Essay on Anglo-Saxon History and Beowulf - 1586 Words

Anglo-Saxon History and Beowulf By definition the word â€Å"hero† might be interpreted in one of four ways. First off in mythology and legend, a hero is often of divine ancestry. He is endowed with great courage and strength, celebrated for his bold exploits, and favored by the gods. Secondly, a hero is a person noted for feats of courage or nobility of purpose, especially one who has risked or sacrificed his or her life. Thirdly, a hero can also be described as a person noted for special achievement in a particular field. Finally a hero is defined as the principal male character in a novel, poem, or dramatic presentation http://dictionary.reference.com/serch?q=hero. Beowulf, in Beowulf, might be considered a hero in every aspect†¦show more content†¦But we shall forgo the sword in the night—if he dare seek war without weapon—and then may wise Gold, Holy Lord, assign glory on whichever hand seems good to Him† (Howe, 13). To kill the second, he swims for numerous hours u nderwater until the sword of Giants ends the life of Grendels mother. Finally as is foreshadowed, Beowulf loses his life to the final monster, but wins treasure for his people. However, one must examine all of the traits and actions of Beowulf’s character before calling him a great hero. Beowulf behaves with great knowledge and wisdom as he grows with time and influence. Beowulf most certainly acts with great respect and humility where it is owed. His physical feats and bravery outdo those of any other of the Danish king Hrothgar’s warriors. In spite of this, Beowulf, at age eighty and king of the Geats, decides that he should brawl with the dragon himself. This ultimately ends in his death, leaving his people vulnerable to outside invasions. His dying wish to his only loyal thane, Wiglaf, is that the Geats bury him in a barrow overlooking the sea to be remembered for all times to come, and also that the treasure he has won in the fight with the dragon be given to his people. Against this wish the Geats bury the treasure with his body so that no other conquerors might possess it. In the end, Beowulf acts more for his own glory than fo r the general well-being to his people. In his life, Beowulf seeks his fame and glory:Show MoreRelatedComparing Beowulf, The Anglo Saxon And Beowulf s Motivations1282 Words   |  6 Pages Beowulf, the Anglo Saxon Epitome: An analysis of the Anglo Saxon code and Beowulf’s Motivations The story of Beowulf is an outstanding example of the Anglo Saxon code. But what is the Anglo Saxon code? What is a code? A code is something to live by, often an unwritten pledge and standard to live by as one resides or partakes in a team with unity. Code is defined simply as â€Å"program instructions.† For instance, if one participates in a school sport activity, such as cross country, there isRead MoreAnalysis Of The Anglo Saxon Code And Beowulf s Motivations1282 Words   |  6 PagesBeowulf, the Anglo Saxon Epitome: An analysis of the Anglo Saxon code and Beowulf’s Motivations The story of Beowulf is an outstanding example of the Anglo Saxon code. But what is the Anglo Saxon code? What is a code? A code is something to live by, often an unwritten pledge and standard to live by as one resides or partakes in a team with unity. Code is defined simply as â€Å"program instructions.† For instance, if one participates in a school sport activity, such as cross country, there is an unwrittenRead MoreValues Of Anglo Saxon Values834 Words   |  4 PagesThesis: In Beowulf the poem they value their leaders just like most nations do today. The Anglo Saxons look up to their leaders, so they want their leaders to have respectable values. Leaders are strong, loyal, and brave. Citizen look up to their leaders, presidents, parents, friends. Everyone has values as well, thats what makes them who they are. The Anglo Saxons wrote Beowulf to let it be known that, thats what they want to see in a leader. Topic sentence: Leaders are ones that are most likelyRead MoreAnalysis Of Anglo-Saxon Culture In Beowulf1031 Words   |  5 PagesAnglo-Saxon culture, as conceived through the context and writing of Beowulf, provides a clear glimpse into the lives, modes of function, and habits of the ancient society. In this, many aspects of their culture can be understood from reading the epic and analyzing the importance of it’s contents. However, certain details about large cultural ideologies, such as Anglo-Saxon beliefs concerning the universe and conduct, convey a deeper and more important understanding of Anglo-Saxon society. TheseRead MoreMedieval English Poetry : The Foundations Of Anglo-Saxon Poetry1701 Words   |  7 Pagestraced to the time of the Anglo-Saxons†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Josephson). When the Roman Empire in Britain began to decline, the Angles and the Saxons started to conquer Britain (â€Å"Anglo-Saxons: A Brief History). As a result of this conquering, several different kingdoms formed in Britain (â€Å"Anglo-Saxons: A Brief History). This period of conquering and the forming of the Anglo-Saxons was between the middle of the fifth century and the middle of the eleventh century (â€Å"Anglo-Saxons: A Brief History). This time was also identifiedRead MoreHow Beowulf Is An Epic Poem934 Words   |  4 PagesTo Leave a Footprint Beowulf is an epic poem written 1000 to 1300 years ago in Old English and translated by Seamus Heaney into Modern English. Beowulf is a significant piece of literature art work not only because it is one of the earliest known works, but also because it reflects and represents the authors, the Anglo-Saxons’ culture and values. At first, this story was passed around orally, from one person to another. Then, later on, the Anglo-Saxons wrote the entire story down into a manuscriptRead MoreBeowulf, By Seamus Heaney930 Words   |  4 PagesBeowulf is an epic poem written 1000 to 1300 years ago in Old English and translated by Seamus Heaney into Modern English. Beowulf is a significant piece of literature art work not only because it is one of the earliest known works, but also because it reflects and represents the authors, the Anglo-Saxons’ culture and values. At first, this story was passed around orally, from one person to another. Then, later on, the Anglo-Saxons wrote the entire story down into a manuscript. As well as the Anglo-SaxonsRead MoreThe Anglo Saxon Era Of Rich History And Reflected Literature1486 Words   |  6 PagesThe Anglo Saxon Era of Rich History and Reflected Literature The Anglo Saxon Period began in 449 and ended in 1066 AD. This was a time of Viking conquering other nations, patriotism, and Pagan to Christian religious conversion. There are only few recorded authors of this era as a result of literary works such as Beowulf, Wife’s Lament, and The Seafarer being passed down orally through generations of time. The literature serves as a reflection of this ancient time rather than having an impact on thisRead MoreBeowulf And The Anglo Saxon Period1740 Words   |  7 PagesBeowulf The original poem, Beowulf, goes back to the Anglo-Saxon period in c. 650 and c.1100. Authors translated Beowulf many times in the Anglo-Saxon period to present day. It displays how a hero should be in the real world. He helps the people in the village and slays monsters. Everyone in the village looks up to him as he acts as if he were a role model. Beowulf, the protagonist in the translated Beowulf by Seamus Heaney, is a hero of his village, stands for bravery, strong will, and noblenessRead MoreCore Values In Beowulf774 Words   |  4 PagesThe people exalt their beloved king who sacrifices himself to save his citizens from monsters in the resolution of Beowulf. Beowulf bravely fought for peace against evil forces, including Grendel, Grendel’s mom, and a fire spitting dragon, numerous times. Beowulf became the societal ideal of a man in the Anglo-Saxon time period because of his heroic deeds. Beowulf clings to Anglo-Saxon values and demonstrates their significance by defe ating monsters, which motivates one of his men to follow. Wiglaf