Beowulf: A Religiously Conflicted Anglo-Saxon Cultural Hero

A hero can be defined in several ways. Someone can be considered a hero by the qualities he or she displays. The epic poem Beowulf, written by an unknown author, describes the most heroic man and role model of the Anglo-Saxon times. This hero Beowulf has all the qualities and traits that a true hero expresses. Beowulf, as depicted in the epic Beowulf, is the prototype of the epic hero, a larger-than-life figure who embodies the virtues and ideals of his culture.

After the fall of Rome, another era was rising, the Medieval Era. The Medieval Era was a brighter side than old Rome. Beowulf is an Old English poem , which was written based upon the people’s culture in this era. This poem was written around 700-1000 AD. There is no source to tell us who wrote this poem. The only source we have says that this poem was written by Anglo-Saxons. First, this presentation will show us the story behind Beowulf. Then, through this Old English story, we will learn one of the most important ideals that people in the Medieval Era held in their minds. Last, we will find out how this story relates to the Christian’s spiritual life.

What do Achilles, King Arthur, Harry Potter, and Beowulf all have in common? They all demonstrate the qualities of epic heroes. Beowulf represents several characteristics of an epic hero and demonstrates the values of the Anglo-Saxons. He is the main character of his story, he has a main goal, he travels and fights with a group of people, and he accomplishes many valorous deeds; the values of the Anglo-Saxons are also shown through the actions of Beowulf, such as courage, loyalty, and fame. For example, when Beowulf heard a cry for help in a far off land, he answered. He fought larger than life monsters, and won. His exceptional strength proves his epic courage and heroism.

“Alone shall fight for me, struggle for life against the monster, God must decide who will be given to death’s cold grip. Grendel’s plan, I think, will be what it has been before, to invade this hall and gorge his belly with our bodies.” (Lines 268-273) This quote was said by Beowulf a little while before he fought Grendal. This quote shows that Beowulf is ready to risk his life to save his people from a monster that has killed many people. He does this throughout this epic; fighting battles with different monsters that put his people’s lives in danger. Also during some of the fights he has faith in God and he believes that God will be there to help him when he needs it. Beowulf is a blending of Christian traditions and beliefs such as

The Anglo-Saxons’ cultures and traditions are rooted in their beliefs of the perfect hero. Their ideal hero has many key characteristics influenced by their culture including courage, strength, bravery, thick skin, loyalty, humbleness, and the ability to create strong trustworthy friendships. Beowulf is an epic poem that exhibits the ideal Anglo-Saxon hero. The Anglo-Saxon traditions illustrated in Beowulf accurately represent the Anglo-Saxon traditions of the time period. This is accomplished through the distinct correlation of heroic characteristics between Beowulf and the culture’s traditional depiction of an Anglo-Saxon hero.

The epic poem Beowulf describes the most heroic man of the Anglo-Saxon times. The hero, Beowulf, is a seemingly invincible person with all the extraordinary traits required of an Anglo Saxon hero. He is able to use his super-human physical strength and courage to put his people before himself. He encounters many monsters and horrible beasts, but he never fears the threat of death. His leadership skills are outstanding and he is even able to boast about all his achievements. Beowulf is the ultimate epic hero who risks his life countless times for glory which to him meant eternal life.

An epic hero is a brave and noble character in an epic poem, admired for great achievements or affected by grand events. The epic hero of a story embarks on a quest in search of fame and glory, and encounters challenges throughout their journey. No matter the adversity, the epic hero maintains bravery and courage, never backing down. However, what the epic hero does not know is that the “real reason for a quest is always self-knowledge” (Foster 3). In the epic Beowulf, Anonymous employes the affection of a king, bravery in battle, an eternal quest and a lasting legacy to show Beowulf as an epic hero.

There are many ways in which an individual can study history, but for most reading a textbook describing events and dates does not give them a clear picture of what life was like for the people of the time. Although, textbook reading can allow an individual to know a lot of facts about historical events, which can be helpful, it lacks the ability to touch the readers emotions and allow them to relate to the people of the time. However, these emotions and comparisons can be elicited through the reading of fictional and nonfictional primary sources. Also, modern textbooks give biased historical accounts based on modern principles, which can change what certain historical events truly meant. Reading primary works of both fiction and nonfiction can help people better understand the past through many avenues.

Although we may not see hero’s such as Beowulf, or Batman in our society today, we have people that show their courage almost as well as well as these hero’s depicted. Beowulf showed tremendous courage becoming famous and popular among the Geats by slaying the demons that awaited them in the depths of the night. Batman also showed his courage and strength by helping to defend his city while trying to keep himself completely anonymous. Although the two hero’s responses to situations can be contrasted, their example of stepping up and being a leader both come together equally. Knowing this information about our hero’s, what is a hero’s importance in society? Without these important hero’s, the people that they protect wouldn’t stand a chance against what lurks in the shadows, and their examples proved that the horrible can be defeated.

According to the definition, a hero is one who embodies the values of their society. In the epic Anglo-Saxon poem Beowulf, written by an anonymous author, the character Beowulf is used to convey the value that Anglo-Saxons placed on courage, strength, and loyalty.

Originating in the Anglo-Saxon period, the epic poem Beowulf portrays a legendary hero. Beowulf established the earlier form of heroism, and was then later introduced in to the English culture. Praised and admired by many people, Beowulf possesses several distinct traits that allow him to be defined perfectly as an ideal Anglo-Saxon hero; his eagerness to seek glory and fame, rather than richness and treasures, his loyalty and graceful attitude not only to his rulers but also to his followers, and his contradictory beliefs of faith and fate

During the conception of Beowulf, the Anglo-Saxons were experiencing a period of religious transition from Paganism to Christianity (Wallon). Their transition manifests itself in the work by embedding traditional Christian morals into the main character and hero, Beowulf. With every mention of Beowulf’s triumphs, he and other characters constantly make it a point to thank God. When Beowulf was introduced, he was described as a holy blessing to the Geats, meant to become a Christian and renowned leader for them (Beowulf 12-17). From the moment of his conception within the story’s universe and his introduction in the story, Beowulf is established as a character with many gifts and blessings from God not unlike Jesus Christ.

Back in the times of the Anglo-Saxons, being a hero was considered to be someone who would go far beyond what anyone else would do, to protect others. The poem of Beowulf, written in the Anglo-Saxon times by an anonymous author, is an excellent example of an Anglo-Saxon hero. This is because Beowulf sailed across the seas, in order to kill a monster who had hunted and preyed upon another kingdom, and had no other reason to do so except that they were in need of help. He also shows amazing strength,as well as bravery, by fighting, and defeating Grendel with nothing but his own hands. Beowulf is a perfect example of Anglo-Saxon poetry, because he has every characteristic that an Anglo-Saxon hero would be.

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Throughout the epic of Beowulf, the differences between the hero of Beowulf and the villain of Grendel are made clear. Taking place during the fifth century, Beowulf is commonly known as the oldest surviving epic poem of Old English. It is also considered one of the most important works of Anglo-Saxon literature. With a different age and time period comes different values. Many of the traits greatly admired during the time of Beowulf may now have much less emphasis placed on them. Similarly, the characteristics known to be of a villain may have also changed since the Middle Ages. The portrayals of the hero, Beowulf, and the villain, Grendel, in the epic poem of Beowulf reveal many of the values of Anglo-Saxon culture.