Hassan 1

Safia Hassan

Ms. Figueroa

English

6 December, 2018

Beowulf: mid unit

Beowulf was the greatest person alive and embodied all of the Anglo-Saxon values.

Anglo-Saxons were Germanic people who lived around the time the poem of Beowulf was

created. The poem Beowulf is about a prince named Beowulf that goes to Hrothgar (king of the

Danes) to defeat a monster named Grendel. He is then approached by Grendel’s mother that he

eventually defeats. Beowulf becomes king of the Geats and dies from a fight with a dragon and is

honored by his people. There are many things the Anglo-Saxons valued, some of these values

were loyalty, bravery, and fate.

A value the Anglo-Saxons exemplified in Beowulf was loyalty. Loyalty is a strong

feeling of support and allegiance. The poem states, “they ran for their lives, fled deep in a wood.

And only one of them remained, stood there, miserable, remembering as a good man must, hat

kinship should mean. His name Wiglaf” (Beowulf 693-697). While the other soldiers ran away,

only Wiglaf stayed to help Beowulf. Beowulfs men always went where he went and always

trusted his decision. The poem states, “Now when help was needed none of the wise ones

regretted his going, much as he was loved by the Geats. The omens were good, and they urged

the adventure on” (Beowulf 116-119). They all believe that Beowulf will make the correct choice

and will not go against him but support him. In conclusion, loyalty was a very important value to

the Anglo-Saxons.
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Another important value the Anglo-Saxons cared about was bravery. Although Beowulf

was not obligated to help the Danes he still went. Wulfgar states, “to tell you that he knows your

Noble birth and that having come to him from over the open sea you have come bravely and are

welcome”(Beowulf 128-130). Beowulf came a long way just to defeat the monster that has been

terrorizing the Danes for years. Beowulf does not hesitate to take action. The poem states, “one

day however, a fire-breathing dragon that has been guarding a treasure for hundreds of years is

disturbed by a thief, who enters the treasure tower and steals a cup. The dragon begins terrorizing

the Geats, and Beowulf, now an old man takes on the challenge of fighting it” (Beowulf 58).

Even though he’s old and his body cannot handle this type of battle, Beowulf does not hesitate to

protect his people. In conclusion, bravery helped the Anglo-Saxons protect their land.

The Anglo-Saxons valued fate. Before going into battle Beowulf always believed

whatever happens, happens. Beowulf states, “God must decide who will be given to deaths cold

grip” (Beowulf 174-175). Beowulf always left the outcome of the battle in the hands of God.

Another example of Beowulf believing in fate is when he is dying. Beowulf states, “my days

have gone by as fate willed” (Beowulf 747-748). He believes that he was meant to die from battle

because it was what God wanted to happen. In conclusion, fate was also a value the Anglo-

Saxons cherished.

The Anglo-Saxons valued loyalty, bravery, and fate. These values helped them to better

their relationships and trust one another, it also helped them become courageous to protect their

homes and be religious. Beowulf teaches you to push yourself regardless of what you fear which

helps you grow as a better person and also teaches you to surround yourself with people who will

support and help you in times of need. The lessons that could be learn from Beowulf depends on

the individual person’s perspective.