Preview

How Does Beowulf Reflect Anglo Saxon Culture

Good Essays
Open Document
Open Document
549 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
How Does Beowulf Reflect Anglo Saxon Culture
How does the characteristics of Beowulf reflect Anglo Saxon culture and beliefs?

The epic poem Beowulf is one of the most remarkable literary works in Anglo Saxon’s history. It contains numerous elements that can perfectly reflect the beliefs and the culture of the Anglo Saxons. Beowulf, the main character of the book, can represent these beliefs well through his bravery, strong body, and belief.

The bravery and the courage which have mentioned in the story of Beowulf are the things that Anglo Saxon people admired most. “In Anglo-Saxon culture and literature, to be a hero was to be a warrior. A hero had to be strong, intelligent, and courageous. Warriors had to be willing to face any odds, and fight to the death for their glory and

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Good Essays

    In the epic Beowulf, translated by Seamus Heaney, Beowulf’s first intention when traveling to the Daneland was to keep his father’s friendship with Hrothgar intact. Although Beowulf had a sounds cause for traveling to the Daneland, the fame and glory Beowulf later received became his main focus and motivated him to continue entering life threatening battles. This piece of literature showcases the accomplishments and celebrations of a young Geat named Beowulf. Throughout the entire epic, Beowulf has many achievements which influence his god-like appearance within the Anglo-Saxon society. The average reader may be so mesmerized with his talents, they might overlook the fact that Beowulf continues to enter battles in order to boost his self…

    • 347 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Beowulf is a poem translated by Seamus Heaney, that tells the tale of the protagonist named Beowulf. Beowulf is a Geat warrior who bears the similar strength of 30 men. Throughout many occasions, he had risen up and molded himself into a representation of an epic hero. Every time the warrior had finished any remarkable feats, it quickly became another additional evidence that showcased his accomplishments, godsend strength, or/and dedication as a leader. His characteristics all became that much more apparent as Beowulf stood side by side with faith, and courage even in the most serious dealt situations. The ability to take on his choices and what God had already organized for his future, is what made his success stand out among those who…

    • 320 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Beowulf is an epic poem from the medieval time that depicts the traits of an epic hero and his journey. He demonstrates good and evil throughout his quest. The imagery helps the reader understand the events throughout Beowulf’s battle over evil and his struggle through life. The images reveal the epic tradition as well as Christian themes and Pagan beliefs.…

    • 417 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    The sound of battle echoed from the halls of Heorot to the plains of geatland, Beowulf in all his glory was a conquering hero that was approaching his twilight years as king. As such he faced a new challenge, in his youth he fought and defeated Grendel and his mother to defend the people of Denmark and Heorot, he was now called to defend his land from this dragon. This beast which had awakened from its dormant rest and was now on a rampage to defend its treasure. These monsters shared many similarities that tie together with a unifying message. In Beowulf, the values and views of Anglo-Saxon society are reflected in the idea that both Grendel and the Dragon serve as warning that no man is immortal or god like and that we will all face judgement.…

    • 1276 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    A poem written by an anonymous author over one hundred years ago has described that an Anglo-Saxon hero always has the qualities of courage, generosity, and faithfulness. This poem is Beowulf and in this poem those three qualities apply to one character, Beowulf.…

    • 347 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Response To Beowulf '

    • 343 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Beowulf (1000 A.D.) is an epic poem, written by an unknown author and tells the story of Beowulf quest to defeat Grendel and save his people. The author develops his theme of the story by setting the stage for the story and portraying a conflict, which are Beowulf and his needs to defeat Grendel to save his people. The author does this to show reader show difficult of a task it will be for Beowulf to defeat Grendel, in order to save his people. The author creates an objective relationship with his readers by telling the story from third person, giving insight into the mindset of each character and allowing the reader to interpret the poem with his or her unique perspective.…

    • 343 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Good Essays

    The Anglo-Saxon culture embraces virtues such as courage, strength, loyalty, cunning, and generosity. The epic hero Beowulf exemplifies these virtues. Beowulf possesses each of these characteristics. Throughout the epic tale of Beowulf, the hero displays each of these virtues through his actions and adventures.…

    • 437 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    To understand the famous Anglo- Saxon hero Beowulf, one must understand the culture that created Beowulf. The Anglo- Saxons were influential, strong, and loyal people. Research has found that, “the Anglo- Saxons arrived in Britain in about 449 A.D.”(BBC). This shows that Anglo- Saxon culture has had an influence on American history for a long duration of time because they are still discussed today. And were probably some of the first heroes that ever lived. This culture showed a great deal of braveness throughout their time. The men were put in many different situations, but their daring drive, and courageousness allowed them to persevere. According to the Germanic (Anglo Saxon) Warrior, “A glorious and courageous death was the only fitting end to a glorious life” (Hammack). This statement shows that the men took pride in fighting to protect their citizens, no matter what adversities came their way. It also shows that they had no fear and dying to save someone else, which was a very brave thing to do. Another characteristic displayed in Anglo- Saxon culture was loyalty. The warriors would never leave any of their comrades behind in battle. Hammack described this idea in this way:…

    • 1312 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    The Anglo Saxon culture has existed for many years and has been revealed in literature such as Beowulf and cultures today. Beowulf remains to be the perfect example of an Anglo Saxon hero. His understanding of respect for elders and family hierarchy played a vital role in society. These beliefs not only serve as the foundation for literary heroes but for my family too.…

    • 349 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    The epic poem of Beowulf represents a Germanic ideal of heroism and virtue important to the early tribes outside the Roman Empire. In this culture, men who faced difficult challenges, the strongest and bravest warriors, were exulted chieftains and often looked to for leadership. While many might consider Beowulf a proud and arrogant man, he was a hero to the Germanic tribes. The character of Beowulf embodies the very values and ideals of what a hero was to the Germanic peoples. Through his respect to kinship, bravery, honor, strength, and intelligence, Beowulf offers to Germanic men a model of a great warrior and leader, a model every man should strive to emulate.…

    • 881 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Evil In Beowulf

    • 330 Words
    • 2 Pages

    The epic poem Beowulf is a memorable because opens to the Anglo-Saxon literature. It is a synthesis between to the Greek, Latin, Germanic and Christian Literature. Beowulf is an imaginative poem that realizes a deep human drama as the fleeting of existence.…

    • 330 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    How Beowulf Is A Hero

    • 652 Words
    • 3 Pages

    In the epic poem of "Beowulf" the main character is the hero in the land of the Geats and the Danes. Beowulf is helpful, courageous, and determined. He proves to be the bravest and most daring. On his journeys he shows how being a hero is not only determined on brute strength, but by interior qualities as well. Beowulf is helpful to the Danes by freeing them from their 12 long years of panic and terror.…

    • 652 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Epic Poetry and Beowulf

    • 1069 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Beowulf is an epic poem set in Scandinavia during the sixth century. This epic was originally handed down through generations in spoken form by traveling minstrels. It was finally put in writing during the eleventh century. The poem reflects the culture of the time and the Anglo Saxon era. Beowulf is well known in Great Britain as a hero and great warrior. Beowulf exemplifies the traits of the Anglo-Saxon warrior code which include courage, confidence, and pride.…

    • 1069 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    How Beowulf Is A Hero

    • 728 Words
    • 3 Pages

    In the epic poem Beowulf told by the Anglo- Saxons, the main character Beowulf shares some of the qualities that traditional heroes have. He shows bravery, fairness, responsibilities, and ambition. Throughout the whole poem, Beowulf’s actions characterize him as a hero. He puts himself in harm's way to protect his people and the people of Herot from the wicked monster Grendel. Beowulf never once ran from his battles against the monsters he faced. This shows the reader that he is truly a heroic figure.…

    • 728 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    The Anglo-Saxons valued bravery. In the story of Beowulf, Beowulf is viewed as the best hero who ever lived. He is admired for many of his qualities. Bravery being the one of them. He willingly fights dangerous beasts and risks his life to protect the people. Beowulf also displays bravery when he confronts the beast. He never…

    • 669 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Powerful Essays