'Pagan Values In The Epic Poem Beowulf'
Beowulf is an epic poem by an unknown author. The epic poem is about how Beowulf the hero from Geatland, who fights three monsters, on three separate occasions, saving the Danes kingdom and his future kingdom from the monsters might. In this epic poem Pagan values such as, lof, wyrd, and comitatus is shown throughout the poem. While Pagan believers did not believe in the afterlife they believed in”Lof”, fame for the afterlife, because they did not believe in God, or a God. A quote from “Beowulf” is ” They place his ashes, along with all the dragons treasure, in a huge burial tower by the sea, where it can be seen by voyagers(Raffel)”. When Beowulf dies he ordered his mans to build a barrow by the sea, so when ships sails past by, they can
see how great Beowulf was to his people. Another quote is, “This fight is not yours, nor is it up to any man except me to measure his strength against the monster to prove his worth(Raffel)”. This quote shows how Beowulf was going to prove how strong he was to the world. Therefor lof is one of the few value to Pagan’s valued even if they die trying to achieve it. Another value Pagans valued was comitatus, Companionship Loyalty and love to your kinsmen, friends and king.
see how great Beowulf was to his people. Another quote is, “This fight is not yours, nor is it up to any man except me to measure his strength against the monster to prove his worth(Raffel)”. This quote shows how Beowulf was going to prove how strong he was to the world. Therefor lof is one of the few value to Pagan’s valued even if they die trying to achieve it. Another value Pagans valued was comitatus, Companionship Loyalty and love to your kinsmen, friends and king.