Anglo Saxons and Beowulf?
Anglo-Saxon poetry, composed within the fifth century through the eleventh century, reflects many ideas of Anglo-Saxon culture and life. Poetry is a part of typical Anglo-Saxon culture, and is commonly passed through generations orally. Among many works of poetry lies the story of Beowulf, a tale of kings, dragons, battles, and superhuman qualities. Beowulf exhibits many characteristics, themes, and ideal traits of Anglo-Saxon poetry by the importance of weapons, the Comitatus Code, and fame after death.
According to the Anglo-Saxons, presentation of weapons was very important when it came to warriors. A warrior with poor weaponry would have less respect than a warrior who had better weaponry. In Beowulf, the Geats greatly represent that when they come to Denmark. The watchman states as he examines Beowulf and his followers, "Out of all the men on earth, one greater/Than has come with you; no commoner carries/Such weapons, unless his appearance, and his beauty/Are both lies." (248-250). This shows great importance because that showed that Beowulf was the epic hero in this novel. Along with presentation, history is very important to the Anglo-Saxons. Later in the book when Unferth (warrior of Hrothgar, jealous of Beowulf) gives Beowulf Hrunting, "And Unferth helped him, Hrothgar's courtier/Lent him a famous weapon, a fine,/Hilted old sword named Hrunting." (1455-1457), it shows that Unferth finally approves of Beowulf's strength and bravery. This theme reflects the Anglo-Saxon values by showing the depth of 8th century weapons.
The phrase "Comitatus" was really important in Anglo-Saxon culture and is demonstrated a lot in Anglo-Saxon texts. The Comitatus Code is the symbol for loyalty; Comitatus means fellowship or an allegiance between a king and his followers. It was so important because these men were constantly protecting their people from outside attacks and invasions and the code was the bond that held these men together and that was what they lived for. In
According to the Anglo-Saxons, presentation of weapons was very important when it came to warriors. A warrior with poor weaponry would have less respect than a warrior who had better weaponry. In Beowulf, the Geats greatly represent that when they come to Denmark. The watchman states as he examines Beowulf and his followers, "Out of all the men on earth, one greater/Than has come with you; no commoner carries/Such weapons, unless his appearance, and his beauty/Are both lies." (248-250). This shows great importance because that showed that Beowulf was the epic hero in this novel. Along with presentation, history is very important to the Anglo-Saxons. Later in the book when Unferth (warrior of Hrothgar, jealous of Beowulf) gives Beowulf Hrunting, "And Unferth helped him, Hrothgar's courtier/Lent him a famous weapon, a fine,/Hilted old sword named Hrunting." (1455-1457), it shows that Unferth finally approves of Beowulf's strength and bravery. This theme reflects the Anglo-Saxon values by showing the depth of 8th century weapons.
The phrase "Comitatus" was really important in Anglo-Saxon culture and is demonstrated a lot in Anglo-Saxon texts. The Comitatus Code is the symbol for loyalty; Comitatus means fellowship or an allegiance between a king and his followers. It was so important because these men were constantly protecting their people from outside attacks and invasions and the code was the bond that held these men together and that was what they lived for. In