Journal 4: Values of Anglo-Saxon society in Beowulf and univerisalizing theme

Throughout the epic, Beowulf, the author has examples of many Anglo-Saxon values – fairness, boastfulness, importance of glory, strong sense of loyalty, and bravery. These values are the main components that create this amazing epic.
 In the epic, Beowulf, himself, exhibits all of the values listed. Beowulf decided to confront the enemy Grendel and assist King Hrothgar. By deciding to help Hrothgar, he is already displaying Anglo-Saxon values. He demonstrates his bravery by fighting the monster to save the people. Even though, the evil Grendel has killed many people and is feared by all, Beowulf does not hesitate for even a second in standing against this beast. He is the embodiment of the importance of glory because that is one of the main reasons that he risks his life to fight Grendel and do all the other actions that make him famous. In addition, Beowulf also shows a strong sense of loyalty by deciding to help Hrothgar. In the past, Hrothgar lent a helpful hand to Beowulf’s father during a time of need, and Beowulf says in the poem that he came to Herot with his men to purge it of the evil Grendel. He tells Hrothgar that this is something that must not be denied to him, for he is returning a favor. Upon meeting Hrothgar, Beowulf gives a long introduction of himself that outlines all of his major accomplishments. He does this as an act of boasting and to prove to that he has the ability to defeat Grendel. Beowulf is such a great warrior that even against Grendel he is fair. Since Grendel attacked him with only his hands, Beowulf uses no weapon against Grendel, and he defeats him with his bare hands by tearing his arm off. The epic of Beowulf is filled with Anglo-Saxon values and most are displayed by the main character, Beowulf.


There is also an underlying theme in Beowulf – the fine line between a good king and a good warrior. Beowulf is the representation of a good warrior. He follows the warrior’s code, and he risks his life for glory and to aid people. During his introduction to Hrothgar, Beowulf lists his most major accomplishments. In each one, he foolishly risks his life to prove his bravery to others and to earn glory. On the other hand, a good king can not risk his life for glory. He must stay safe so that he can lead his people because otherwise they would be lost. A king must stay away from the fight so that he is able to lead his faithful warriors and people. King Hrothgar is an example of a good king. When Grendel attacks Herot, he does not blindly charge alone because that will result in his immediate death. He stays back and tries to find ways to stop Grendel. Without a good king, the people will feel confused. People being kingless can lead to chaos. Beowulf is not an example of a good king. He demonstrates that in the end of the poem when he rides off to slay the dragon. He ends up being killed, and the people whom he led felt that he did not act in the correct manner. By leaving them kingless, they are vulnerable to attack because they have no one to lead them. A good king must not try to also be a good warrior.