Anglo Saxon Values Of Courage And Bravery In Beowulf example essay topic

All people have values and morals they try to live up to in their lives. During the Anglo- Saxon period, people had to live up to certain values of strength, generosity, courage, bravery, and chivalry. The values are enduring ly present in the epic poem, "Beowulf", which is set during the Anglo-Saxon period. "Beowulf" is a prime example of an epic poem displaying Anglo-Saxon values. "Beowulf" is considered an epic for many reasons. An epic poem is an extended narrative poem pertaining to the real or factious events of a heroic character.

The hero in an epic poem portrays the values of his setting. An epic poem has a battle between good and evil. Epic poems were originally memorized and passed down through many generations by oral tradition until they were written. "Beowulf" is an example of an epic poem because it is a story about strength, valor, and superhuman strength. In "Beowulf", there is a battle between good and evil being fought between the monster, Grendel and Beowulf, the main character. Beowulf is the hero in the epic because he overcomes evil.

"Beowulf" is an epic poem because it is a long narrative about a hero named Beowulf who portrays Anglo-Saxon values during the Anglo-Saxon period in a battle between good and evil. In Anglo-Saxon society, values are an important part of everyday life. People living during this period (446-1060 A. D), admired the courageous and the brave. They were also loyal to their leaders.

The people of Anglo-Saxon society believed that all were supposed to be generous, including their king. They respected both life and death. The people believed that fate was the cause of everything that happened - including death. They also believed living out one's values meant greater rewards. Therefore, those who live out their values are greatly respected. Anglo- Saxon values are a very important part of the Anglo-Saxon life.

Anglo-Saxon values play a large role in the epic "Beowulf". Both the main character and the other characters display the values. The main character, Beowulf portrays many on the Anglo-Saxon values. He is courageous and brave for fighting Grendel.

When Beowulf says, "Let me live in greatness and courage or here in this hall welcome my death! ", , he is displaying the Anglo-Saxon values of courage and bravery (355-57). Beowulf is also courteous, kind, and loyal to King Hrothgar and the Danes for killing Grendel. The Geats portray the Anglo-Saxon values during and after Beowulf's funeral. The Geats display loyalty towards Beowulf because they build a tower for him just as he asked. The people show pride in Beowulf because they, "rode their horses around the tower, telling their sorrow, telling stories of their dead king and his greatness, his glory", (561-63).

Most characters in "Beowulf" display Anglo- Saxon values. "Beowulf" is a prime example of an epic poem of a hero that portrays Anglo-Saxon values. "Beowulf" is an epic poem set in the Anglo-Saxon period. During this period, values such as bravery, loyalty, courage, strength, and chivalry are always present. Therefore, these values are present in the English epic, "Beowulf". Anglo-Saxon values, like all people's values, were a very important of everyday life.