Bradee Goepper Amanda Purcell English 12 Honors September 9, 2016 The Symbolism of Beowulf in Anglo Saxon History An allegory is story, poem, or epic that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning. This hidden meaning might include a theme or relate to a real-life circumstance. In the epic Beowulf, there are multiple themes that present themselves. The historical, cultural, and religious aspects of this epic play a role in each theme and can relate to real life events that have happened in history. What stands out the most is Beowulf's similarities and ties to the early Anglo Saxons. Beowulf begins when Hrothgar, king of the Danes, builds a grand hall for his army after being appointed king. He calls this the hall, Heorot. It was a place for celebration, drinking, and …show more content…
They both valued bravery and loyalty as something that should be honored in any person that showed it. Hrothgar praised Beowulf for his loyalty after he killed Grendel. He said “Lo, well can she say/whoso of women this warrior bore/ among sons of men, if still she liveth,/ that the God of the ages was good to her/ in the birth of her bairn. Now, Beowulf, thee,/ of heroes best, I shall heartily love/ as mine own, my son”(ch. 14). He appreciates Beowulf’s bravery and loyalty so much that he thanks his mother and tells him he will love him like his own son. Another cultural value that can be seen in both Beowulf and the Anglo Saxons is the devotion to those in need. Specifically, the commitment to avenge a death of people of importance. The Anglo Saxons valued family and the importance of supporting and helping those close to them, which in some cases involved avenging loved ones deaths. Beowulf presents this devotion to his people and to Hrothgar who he offers to avenge those who were lost to Grendel and his mother. He explains, “Sorrow not, sage! It beseems us better/friends to avenge than fruitlessly mourn them”(ch.