a sentiment parallels the values held by English Anglo-Saxon culture. The Anglo-Saxons shared a love of many different character traits, and further, projected these ideals on to the main characters of their literary works. Beowulf, protagonist of the epic Beowulf, is no different. His prominent characteristics are clearly representative of Anglo-Saxon ideals, as he is the hero in the tale. Thus, Beowulf’s traits most valued by Anglo-Saxon culture are boldness, honor, and military prowess.
Kieth Honors English Four September 21, 2015 Beowulf as an Epic Hero; The Perfect Anglo-Saxon In many societies heroes from epic poems can be categorized as epic heroes because of their standardized characteristics of bravery, wisdom, generosity and beauty. Beowulf is an epic hero meeting all the qualifications, and he is a representation of the values and ideals of the Anglo-Saxons. The defining characteristics of an epic hero reflect the most important values of the society of the epics origin
The Anglo-Saxon culture, a culture known for placing the needs of others before oneself, became prevalent at the beginning of the fifth century. The Anglo-Saxon people showed loyalty to their king even if they did not believe in his cause. In the epic poem Beowulf, the protagonist parallels the Anglo-Saxon’s culture with his loyalty to King Hrothgar. Beowulf’s courage to willingly go fight for another country shows that he has not only courage, but strength, leadership, and bravery. Beowulf exemplifies
and the valiant Beowulf. These two are considered legendary persona, but both are quite different in their character. Readers sought chivalry and courtliness from King Arthur, but strength and super humanity from Beowulf. The theory that the heroic ideal has changed drastically in the
Beowulf takes place during the 6th century under a strong influence of Anglo Saxon ideals, these ideals are crucial parts in explaining why the people of Beowulf act the way they do. Burton Raffel’s remark on the “poet’s insight into people” is evident multiple times throughout the poem. Important values such as selflessness are displayed through the heroic actions of Beowulf, grief shown through the loss of a loved ones, and gratitude given for another’s help. The poet of Beowulf offers fantastic