Topic: Epic poetry usually embodies the attitudes and ideals from an entire culture.
What values of Anglo-Saxon society does Beowulf reveal? What universal themes does it also reveal? Use specific examples from the poem to support your answer.
Anglo-Saxon values were mostly surrounded strength, courage, heroism, and legacy. In the story of Beowulf, Beowulf proved himself to embody these values with the battles he fought. The uneasiness of the Anglo-Saxon time period is very vivid. They story is filled with evil monsters who prey on the innocent, weak, and abandoned. War is constant in this story, as it was in the time period, and it seems that heroes like Beowulf are the only chance for survival. In Anglo-Saxon time, this was very common. It was a time where man had the recurring chance to be a hero.
Beowulf proves himself to be full of courage in many instances. He faces the darkness and dangers of the world, which was filled with beasts and monsters. His courage was showcased in the battle with the dragon, which was a huge accomplishment. Not many were willing to battle the dragon because of his power, but Beowulf had the fearlessness to get up and go on the battle-filled journey to the dragon.
Beowulf showed is strength in many battles. He was the only person to beat Grendel, who was said to have been charmed with invincibility by the dragon. Grendel was said to be “a powerful monster, living down in the darkness” (Beowulf, lines 1-2). He was said to be the strongest man on earth in the story, and his fight with Grendel definitely proved that. When Beowulf arrived, Grendel knew the battle with this man would be a struggle. Beowulf beat Grendel with ease, causing him to lose an arm and cry for his mother.
The Anglo-Saxon idea of generosity was assisting friends and enemies with chivalric acts of kindness. Beowulf killed Grendel and the dragon to protect the Danes and his own people, but he was also motivated by the glory that would come from it. He wanted to have more proof of his courage, strength, and heroism. He was more focused on his legacy, and it seemed to be more important than life itself. To Anglo-Saxons, it is important to build up your family’s rank and name. If a warrior had a good name and a large amount of gold, he or she was considered of high rank.