Beowulf The Ideal Anglo Saxon Warrior - 871 Words

Maya Rhode The Ideal Anglo-Saxon Warrior Throughout the epic of Beowulf, the differences between the hero of Beowulf and the villain of Grendel are made clear. Taking place during the fifth century, Beowulf is commonly known as the oldest surviving epic poem of Old English. It is also considered one of the most important works of Anglo-Saxon literature. With a different age and time period comes different values. Many of the traits greatly admired during the time of Beowulf may now have much less emphasis placed on them. Similarly, the characteristics known to be of a villain may have also changed since the Middle Ages. The portrayals of the hero, Beowulf, and the villain, Grendel, in the epic poem of Beowulf reveal many of the values of Anglo-Saxon culture. Since the Anglo-Saxons were a warrior people, their heroes were most often of the war variety. Beowulf demonstrates many instances of heroism, especially during his battle and defeat of the three monsters: Grendel, Grendelâ€℠¢s mother, and a fire-breathing dragon. He values bravery over any other single trait, demonstrated when he states a belief of his. â€Å"’Often, for undaunted courage, fate spares the man it has not already marked’ (Beowulf 572-573). With this statement, Beowulf is saying that tremendous bravery may save the life of a man who is not already marked for death. This reveals that the Anglo-Saxons greatly valued bravery, believing it to be noble enough to spare the life of the man who displays it. On theShow MoreRelatedQualities of an Ideal Anglo-Saxon Warrior Illustrated in Beowulf638 Words   |  3 PagesAn Anglo Saxon epic poem, Beowulf, which was originally passed down through an oral tradition during the 5th century was written into literacy by an unknown Christian monk during the 10th century. This classic poem explicitly illustrates an ideal Anglo Saxon hero of possessing the characteristics that many people during that time regarded highly. Beowulf is an epitom e of an Anglo Saxon ideal hero who possesses loyalty to both of his people and king, desires to gain glory and fame for his own recognitionRead MoreBeowulf And The 13th Warrior Analysis757 Words   |  4 PagesBeowulf, written by an unknown author, is the epic telling of a noble warrior named Beowulf who fights monsters and dragons. The 13th Warrior, a film about a banished Arab man who travels north and experiences a Viking life. Although different in some aspects, Beowulf and The 13th Warrior closely parallel in their structure and perspective to reflect Anglo-Saxon cultural and societal values. Beowulf begins and ends with a scene depicting the traditional and grand burial found in Anglo-Saxon cultureRead MoreComparing Beowulf, The Anglo Saxon And Beowulf s Motivations1282 Words   |  6 Pages Beowulf, the Anglo Saxon Epitome: An analysis of the Anglo Saxon code and Beowulf’s Motivations The story of Beowulf is an outstanding example of the Anglo Saxon code. But what is the Anglo Saxon code? What is a code? A code is something to live by, often an unwritten pledge and standard to live by as one resides or partakes in a team with unity. Code is defined simply as â€Å"program instructions.† For instance, if one participates in a school sport activity, such as cross country, there isRead MoreAngloSaxon Literature Essay632 Words   |  3 PagesAs we take a look back at the origins of literature throughout the Anglo-Saxon Period (449-1066), we see that many of their narratives, stories were simply passed down orally due to the lack of education prior to the era of Christianity. During the Anglo- Saxon Era literature initially began to be written down by the monks of the Christian Monasteries. The Anglo-Saxons contributed many details to human nature. The Anglo-Saxons named our modern day weekdays after Greek Gods. Heroism within anRead MoreThe Themes Of H eroism In The Wander By Anglo-Saxon830 Words   |  4 PagesTo start of I selected Beowulf by Anglo-Saxon, the second text I chose was The Wander by Anglo-Saxon. The theme of Beowulf is heroism. Beowulf himself represents the heroic ideal because of his features, strength, and courage, but also because of his intelligence and honor. Beowulf is proud of his strength and great his honor. When Beowulf goes to Heorot, waiting for Grendel, he refuses to keep a weapon. He believes in himself that he can defeat the monster who has devoured many men without usingRead MoreAnalysis Of The Anglo Saxon Code And Beowulf s Motivations1282 Words   |  6 PagesBeowulf, the Anglo Saxon Epitome: An analysis of the Anglo Saxon code and Beowulf’s Motivations The story of Beowulf is an outstanding example of the Anglo Saxon code. But what is the Anglo Saxon code? What is a code? A code is something to live by, often an unwritten pledge and standard to live by as one resides or partakes in a team with unity. Code is defined simply as â€Å"program instructions.† For instance, if one participates in a school sport activity, such as cross country, there is an unwrittenRead MoreEssay Beowulf: The Ideal Anglo-Saxon Hero858 Words   |  4 PagesOriginating in the Anglo-Saxon period, the epic poem Beowulf portrays a legendary hero. Beowulf established the earlier form of heroism, and was then later introduced in to the English culture. Praised and admired by many people, Beowulf possesses several distinct traits that allow him to be defined perfectly as an ideal Anglo-Saxon hero; his eagerness to seek glory and fame, rather than richness and treasures, his loyalty and graceful attitude not only to his rulers but also to his followers, andRead MoreVirtues Of The Anglo Saxons1054 Words   |  5 Pages4 Virtues in the Anglo Saxons In the 8th century, an epic poem of Beowulf written by an anonymous author embodies the ideal characteristics of Anglo Saxons. During the time of Anglo Saxons, Beowulf is used to convey similar qualities such as virtues, belief and traits in which the character of B Beowulf possess. For example, Beowulf exhibits Bravery, Loyalty, and strength. Beowulf’s action symbolizes him as theRead More Epic of Beowulf Essay - An Epic Poem1656 Words   |  7 PagesBeowulf:   An Epic Poem   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   To qualify as an epic poem, Beowulf reflects the values of the culture in which it was created. The Anglo-Saxon culture and the poem share many of the same values. They shared a heroic ideal that included loyalty, strength, courage, courtesy, and generosity. Like all epic poems Beowulf is a long narrative work that tells the adventures of a great hero and also reflects the values of the society in which it was written. Both Beowulf and the Anglo-Saxons believedRead MoreTheme Of Heroism In Beowulf740 Words   |  3 PagesThe theme of Beowulf is heroism. Beowulf himself represents the heroic ideal because of his features, strength, and courage, but also because of his intelligence and honor. Beowulf is proud of his strength and great his honor. When Beowulf goes to Heorot, waiting for Grendel, he refuses to keep a weapon. He believes in himself that he can defeat the monster who has devoured many men without using any weapons. It turns out that Beowulfs intelligen t approach was right. Glory is also one of the themes