Beowulf
The Anglo-Saxon Culture as Illustrated in Beowulf Beowulf is an epic poem, which takes place in ancient Denmark and Geatland and describes the adventures of Beowulf, a Geat hero. Through their heroes, epic poems usually describe the traditions and beliefs of a certain culture. An Anglo-Saxon author wrote Beowulf about the Danes and Geats. The Anglo-Saxon's had similar beliefs to that of the Dane and Geat's, so the poem gives us some idea of what the Anglo-Saxon culture was like. Throughout Beowulf, it is illustrated that women were thought to be virtually valueless; that Anglo-Saxons believed in paganism, and that there was great emphasis on valuables and weaponry. The Anglo-Saxon culture did not value women highly. Women were not recognized for the deeds they did. The Danish Beowulf's own mother was not even recognized for her part in his birth. His father Ecgtheow was given all the credit for Beowulf's birth: "And he gave them more than his glory...conceived a son for the Dane!s, a new leader." (Beowulf, 1057). Kings usually would give away their daughter's hand in marriage to a total stranger for a peace treaty with another nation. The daughter had no say in what was done with her, like Healfdene's daughter who
receive them. The more good deeds a warrior had done, the more weapons and treasures he possessed. Unferth presents Beowulf with a great sword named Hrunting as Beowulf ventures out in search of Grendel's mother: "Hrothgar's spokesman lent to his need: Hrunting was the name of the hilted sword; it was one of the oldest of ancient treasures; its edge was iron, decorated with poison-stripes, hardened with battle sweat."(1081). Beowulf receives Hrunting in order to slay Grendel's mother. Weapons were given to a warrior when he accomplished a great feat. After Beowulf defeats Grendel, Hrothgar showers him with weapons and armor: "So generously the famous prince...repaid the warrior's deeds with horses and treasure that no man will ever find fault with them," (1076). The weapons presented showed the noble standing of the warrior, as were the treasures offered. Beowulf not only receives weapons and armor, but he also receives treasures from Hrothgar for defeating Grendel: "Bestowed o! hereas women were disgraced and sent away for the same offense. Spinning, weaving, and cooking were skills possessed by nearly all of the women in the Anglo-Saxon period. Their main purpose was considered to bear children, feed, clothe their families, and to be a hostess for visitors. Women were not considered equal to men, especially in the aspect of fighting. In the wake of Grendel's mother's attack, the destruction is not considered as mighty due
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Approximate Word count = 967
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)
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