Essay on Anglo-Saxon Values

the world, and he believed that people of Anglo-Saxon origin were the best positioned to "civilize" the rest of the world. "This race is destined to dispossess many weaker ones, assimilated others, and mold of the remainder until... it has Anglo-Saxonized mankind.” (Josiah Strong). Strong believed that the Anglo-Saxons were being trained by god for the

Maya Rhode The Ideal Anglo-Saxon Warrior 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

influence. It also shows what a culture or a person values as significant. The epic of Gilgamesh provides insight into the way that Sumerian culture worked by focusing on certain aspects of day-to-day life. The same happens in the epic of Beowulf, where the day to day life of each character sheds light on the values that the Anglo-Saxons prized, such as loyalty to family. The actions and motivations of characters in the epic poem Beowulf showcase the Anglo-Saxon mindset of the importance of family. Beowulf’s

Many cultures have their own way of determining the status of a person by a value system. Although, the value system of the Anglo-Saxons in the Middle Ages is quite different than the value systems of today. The value systems, most people know, determine status by how much money or how accomplished an individual is. This is similar to the value system explained in the epic poem, but there are just a few differences. The value system is determined mostly by the heroic code, in which the main character

Numerous cultures have their own way of determining the status of a person by a value system. Although, the value system of the Anglo-Saxons in the Middle Ages is quite different than the value systems of today. The value systems, most people know, determine status by how much money or how accomplished an individual is. This is similar to the value system explained in the epic poem, but there are just a few differences. The value system is determined mostly by the heroic code, in which the main character

wilderness, is monstrous and dishonors the honor code, he does not conform to the anglo-saxon values and therefore is “othered” by their society. Grendel lives in the darkness of a swamp in the wilderness. But, the Anglo-Saxons live in a civilized village. The monster, Grendel, invades the mead hall to disturb a celebration in the herot, and he “comes up from down in the darkness” (line 2). When the Anglo-Saxons annoy Grendel, they don’t see what he will do. He went “back to his lair” (line ) after

Many cultures have their own way of determining the status of a person by a value system. Although, the value system of the Anglo-Saxons in the Middle Ages is quite different than the value systems of today. The value systems, most people know, determine status by how much money or how accomplished an individual is. This is similar to the value system explained in the epic poem, but there are just a few differences. The value system is determined mostly by the heroic code, in which the main character

So why is Beowulf considered the perfect hero by his society? Part of it had to do with the fact that in Beowulf’s time period and society, they had certain actions,traits, and values that Anglo-Saxons deemed heroic. There are a couple distinct traits that make up the Anglo-Saxon hero. The first one is Loyalty. Anglo-Saxons were immensely loyal. In the poem the author writes, “ Beowulf arose, with his men around him, ordering a few to remain with their weapons”(47 ). This quote signifies that Beowulf

culture. Yet all reveal key values of their respective authors. One such standout is the epic, Anglo-Saxon poem “Beowulf.” Written during the eighth century, this tale tells of a hero who slays a monster and saves a kingdom, and it is often thought of as the basis of western literature. Although little is known about its author, “Beowulf” gives crucial insight into the ideals of fate, loyalty to a lord, and a love of glory that all Anglo- Saxon’s held. The Anglo-Saxon people were known in their time

qualify as an epic poem, Beowulf reflects the values of the culture in which it was created. The Anglo-Saxon culture and the poem share many of the same values. They shared a heroic ideal that included loyalty, strength, courage, courtesy, and generosity. Like all epic poems Beowulf is a long narrative work that tells the adventures of a great hero and also reflects the values of the society in which it was written. Both Beowulf and the Anglo-Saxons believed in those qualities as an individual.