Beowulf Influence On Society

can only be one: Beowulf. In the late 900s, two anonymous scribes wrote the story on parchment using West Saxon, a Germanic

Pagan Influences in BEOWULF “Beowulf is the epic story of a young hero who battles the monster Grendel and his mother. Beowulf is a prince of the Geats, the son of Ecgtheow who voyages to Heorot, the hall of Hrothgar, king of the Danes and the great grandson of the hero Scyld Scefing. There at Heorot, Beowulf destroys the monster Grendel, who for twelve years has haunted the hall by night and slain all he found therein. When Grendel's mother, in revenge, makes an attack on the hall, Beowulf seeks

often manifests itself in written works. There are many ways the time can influence a writer and their work. However, this essay will mainly focus on the influences of religion and social values. One common influence, is that of a culture’s religion. Throughout history, religion has influenced social life, daily routines, and of course writing. A blatant example of religious influence can be found in the Anglo-Saxon poem Beowulf when describing the evil Grendel, “… Conceived by a pair of those monsters

and values of a society to also address religion as a quintessential part of the society. However, texts that have ancient origins and are passed down orally such as Beowulf can be unclear regarding the interpretation of religious themes. As Stevick points out, “interpretations [of Beowulf] ... sort themselves ... into opposing views”, consisting of “regarding the poem as dominantly Christian” or viewing the poem as one of “Germanic orientation” or pagan (Stevick 79). In fact, Beowulf may not purely

Beowulf is known for displaying the importance of male heroism via Beowulf, but what about the significance of the women in the poem? The significance of women in Beowulf is overshadowed by the great heroism of the character Beowulf, but the women each have a reason for participating in the epic. The ideal woman was someone who was a noble, a mistress and loyal. An ideal woman is described in Maxim I: “at mead drinking she must at all times and places approach the protector of princes first, in front

While the author of Beowulf did not initially intend for the epic to become one of the most researched and foundational works in the English language, and therefore, did not go into much detail about its setting and surrounding political structures, the unnamed writer left behind important clues regarding Scandinavian and English political, economic, geographical, and societal bodies. Although not much is known about the author, it is evident through their writing, especially in the societal structure

women played a modest but significant role. From the few women that are mentioned in Beowulf, the position of women in Anglo-Saxon society is visible. The women that appeared in Beowulf include Freawaru, Hildeburh, Hygd, and Modthyrth, however the most important women in the poem are Wealhtheow and Grendel’s mother. Women held considerable power both in physical strength, such as Grendel's mother, and in influence, for example the Danish Queen Wealhtheow. In “The Roles of Anglo-Saxon Women” it says

Through out Beowulf the element of religion holding a significant meaning behind the act of boastings in an age concerned with the pursuit of fame, honour and glory. Beowulf words make constant biblical references throughout his speech to refute Unferths dismissal of his abilities stating “ i was the strongst swimmer of all...ocean lifted me and laid me ashore.” -532 The personification of the ocean presents an image of supernatural elements as though Beowulf is attempting to associate himself

of Religion in Society In some way, everyone’s lives on this planet have been affected by religion. It affects current events such as wars, politics, and societal issues. How religion affects these events and ideologies can be seen in literature. The literature reflects the events and political problems of the time period, which can be used to demonstrate the role of religion in current events of specific time periods. Due to the religious migration during the time period of Beowulf and The Scarlet

of it all is a great leader. Beowulf is the epic tale of a man who is revered among many, who possesses qualities unlike any other, among these qualities, is leadership. Beowulf shows us some of the most critical characteristics of what makes up a good leader, such as his ability to fulfill his promises, his willingness to sacrifice for his people, and the example he leaves on his people. Beowulf begins with fifteen Geatish warriors, at the helm of whom is Beowulf, arriving in the land of Danes