Journal #4

The epic poem of Beowulf is one that is rooted in traditional Anglo-Saxon values. Its beliefs lie in the fact that fame and fortune can only be gained by loyalty to the leader of their people. Those that were loyal to their leader were often those that play the role of the epic hero. An epic hero is most often characterized by their leadership, generosity, bravery, and friendship. Throughout the epic poem of Beowulf, the character of Beowulf portrays many of the traditional Anglo-Saxon beliefs and themes that become evident as the poem unfolds.

In Anglo-Saxon culture, loyalty to the leader is a very important concept. The loyalty to one’s leader was a very important virtue in many Anglo-Saxon’s lives because in this allegiance, one could discover a life filled with riches and fame. These two possessions are still highly regarded in today’s society. People will often do whatever it takes in order to achieve a high social status or money. However, in Anglo-Saxon culture, the means for doing so were a lot less risky and much more morally acceptable. In the poem of Beowulf, it is said that when the hero, Beowulf, arrived from the land of the Geats, his respect and loyalty towards Hrothgar, the king of the Danes, led the King to give him great fortune, “yield[ing] benches to the brave visitors [leading] them to the feast” (Raffel 226-227). This feast is then described as one filled with elegance, calling for the Danes and the Geats to “Celebrate as one, drink[ing] and rejoic[ing]” (Raffel 232).

Another important Anglo-Saxon theme is that of the presence and importance of an epic hero. An epic hero is a character with virtues such as generosity, bravery, friendship, and leadership. In the poem of Beowulf, the character of Beowulf plays the part of the epic hero. His merciless fighting against the monsters of Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and the dragon for the good of the Danes shows his loyalty towards Hrothgar’s people. When Beowulf kills Grendel, it is said that, “a prince of the Geats, he had killed Grendel, / Ended the grief, the sorrow, the suffering / Forced on Hrothgar’s helpless people / by a bloodthirsty fiend” (Raffel 511-514). The tone of this passage is one of praise towards Beowulf, who indeed was the hero of the Danes.

Throughout the poem of Beowulf, many Anglo-Saxon values and themes are portrayed to the reader. The idea of an epic hero, a character filled with good morals and values, is present by the character of Beowulf. His loyalty to Hrothgar, the king of the Danes, sets him up for a life filled with fame and fortune. This shows another aspect of Anglo-Saxon values, which says that fame and fortune can only be gained by one’s loyalty to their leader.