Journal #4

Beowulf Journal #4

Epic poetry usually embodies the attitudes and ideals of an entire culture. What values of Anglo-Saxon society does Beowulf reveal? What universal themes does it also reveal? Use specific examples from the epic poem to support your answer (300-500) words.

                Beowulf captures the very essence of Anglo-Saxon warfare culture, while embodying themes of human behavior such as heroic deeds, personal glory, envy, greed, and pride. Beowulf embodies these characteristics because he is heroic and courageous when going on his quests to fight off evil and protect his community. In the poem, Beowulf fights Grendel who taunts the people in the community in order to protect them. The poem states that Beowulf must have Grendel, who “murders as he likes, with no mercy, gorges, and feats on your flesh” which is a prime example of how Grendel treated the citizens because he obtained excessive power and strength. The Saxon concept of loyal reliance on one absolute leader grew out of a need for Beowulf to protect the community from terrors of the sordid enemy in order to gain their loyalty which was to establish law and order. He completed his missions and gained respect from the people. Additionally, Anglo-Saxons had communal halls that provided a meeting place in the center of the village for the townsfolk. The hall in Beowulf was the mead-hall where the Saxon warriors feasted had been built by Herot. Beowulf is also described as having gallant qualities that allow him to face evils. Heroism, according the Anglo-Saxons is awarded because it is praiseworthy to die in battle. The battle that was described was with Grendel which showed Beowulf’s heroic qualities. Beowulf’s superhuman powers and abilities allow him to provide protection and save his people. Beowulf’s actions proved is heroic and courageous qualities which reflected the attitudes and ideas of the Anglo-Saxon culture also because of his honorable death in battle. This showed is commitment and service for the community. Overall, Beowulf mirrored the Anglo-Saxon culture by possessing and demonstrating the significance of heroism and bravery. Beowulf gathers the aspects of the Anglo-Saxon culture in a way that makes this epic poem identifiable, brilliant.