Alberto Ceja

Ms. Figueroa

Senior English 1

7 December 7, 2018

The Anglo-Saxons Values in Beowulf

Beowulf is the oldest surviving Anglo-Saxons epic poem and many values were shown

during this time period. The Anglo-Saxons were people who inhabited Great Britain from the 5th

century. In the epic poem, Beowulf the king of the Danes helps the Geats fight Grendel and other

threats. Later on, Beowulf becomes the king for the Geats for 50 years. He then finds his realm

terrorized by a dragon and challenges the dragon which could be his last battle. In the Poem

Beowulf and Wiglaf portrayed heroism, bravery, and loyalty values that were appreciated by the

Anglo-Saxons.

To begin with, Beowulf portrayed the Anglo-Saxon value of heroism. First, he wants

King Hrothgar permission to save the Geats from Grendel. In chapter 2, Beowulf goes to the

King and says, “That this one favor you should not refuse me that I, alone and with the help of

my men, may purge all evil from this hall” (Beowulf 164-166). He wants to save them from

Grendel and he is the only one capable that could kill him. After Beowulf’s victory over Grendel,

he is now faced with a bigger threat Grendel’s Mother. The king asks Beowulf for help to save

the Geats one more time, Beowulf accepts the challenge. In chapter 4, the King goes to Beowulf

and tells him, “Our only help, again, lies with you. Grendel’s mother is hidden in her terrible

home, in a plane you’ve not seen. Seek it, if you dare! Save us” (Beowulf 443-446). This shows

that again Beowulf is being the hero for the Geats this time saving them from Grendel’s Mother.

Beowulf doesn’t back down from any challenge and is constantly saving the Geats.
 Furthermore, Beowulf and Wiglaf portrayed the Anglo-Saxon value of Bravery. Before

the battle with Grendel, Higlac informs Beowulf that Grendel is dangerous and doesn’t use

weapons and doesn’t fear anything. In chapter 2, Higlac tells him, “That the monsters scorn of

men is so great the he needs no weapons and fears none.” Beowulf then responds, “Nor will I.

My lord Higlac” (Beowulf 166-169). Beowulf shows he is brave enough to fight Grendel with no

weapon or armor. At the finale battle, Beowulf is having trouble fighting the dragon and Wiglaf

tells the Geats that they need to go and help fight. In chapter 6, Wiglaf tells the Geats, “And now

our lord must lean on younger Arms. And we must go to him, while angry Flames burn at his

flesh, help our glorious king!” (Beowulf 722-725). Wiglaf shows that he is brave enough to go

and fight even if he has to go alone. Beowulf and Wiglaf showed that they are brave enough to

fight when it comes to protection.

Once again, Wiglaf portrays the Anglo-Saxon value of loyalty. While Beowulf is

struggling to kill the dragon, the Geats refuse to help Beowulf. Wiglaf the only one loyal enough

goes alone to help save his king. In chapter 6, Wiglaf tell the Geats, “I’d rather burn myself than

see flames swirling around my lord” (Beowulf 726-727). This shows that Wiglaf has such

loyalty to Beowulf that he would rather die than to see Beowulf die. In chapter 7, the narrator

states, “He is sitting near Beowulf’s body, werily sprinkling water in the dead man’s face, trying

to stir him. He could not. No one could have kept life in their lord’s body, or turned aside the

lord’s will” (Beowulf 839-844). Wiglaf is doing everything to wake up Beowulf but realizes it’s

not his decision. Wiglaf shows his loyalty he has with Beowulf by saving him and being with

him while he dies.

Overall, Beowulf and Wiglaf portrayed heroism, bravery, and loyalty values that were

appreciated by the Anglo-Saxons. Beowulf shows the first value of heroism by saving the Geats
from Grendel. Before the battle with Grendel, Beowulf makes a bravery decision that he won’t

use any weapon or armor against Grendel. At the final battle between Beowulf and the dragon,

Wiglaf demonstrates his loyalty to his king by helping him fight. Throughout the epic poem there

is a lot of values to learn about Beowulf’s heroic journey. He never shows doubt that he could

possibly lose against these dangerous monsters. He stayed brave and loyal throughout the poem.
 Works Cited
Raffel, Burton. Beowulf. A New Translation with an Introd. by Burton Raffel. New American

Library, 1963.