Beowulf: The Anglo-Saxon Hero

In the Anglo-Saxon culture, no desire for an afterlife was offered; however, warriors could be granted immortality through poems or songs which were told by bards to the King. The only story to survive from the Anglo-Saxon culture is the epic poem Beowulf. According to Anglo-Saxon society, a definition which is still valid today, is that a hero is generally defined by certain qualities: one who is recognized for inspiring everyone or simply for saving the lives of others. Heroes inspire because when their limits are tested, they respond in remarkable ways. They go above and beyond because they know they can protect the ones that surround them. For example, in Beowulf, Beowulf is the Anglo-Saxon hero because he embodied bravery, honor, strength,
and humilty. When Beowulf presents himself to the Danish King, Hrothgar, he speaks of his greatest achievements. Beowulf was known as the strongest of all men and was greatly admired by all. To sum up, because there was no promise of an afterlife, the Anglo-Saxon society created heroes to have someone to look up to. In contrast, heroes don’t have to be the ones children hear about in fantasies, but they can be everyday people who execute heroic acts. Society is surrounded by a variety of heroes including family and friends, firefighters, EMTs, and military forces. Everyday heroes are essential because they enforce societal values and set standards. However, the fanasties that everyday people have growing up can allow them to escape from the chaos of the world. It doesn’t have to be the fanasties, it can also be participating in a sport or a hobby, to provide them tools to better understand the world. All in all, heroes provide a valuable tool to society as they aid in the navigation of life.