How Does Beowulf Present The Anglo-Saxon Culture

Culture of Anglo-Saxons Learned in Beowulf

All societies from different time periods have various beliefs and principles. Throughout the epic poem, Beowulf, the honorability of the Anglo-Saxon culture and its values reveals itself. As a whole, Beowulf’s courageous and respectable qualities depict the Anglo-Saxon’s view of a hero during that time. This displays itself through Beowulf’s attributes, the Geats’ love for Beowulf, and his morality. Additionally, the respect the characters show for their kings illustrates the high esteem in which the Anglo-Saxons held their kings. This is shown through the overall reverence Beowulf shows towards Hrothgar. Furthermore, the religion revealed throughout the epic poem presents how critical devotion
The fact that Beowulf is, “the strongest of the Geats,” illustrates the point that heroes must be a force of nature (Beowulf, 3.110). In the eyes of the Anglo-Saxons, a hero must have a physical trait that is scarce to the common people, thus emphasizing the idea that all people require a leader. In addition, there is no doubt that the people appreciate and treasure Beowulf, and he is very much, “loved by the Geats” (3.118) This reveals how the Anglo-Saxons only revered those that were admirable in character and worthy of respect. Furthermore, when fighting, Grendel, “needs no weapons and fears none,” and Beowulf proclaims he will do the same (4.168). This exemplifies the reverence a hero must have in the Anglo-Saxon civilization. Overall, the honorable mannerisms of Beowulf demonstrate a hero’s characteristics in the Anglo-Saxon
Beowulf and his men, “leave [their] battle shields,” before they meet Hrothgar (4.132). This demonstrates the loyalty and admiration they have towards the king of the Danes. Also, Beowulf requests of Hrothgar to allow him to, “purge all evil from this hall,” and does not assume that he is in control (4.166). This illustrates the deference and regard Anglo-Saxons had for their kings; similarly, they viewed the king as the final and highest power. Furthermore, Beowulf entreats that if he dies fighting Grendel, the Danes must, “send the hammered mail of [his] armor to Higlac” (4.186/187). This displays how, even in death, the Anglo-Saxons believed that the king must be respected. In summary, the value the Anglo-Saxons had for their kings exhibits itself through Beowulf’s respect for Hrothgar and his own king in the epic