Essay on Anglo-Saxon Values

The oral culture of the Anglo-Saxons was the only way tales of their history were passed down through generations. Throughout the epic poem of Beowulf, digressions are presented through the concept of giving advice or remembrance to their ancestors. The digressions within the epic poem are at times ambiguous. However, they play a large role in the underlying perception for the character’s actions. The digression that illustrates the story of King Finn was implemented to uncover the uncertainly of

Beowulf is a legend told since 500 A.D. that originated in Scandinavia. During the 500s time period, many beliefs and values among the Danes and the Geats were influenced by Anglo-Saxons, the great conquerors at the time. Anglo-Saxons believed in Christian beliefs and some pagan beliefs as well. Throughout the epic poem, Beowulf, one can gain the knowledge of how the Anglo-Saxons were through literary devices about their religions. Christian beliefs are that there is one God, who created the world

Anglo-Saxons “He drew it From its scabbard, broke the chain on its hilt, and then, savage, now angry And desperate, lifted it high over his head And struck with all the strength he had left ().” When thinking of Vikings one might think of a battle scene much like this. Though, this depiction is not all that makes a Viking, or specifically an Anglo-Saxon. This Germanic descent from the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes, made an impact on what is now Britain. With literature, weapons, the workforce, and most

Though it is often viewed both as the archetypal Anglo-Saxon literary work and as a cornerstone of modern literature, Beowulf has a peculiar history that complicates both its historical and its canonical position in English literature. By the time the story of Beowulf was composed by an unknown Anglo-Saxon poet around 700 a.d., much of its material had been in circulation in oral narrative for many years. The Anglo-Saxon and Scandinavian peoples had invaded the island of Britain and settled there

the Anglo Saxons biggest priority was not fighting. They were more content with their ordinary lifestyle and were not looking for trouble. As portrayed by Bernard Cornwell in the Last Kingdom, the Anglo Saxons had multiple cultural practices and customs. Of the characters, Alfred is the strongest embodiment of the Anglo Saxon’s motivations behind their societal actions and behaviors. Alfred's intelligence, religious practices, and power, are results of the cultural values of the Anglo Saxons, while

foreign king’s kingdom as well as defeat a terrifying dragon that has plagued his homeland. By listening to the story of Beowulf, Anglo Saxons could learn about their ancient values of bravery, loyalty, and the heroism needed to defeat the evil monsters; these epic heroes were the self-portraits of their cultures. Beowulf is the manifestation of the Anglo Saxon values: bravery, physical strength, fame, loyalty as a follower, and generosity as a leader. Epic heroes such as Beowulf are seen as god-like

In the Anglo-Saxon way of life, their ideals are as important to them as are their great achievements. Loyalty and bravery lie exceptionally high on their list of priorities. The epitome of a good Anglo-Saxon is always loyal to his lord and is always running into whatever battle he shall face with true courage and ferocity. They never falter and are always ready and willing to fight for their king to the death. While they do have many other values, loyalty and bravery are two that are consistent

loyalty to their leader? In the time of the Anglo-Saxons, these characteristics were all important concepts in Anglo-Saxon culture. Anglo-Saxons in England were born into a militaristic society, meaning that values of courage, strength, bravery and loyalty were models to live by and sense of control in a violent and unpredictable world. In the epic poem Beowulf, translated by Seamus Heaney, the monsters symbolize a cautionary tale for what happens when Anglo-Saxons give into evil impulse. Grendel

written that allow us to make connections between the author , society, and help define “Anglo Saxons”, “Middle English”, and “Renaissance.” These works have various themes that infuse all three periods of British literature. Though there are several significant themes in British Literature, one theme are most apparent. The theme of loyalty in the Beowulf demonstrates how important loyalty was to the Anglo Saxons, while loyalty is not shown where it is supposed to be in the Canterbury Tales. Beowulf

Built upon the idea of Beowulf and the Anglo-Saxon Society, the value of a hero is characterized by one’s masculinity. During the time of Anglo-Saxons, it was conventional to focus on the ideas of virility. Beowulf’s vigorous personality is shown when he states, "I have heard that the demon in proud disdain Spurs all weapons: and I too scorn may Hygelac’s heart have joy of the deed to bear my sword, or sheltering shield, or yellow buckler, to battle the fiend. With hand-grip only I’ll grapple