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Epic Values In Beowulf

Decent Essays

Epic heroes are a type of familiar character to most readers, and they are also considered essential to early literature. Because they are so common, epic heroes are often dismissed as bland characters. However, epic heroes warrant a closer look, as they are able to show us the values of cultures vastly different from our own.
This makes sense when one considers the origin of epic poems. They were first part of an oral tradition, and would have been passed down generation to generation by mouth. Epic poems were only written down later to ensure their preservation.
While the primary purpose of epic poems was entertainment, they also served a far more practical purpose: one of education. It only makes sense that societies would have ingrained their values in these tales. Stories are a subtle way to implant a fixed mindset into others. “Beowulf” is a perfect example, Beowulf displays ideal Anglo-Saxon values, and much can be learned of the Viking culture from him.
Allegiances with others were paramount to survival in the harsh environments of the Vikings, and loyalty was highly valued. This is shown in Beowulf: the majority of his actions are spurred by loyalty to others. When King Hrothgar is troubled by the demon Grendel, Beowulf immediately comes to the aid of the king, because his father “Ecgtheow, [had] acknowledged [the king] with vows of allegiance.” Beowulf does not take advantage of the king’s age and weakened state either, he never attempts to overtake the

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