Beowulf Values

Written as a celebration of Anglo-Saxon culture, the poem Beowulf glorifies the main character as a worthy warrior capable of committing no wrong. However, anybody reading the poem will find a sustancial cultural bias worth examining. Beowulf can be read as a critique of Anglo-Saxon warrior values by comparing the events in the poem to today’s understanding of morality, justice, and humility. Throughout the poem, Beowulf allows himself to be involved in three major conflicts. It is through these physical brawls that Beowulf allows himself to sacrifice his morality, integrity ,and commit atrocious acts of lashful zeal. There is no more potent example of this behavior than Beowulf’s proclamation of victory after he has defeated both Grendel and his mother. “So I praise God / In his heavenly glory,” Beowulf begins, “that I live to behold / This head dripping blood and after such harrowing / I can

Throughout the story, Beowulf actively discards humble behavior in favor of a more boastful and arrogant personality. This exaggerated belief of self-importance can be best shown after Beowulf defeats Grendel and is offered a generous reward, a hoard of treasure. The author describes, “Then Halfdane’s son presented Beowulf / With gold standards as a victory gift, / An embroidered banner; also breast- mail / And a helmet; and a sword carried high, / That was both precarious object and a token of honor. / So Beowulf drank his drink, at ease” (1119 - 1125). The Author further explains that, “It was hardly a shame to be showered with such gifts,” thus justifying the shower of valuables Beowulf receives for a seemingly “heroic” act. Beowulf’s desire and willingness to accept the influx of wealth represents the Anglo-Saxon characteristic of greed.This desire does not fit under todays views of a hero, as we expect them to serve without the expectation of reward and be humble enough to refuse, if