Values of the Anglo-Saxons

In a kingdom, what values are most important to be considered an established

civilization? There are many great values in mind, but when it came to the Anglo-Saxons, they

had many values that was important that can be found in the poem. The Anglo-Saxons were

Germanic people who invaded Great Britain after the Romans. They spoke Old English and

when it came to passing on the story of Beowulf, they chanted, sung and recited it orally. For the

story Beowulf, the Anglo-Saxon poet was unknown, as well as when it was composed. Beowulf

had to fight many battles and go on many dangerous adventures to accomplish that. He traveled

to the land of the Danes to help defeat the monster causing destruction and taking lives of

innocent people. Then, he had to deal with the mother of the monster he killed and that battle

was not so easy. Finally, a fire-breathing dragon was terrorizing the land of the Geats all because

of one thief. The poem Beowulf is an interesting story because of the battles, Beowulf himself

and his characteristics, and the experiences he has faced. Through all this, the Anglo-Saxons not

once forgot their values of religion, loyalty and hierarchy.

One value that the Anglo-Saxons believed in was religion. In the poem, before Beowulf

would go into a fight, he would give a speech expressing that whatever happens to him is in

Gods hand. Beowulf says, “...my hands Alone shall fight for me, struggle for life against the

monster. God must decide who will be given to death’s cold grip” (Beowulf 172-175). Beowulf

believed in fate so much, that in his battle with Grendel, he did not fight with any armor and said

that if he must fight with is bare hands, then let God say who win will become victorious at the

end. The Anglo-Saxons also showed their value in religion at the end of the poem before

Beowulf died. He asked Wiglaf if they can build him a memorial so that the people can

remember him and what he did for the Geats. In the poem, Beowulf tells Wiglaf, “Have the
brave Geats build me a tomb... and remember my name and call it Beowulf’s tower...” (Beowulf

812-818). This part of the poem shows the value of religion because in Christianity, Jesus was

put onto a cross and everyone remembered him and what he had did for everyone. Overall, the

Anglo-Saxons valued religion in their kingdom because in Christianity, they believe in God and

what he has done for them.

Another value the Anglo-Saxons believe in is loyalty. In the poem, Beowulf showed his

loyalty to Hrothgar because of what Hrothgar has done in the past for Beowulf’s dad. In the

poem, Hrothgar told Beowulf, “…I bought the end of Edgetho’s Quarrel, sent ancient treasures

through the ocean’s Furrows to the Wulfings; your father swore He’d keep that peace” (Beowulf

204-207). When Hrothgar first became king, he protected Beowulf’s father from Wulfings by

paying them off. Hrothgar in return, wanted Edgetho to be his companion. The Anglo-Saxons

also showed their value in loyalty at the end of poem when Beowulf was in trouble from the

dragon and Wiglaf was the only one that didn’t leave Beowulf behind. In the story, Wiglaf said,

“This monster himself, out might king, Fight this battle alone and unaided, as in the days when

his strength and daring dazzled Men’s eyes. But lord must lean on younger Arms. And we must

go to him... I’d rather burn myself than see Flames swirling around my lord” (Beowulf 717-727).

Wiglaf showed loyalty to Beowulf because in the time when the king needed help, Wiglaf was

the only one who stayed. He went in with courage and went to the king. Overall, the Anglo-

Saxons valued loyalty because in any kingdom, that would be one of the most important things.

Without loyalty between the king, soldiers and the people, there could be a lot of problems

between everyone.

Lastly, another value that the Anglo-Saxons believe in is hierarchy. In the poem,

Hrothgar’s people did not just see him as just the king of the Danes and was there to lead them
but he was a people person, so they respected him a lot. In the beginning of the story, it states,”

Hrothgar, king of the Danes, has built a wonderful mead hall called Herot, where his subjects

congregate and make merry” (Beowulf pg.38). This shows that Hrothgar wanted his people to

have a great life and to have a great place to celebrate and eat. His people didn’t just think of him

as a king that rules everyone and is mean, but they think of him as a friendly king that will do a

lot to make his people happy. The Anglo-Saxons also showed their value in hierarchy when

Beowulf first came into the kingdom and Hrothgar himself respected him because of where he

came from. In the poem, the soldier's words said to Beowulf,” My lord, the great king of the

Danes, commands me to tell you that he knows of your noble birth and that having come to him

from over the open Sea you have come bravely and are welcome” (Beowulf 127-130). Even

though Beowulf is not from the land of the Danes, he is still respected by Hrothgar and his

people as well. To the people, he is seen as this great king because of his strength and bravery.

Overall, the Anglo-Saxons valued hierarchy because without someone to lead them, there would

be no control and order in the kingdom. It is also a plus that their king is the type who is not

afraid to die for his people and someone who can be a great king, but a better friend.

The Anglo-Saxons have many values that they believe in. Especially, when it comes to

religion, loyalty and hierarchy. The people depend on their king and the soldiers all the time,

especially when it comes to someone destroying their homes. Religion was big to them because

when the poem was being written, they were converting into Christianity. They also were big on

loyalty to each other because without it, there will be no trust between each other and that is the

one thing they need when it comes to battles. They also valued hierarchy because the people will

not know what to do and where to go if there is a monster terrorizing the town. Without a king to

show them the way, they will be scared and confused because they have always had a leader to
help show the way. The Anglo-Saxons had many values, but when it comes to these three, I

believe that they are strong values that they show in the poem.
 Works Cited

“Beowulf: and Related Readings.” Beowulf: and Related Readings, McDougal Littell, 1998.