Beowulf Essay: What Principles Were Essential To The Anglo-Saxon Culture

The epic poem, Beowulf, was written in a time period where oral traditions were very common, so the author is unknown. Nonetheless, it represents the Anglo-Saxon culture it emerges from and affirmation of what principles were essential to the Anglo-Saxon individuals. Depicted through the character of Wiglaf and Beowulf, the poem exemplifies three vital morals of its time period: allegiance, integrity, and courage. Throughout the course of this epic, Beowulf is constantly displaying his considerable courage in every battle and circumstance. Even though Beowulf was robust and won all of his battles, he was quite frankly very arrogant and prideful. For example, Beowulf “took off the helmet and handed his attendant/ the patterned sword”(672-673); this occurred before he faced Grendel, and he stated that it would be effortless to use weapons or any type of defense. Beowulf’s heroism is displayed by his rash and breathtaking measures.

Before departing for the key battle against Grendel, he tosses his armor and sword on the ground and goes into immense detail about how his opponent “has no idea the arts of war/ or shield or swordplay” (681-682). Furthermore, he makes the decision that there will be “no weapons, therefore/ for either night” (683-684). During the period of time, a kill does not produce contentment unless it is equitable. In the meantime, the poem’s antagonist, Grendel, demonstrates a sense of shame and dishonor when he began disturbing people while they were in their resting place; this situation concerning Grendel shows just how justly subsidiary he is compared to Beowulf. As the poem advances, Wiglaf exhibits high virtues in his unique way when he denies to bail in battle. At Beowulf’s funeral, Wiglaf calls out all of the fellow soldiers for their lack of honor because they abandoned their king, Beowulf, in