In the anonymously written Beowulf, many values of the Anglo-Saxon society are revealed. These values are strength and courage, generosity, and loyalty. Beowulf’s super strength leaves him unbeatable. He fights Grendel unarmed, when everyone else is petrified of him. This is why Beowulf is highly respected and valued in the epic. His bravery to fight Grendel and his ability to win the fight represents the Anglo-Saxon society’s value of bravery and strength. The value of generosity is portrayed in many scenes of Beowulf. After Beowulf killed Grendel, he received an abundance of gifts from Hrothgar. Beowulf also gives Hrothgar the head of Grendel, along with giving his men, who accompanied him, parts of treasure and many other gifts. The value of loyalty is also seen in the epic. During the battle with the dragon, Beowulf was the only loyal man to stay and fight, while the other eleven men, cowardly scurried. In result, Wiglaf exiled them for their disloyalty.
These values portrayed in Beowulf create the universal theme of glory. Characters in Beowulf wanted glory, the immortality of good fame, and to remain alive in human memory across time and space. Glory in Beowulf is usually connected with heroism in battle or with generosity. Treasure was also symbolized as glory. Men were anxious to receive gifts of fine weapons, armor, and jewelry. Beowulf was showered in glory due to his super-strength and his bravery to fight Grendel. After he defeated the dragon and Grendel, society idolized him and he was known as "the gentlest of men, the kindest and gentlest to his people, the most eager for glory” (3180-82).
No comments:
Post a Comment