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Beowulf on anglo saxon culture
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Hector Ruiz Professor Poxon MRS 151 3 November 2017 Beowulf Throughout the story of Beowulf, there seems to appear an ethical code for what makes a good king and good warrior. There exists a fine line between them. A warrior fights for his land and directly earns the glory, whereas a king also earns his glory but through his warriorsi who earned the victory. Although they both do share characteristics like loyalty, determination, and care for their nation; king can only go a certain extent because they still have a nation to govern. The Warrior fight for the king to keep the nation safe while the king keeps it stable.
Beowulf, the epic tale of a Danish society plagued by evil beasts, reveals many thought-provoking and admirable character traits of the main character and hero, Beowulf. Firstly, he shows chivalry through his interactions and actions towards the king of Heorot, showing him the respect and honor he deserved. Secondly, he demonstrates bravery in all battles above and beyond the standard of the times and the standard of his fellow fighters. He owes his bravery in part to his seemingly immeasurable strength, having more power in each fist than that of thirty men. Lastly, he demonstrates a trait that applies to people for his time and ours, pride.
Murder is unacceptable according to the Bible, but as the epic was written in a time period that pagan views were still present, this idea was accepted. The idea of killing to bring about right was understood based on how important it was for that person to be terminated. Based on the greater good, Beowulf was expected to kill the dragon. In conclusion, Beowulf had a right to kill the dragon, even saying that the dragon was stolen from.
Beowulf’s integrity, like many “heroes” of the modern world, depends solely on his socalled bravery and willingness to risk himself for the sake of others. His quick response to the
Willing to risk his life, willing to fight alone, willing to fight even when on his last breaths, Beowulf risked it all for his people to be safe, all he wanted was fame and glory but worked for it all, he was not willing for it to be handed to him but was willing to work for it. They fought hard for what they had, they fought to keep each other safe, they fought to give the people a better future; all they did was follow their calling above them from which God was
Thus, Beowulf’s fate serves as a warning to the Anglo- Saxon warrior against excessive indulgence in pride and greed. Even though, he serves his homeland well for 50 years by maintaining peace, his desire for glory and fame override his duties as a leader at the end of his
Through, all the violence such as battle in the poem, Beowulf was refer as a true hero because of the effort he put on during the battle for his team. In today’s generation violence is not as similar as it was during the Anglo-Saxon time, which makes us believe that it is unnecessary
Thesis: The role of the Anglo-Saxon Hero in Beowulf represents and defines the values of strength, intelligence, selfness, and courage. Beowulf himself models the culture of the Anglo-Saxon hero, as he is willing to face any odds, and fight to the death for their glory and people I. Strength and physical appearance A. Strength is clearly an important characteristic of heroes in Anglo-Saxon culture and heroic code. 1. The beginning of the story Beowulf is described as having the strength of "thirty men" in just one of his arms. 2.
Set in sixth century Northern Europe, the Anglo-Saxon epic poem Beowulf recounts the exploits of a strong and skillful warrior and his heroic quest for greatness. Spanning over fifty decades, Beowulf, a loyal thane and eventual Geatish king, bravely defeats two man-eating monsters and a fire-breathing dragon to secure legendary eminence. By chronicling the glory-seeking adventures of the ode’s protagonist, the poet effectively juxtaposes Beowulf’s prideful thirst for glory against society’s greater good.
“Beowulf,” written by Richard Wilbur, was published in 1950 yet utilizes the general plot and background of the fifth-century epic work of the same name. This significant difference in time periods greatly influences the overarching theme of the poem: the author implores his audience to question the accepted definition of heroism by translating the ideas present in the original to his own post-modern work. Wilbur explores the themes of isolation, monotony, and heroism based on transactions (rather than good will) to achieve this goal. The depiction of a hero as misunderstood and withdrawn is at great odds with what historians know about Anglo-Saxon culture, and the similar ideas explored in Beowulf, the epic.
Christopher Reeves once said, “A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.” Although Beowulf was human, he was not an ordinary individual, hero, or king, for he was a man who displayed superhuman qualities in his efforts to protect the Danish and Geatish people. Beowulf, who was established Geatish warrior that spent his life in battle, showed these extraordinary characteristics that made him an epic hero, one who possesses superhuman, almost god-like qualities. Being constantly on a quest, risking his life for glory and the greater good of society, and being superiorly intelligent, courageous and strong are the three most important reasons why Beowulf deserves such a notable
He shows his brave deeds, his strong responsibility in leadership, risking his own life for the greater good for his people, his courageousness and strength for fighting against demons, and lastly, his faith and gratitude. With his courageous heroic personality, Beowulf has always stayed on top of the game throughout the whole poem. Therefore, Anglo-American culture is impacted in a
He did carry the ways of a Anglo-Saxon which were honesty, kindness,loyalty, and honor. But all of that was soon covered up with his prideful thinking. Beowulf came to the aid of the king Hrothgar and his people willingly, knowing he could solve the king’s problem. Beowulf succeed in killing the monster getting fame , glory, and riches. Although Beowulf brought along his mighty warriors he persisted that they stay and watch him defeat the monster named “Grendel’’ all alone.
The epic poem “Beowulf”, translated by Burton Raffel, focuses on a hero by the name of Beowulf who goes on a quest to rescue King Hrothgar and his people from an egregious monster by the name of Grendel. This Anglo-Saxon tale gives insight into the values and beliefs of the people from whom the story originated. Their war-centered ideology and views on loyalty and courage were the principles that the Anglo-Saxon culture was founded upon. While warfare was a focal point in their lifestyle, it was far from a savage, barbaric state of fighting. Honor and prestige were bestowed upon those who died during battle and selflessness for fellow warriors was a fundamental belief.
Though it is fiction, readers can comprehend Anglo-Saxon thoughts and their concepts of heroism, life and death. Anglo-Saxon culture valued strength, honor, courage, loyalty, and fearlessness. Beowulf was a hero because he was strong, loyal, brave, honorable, and fearless. He wanted to be remembered beyond the years of his life. These values in heroes has not disappeared like its culture.
