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Ana P. Ezrre

Ms. Figueroa

Senior English

12 December, 2018

Beowulf in the Anglo-Saxon Era

Values are seen-as different characteristics that represents an individual identity. Values

reflect behaviors which can help connect true selves to different individuals with the same social

interests. When the audiences are introduced to the poem of Beowulf, there has been depictions

of Beowulf representing Anglo-Saxon values. Beowulf is similar to a super hero, at least that’s

how many value him as. Beowulf claims to have a variety of values that were traits during the

Anglo-Saxon era. Some of these values are bravery, truth, honesty and loyalty. When reading

this poem the audiences will find out how the story demonstrates the values were listed.

In the poem, Beowulf represented a high standard of bravery. He does not only fight

Grendel but also goes after the dragon and Grendel’s mother. Beowulf always chooses to fight

with his bare hands, he sees this action as a matter of a “fair fight”. Beowulf prepares himself

and sacrifices his all to fight the evil, this might sound terrifying but Beowulf doesn’t let any fear

face him. There’s not many people to agree to defeating the monster but Beowulf was different,

he took his job very seriously and believed he was there to serve and protect. “Till the monster

stirred, that demon that fiend, Grendel. Will and again and again be defeated.” (“Beowulf”40)

Beowulf knew how powerful the monster was, he went into the field knowing this fight could

ended with his dead. Beowulf didn’t back out he was not going to give up on fighting the

monster until Grendel’s dead came. Beowulf bravery was shown in every battle he had to

accounted, he gives it his all. Beowulf fights every battle like if it was the last battle he was had
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to fight, he always gives it all his strength. “He meant to kill this monster himself, our mighty

king, fight this battle alone and unaided”. (“Beowulf”61). Beowulf beloved that no matter how

powerful the dragon seemed to be he wasn’t going to let that monster intimidate him, Beowulf

believed he was there to serve and protect and he would do everything in his power to make it

happen.

Continuing, Beowulf was admire because of his loyalty and honesty. During the Anglo-

Saxon era Beowulf would fight every evil that would come close to the kingdom, due to him

taking highly care of his job he would frequently get rewarded with many goods. Beowulf

actually enjoyed doing what he had to do to keep the people and the king safe and sound, he

didn’t only do it because of the rewards he’ll received. Beowulf super powers gave him the

ability to do a lot of jobs that many others could never keep up with, because of this powers

Beowulf would use them for good only and when he had to defeat the monsters. “By exchanging

his old life span for this treasure, Beowulf gives the geats a chance to survive” (Marshall).

Beowulf gives to the people in order for the minimum opportunity to live in peace, he is loyal to

every each and one of the warriors, especially to the ones that decides to follow Beowulf’s steps.

Many warriors have stepped out of the game but Beowulf’s doesn’t turn his back on any of the

ones that are still standing, he believes in them and hopes for them to get far to receive the same

riches as Beowulf. “Beowulf gesture to his people is the epitome of lordship and generosity

because he sacrifices himself in order to save the kingdom” (Marshall). Beowulf gives all he has

left to his job and he proudly does it to serve his kingdom, this shows how far his honesty and

loyalty goes.

Last but not least, Beowulf shows the value of honor. Beowulf has always had the

mindset of fighting all the evil that’s a thread to the kingdom. Beowulf claims that he does not
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fear the upcoming death, and if his fighting causes death then it was meant to be. “Death was my

earned and fate they had earned. Now Grendel and I are called together, and I’ve come.”

(“Beowulf”44). By defeating the threatening monster, Beowulf is obeying the king. The king

wishes are to maintain safe from all everything that may be threatening for him, the king is not

ready for death upon. Not only Beowulf is honorable because of the battles he has been put

through but also because of the description that the poem gives about him, Beowulf is filled with

values that the poem talks about. Beowulf never gave up on nobody, always kept his word when

doing his job. Beowulf is seen as a warrior that god has sent, a god-sent warrior with extremely

incredible powers and talent that not many can compare to. The story does not only show that

Beowulf is a good warrior but also that at the end of the day he is also morally good.

At the end of the story Beowulf talks about how he would like for his tomb to be by

where he kills the dragon, he is reasoning for this is because every time someone is come by or

sees the tomb people are remained of Beowulf. Not only because he died but also because he did

everything in his power to do his job right, Beowulf wanted to be remembered as a warrior fulled

with Anglo-Saxon traits; to be remembered as a strong fighter and honorable warrior.

In conclusion, Beowulf shows a variety of valuable traits during the story. Some of the

values that were talked about on this text were honesty, bravery, and loyalty. Beowulf gave up

his life to be remembered as the strong Anglo-Saxon he claimed to always be, not many have the

courage to battle the evil.

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Works Cited

“Beowulf” British Literature, 38-66. Illinois

“Goldgyfan or Gold lance, an apology toward Beowulf. Philogy studies. By Marshall,

Joseph.