Beowulf as a representation of Anglo-Saxon Society

Telling stories, it is something that everyone can love and enjoy. This has been true for thousands of years. People would tell stories for different reasons such as to pass down traditions, legends, and knowledge to the next generations to represent the different cultures. One famous story in particular is the Epic poem of a young hero named Beowulf that was told in the Anglo Saxon society thousands of years ago. In the Anglo-Saxon culture, the epic poem “Beowulf” was a staple in the society, but by analyzing contents of this poem and Anglo-Saxon cultural values, it can be explained exactly why this story is used as a representation of ­ culture. In order to begin, the story and characters of Beowulf must be analyzed. Beowulf, he was a great man of honor and with a pure heart. Like any brave person, Beowulf wanted to be known. Beowulf wanted to become famous for a great act of valor and courage that he would be able to do. When the chance arose to become famed he took it. He heard of a great beast that had been tormenting the Danes people for years and he was asked to defeat it. (Grummere, 50) As a great monster, Beowulf knew that defeating it would bring him great fortune by saving the people that were being tormented. (Scheps, pg2)
As a great and valiant warrior, Beowulf also believed in fair fights. Knowing that Grendel would be fighting unarmed, Beowulf wanted a give him a fair fight. He believed that nobody should have the upper hand. Beowulf showed that he wanted to be fair to everyone, including his enemies. (Scheps, pg.2) This did not only show fairness but it represented his courage because he knew well that the same monster that he was going to fight, single handedly and without armor or weapons, had killed hundreds before him. Beowulf’s courage was immense he was not scared to do anything. He fought a great monster that had been able to kill hundreds of men, but Beowulf still stood strong. Even in his last battle, all odds stacked against him,