heroism and not the one caused by the strive for fame and power. He is ready to sacrifice himself and his courage for the sake of justice.

Works Cited

Unknown author. Beowulf. 1815.

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“The Poem of Beowulf” in the Anglo-Saxon Culture

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