Historical Analysis of Beowulf
Beowulf reflects the Anglo-Saxon and Germanic values present up to the eleventh century. Even though it was written in the eleventh century, because it was an oral tradition, many of the beliefs and values could have been present at the time of writing along with in centuries past. Beowulf emphasizes the medieval ideals of loyalty, selfness, fame and honor, with an emphasis on using these values in battle.Fame in this culture could only be attained through proven worth on the battlefield. Hrothgar gained respect as a king not through heredity, but through his worth in battle, as shown in this line "Such success in arms and so great a fame attended Hrothgar that his kinsman were eager to serve under him..." (Beowulf, Ch. 1, 40-82). Fame in battle did not assure someone an after life according to the church, but it did ensure that a hero's name would live on after his death, as shown by Beowulf "We must all expect an end to life in this world; let him who can win fame before death, because that is a dead man's best memorial." (Beowulf, Ch. 21, 1383-1425). Becoming a famous warrior was perhaps the most im
Many of the values present in Beowulf could still be found in our society today, however in the poem they have a much different emphasis. In Beowulf and medieval society war and battle are the focus. On the surface this may make the people of the time seem brutal or savage, but these attitudes had been cultivated through centuries of defending the country and warring with other countries. In these times war was a way of life, and the people found a way to incorporate their beliefs and values into it. For the culture that created Beowulf, loyalty was very important to ones chief, family, and in battle. Wiglaf's speech to his comrades shows how important it is to be loyal to ones leader "...To my way of thinking it is dishonourable for us to take or shields home without first killing the enemy and saving the king's life. I am sure that this is not what he deserves for his past exploits, that all of us Geats he alone should suffer and die. Let us share the battle with Beowulf." (Beowulf, Ch. 36, 2624-2668). Wiglaf reminds them that they were picked out of the army as Beowulf's best soldiers, and to have
Some common words found in the essay are:
Beowulf Ch, Anglo-Saxon Germanic, Unferth Beowulf, Grendel Grendel, beowulf ch, , shown line, beliefs values, eleventh century,
Approximate Word count = 751
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)
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