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Importance of respect in society
Importance of respect in society
Importance of respect in society
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The Anglo-Saxons were a group of people with high honor. They were depicted for being a bunch of bloodthirsty men. But it was a lot more than that to them, they based themselves off of honor, intelligence, and emotion. The Anglo-Saxons were a group of people who strove for honor from their people. Beowulf talks about bravery and courage stating, “Often, for undaunted courage, fate spares the man it has not already marked.” Fate will spare people, if not already marked, for having courage. Courage and honor meant the world to these men, and would do anything to meet such high praise. Receiving honor is a big deal, and these people would do anything to get it, “And for the first time in his life that famous prince fought with fate against him, with glory denied him. He knew it, but raised his sword and struck the dragon’s scaly hide.” Withe everything against him, Beowulf attacked the dragon anyways for the pride and honor he would get from his people and himself. Just knowing his chances of victory were slim, he still fought the dragon. Beowulf leaves his land to go fight a monster no one has defeated so far, “Grant me then, a single request! I have come so far, oh shelter of warriors and your people’s loved friend, …show more content…
Often, emotions ran high and the Saxons lost sight on what actually mattered. The “Seafarer” states, “His face grows pale, the grey beard laments; he knows that his old friends, sons of Princes have given to the earth.” The emotions were not always battle feelings, they would often feel sad for their friends that have fallen. Get upset that they gave themselves up for the people. Lastly, the “Seafarer” states, “I have grim sorrow at heart.” Emotions stay with these people for long periods of time. And there is just no escaping them until theemotions are faced
The dragon is portrayed as the undefeatable evil. He is nearly invincible, breathes fire, and manages to fatally wound the ultimate hero of the poem. This makes him the ultimate evil Although Beowulf does defeat the dragon, the battle ends in a tie, since both sides perish, which shows the never ending balance between the two extremes: good and evil. The theme of loyalty is also explored here. When the battle between Beowulf and the dragon first begins, “[his] hand-picked troop/ broke ranks and ran for their lives” (1129). This is a common archetype that allows the hero to face the antagonist alone, all while having assistance during the journey leading up to the final battle. The author used this to emphasize the Anglo-Saxon belief of fate. Beowulf was supposed to face the dragon alone, thus his comrades had to disappear. The two ways to do this would have been to have Beowulf go alone, which would conflict with the belief of Warrior Culture, or portray his allies as cowards which would also help reinforce the Anglo Saxon values regarding courage. Thus by adding in the archetype of the cowardly allies, the author creates an emphasis on the important parts of Anglo-Saxon culture without relying on
After fighting and winning many battles, Beowulf's life enters a new stage when he finally becomes king of his homeland, Geatland. Even in his old age, his code of honor still obligates him to fight against an evil, fiery dragon. For fifty years he has governed his kingdom well. While Beowulf is governing, the dragon "...kept watch over a hoard, a steep stone-barrow" (Norton 55). Under it lays a path concealed from the sight of men. Over centuries no one had disturbed the dragon’s kingdom until one day when a thief broke into the treasure, laid hand on a cup fretted with gold, which infuriated the dragon. "The fiery dragon had destroyed the people's stronghold, the land along the sea, the heart of the country" (Norton 57).
In the anglo saxon society in which Beowulf took place, there was a warrior code which resulted in everyone trying to gain power over one another. Everyone lived by a heroic code that encouraged battles, feuds, and murders and rewarded the victor with treasure. By showing your insecurities or weaknesses in this age you will be taken advantage of. Beowulf understands the heroic code and uses his pride to get the upper hand on everyone else, Beowulf boasts himself as an invincible hero and goes in battle with out an ounce of fear. Beowulf’s justifies his excessive pride through his . Lastly, Beowulf’s pride made him a leader and led by example to defeat the dragon and ultimately sacrifice himself in the process. Beowulf’s desire for pride
In Beowulf, the essence left behind by a true hero is extremely important. In epics such as this one, leaders tend to have the determination and boldness of a hero. On the other hand, the main character, Beowulf, does not only display these certain traits. In this heroic poem, respect and trust come naturally. Honor and integrity are present throughout the poem. There are many moments in Beowulf that manifest the many traits that a person should have. This proves how important these attributes are to the characters and the Anglo-Saxon society. Although Beowulf has no known author, it embodies many of the beliefs and morals of the early Germanic society. The author of this epic poem uses many approaches in order to demonstrate that respect and trust are fundamental characteristics of a leader and hero.
The character of Beowulf stands as a hero to the ancient Danes because of his actions. He is constantly being cited as a "war-chief" and a "gold-giver" (61). Beowulf has achieved fame through what he has done with his own hands. His identity as a leader is based upon the Danish society’s emphasis on personal action, as opposed to the delegation of responsibility through conscious thought. It is this very sense which spurs Beowulf to fight the dragon: "In my youth I engaged in many wars. Old guardian of the people, I shall still seek battle, perform a deed of fame, if the evil-doer will come to me..." (59). Beowulf derives his power from a strong link to the past. Without his history of glorious deeds, he would see himself bereft of the very power which qualifies him to be a good King. Beowulf’s bravery never comes in to question, he does meet every challenge head-on, with deadly attention. The society which labels Beowulf as a legendary hero, recognizes his actions and his bravery as a integral part of his definition as a hero. Without the society to support th...
"The Anglo Saxons appear as a race of fierce, cruel, and barbaric pagans, delighting in the seas, in slaughter, and in drink "(Allen, 17). The character of the ancient Saxons displayed the qualities of fearless, active, and successful. The Anglo-Saxons are mostly a barbaric race, not savage and rude but mostly military and...
Beowulf is selfish because he does not possess the simple trait of humility. The Barbaric Anglo-Saxons did not value traits like humility, generosity, kindness, or selflessness; and Beowulf proves that. Instead of a legacy of thinking of himself as less, Beowulf completely thrived off of himself as the greatest and most worthy on many occasions. When he introduces himself to the Danes, “in his far-off home Beowulf, Higlac’s follower and the strongest of the Geats-greater and stronger than anyone anywhere in this world (109-111).” After Grendel is viciously beheaded states, “Or between the seas, neither south nor north, was there a warrior worthier to rule over men (542-543).” The story of Beowulf is centered in Beowulf’s
To start off, Beowulf, identified as the greatest Anglo- Saxon, pursues glory and fame. He brags about himself and his accomplishments. When it was time to battle Grendal, Beowulf states “my youth have been filled with glory”. (143-144). He boasts about what the people have witnessed. Beowulf says to his men, “They have seen my strength for themselves, have watched me rise from the darkness of war, dripping my enemies’ blood. I drove five great giants into chains, chased all of the race from the earth” (151-155). In addition to Beowulf bragging about himself and his accomplishments, Beowulf embodies that fame and glory mean more than anything else. When Beowulf helmet failed him, he jumped back in battle because
Another trait of the Anglo-Saxon culture is loyalty to a leader. Which is a trait that is still shown today all throughout the world. For example, in the epic poem Beowulf the Geats show their loyalty to their leader when: “Beowulf is fighting with Grendel the Geats have their swords ready” (353-356). With the Geats being ready for the battle if their leader fails shows that they are loyal enough
Anglo Saxon’s history is well known for their loyalty, courage and bravery. Beowulf our protagonist is symbolized as a hero, who represents the Anglo Saxons at the time. Beowulf earns his fame and respect through battling creatures nobody else would want to face. These creatures symbolize the evil that lurks beyond the dark. Beowulf’s intense battle with these creatures’ symbolizes the epic battle of good versus evil. In the end good triumphs over evil but one cannot avoid death. Beowulf’s death can be symbolized as the death of the Anglo Saxons. Beowulf’s battle through the poem reflects the kind of culture that the Anglo Saxons had. The youth of a warrior to his maturity then the last fight which results in death. Beowulf wanted to be remembered and be told in stories that are passed on from generation to generation after his death. These story tellers relate to the Anglo Saxons time when they told stories about their great heroes.
In history, evil men have reigned supreme across many cultures. Some people say that being evil is inherent in every human. If this is true, then writing may be the ultimate way of releasing hatred of the world without hurting anyone. In Beowulf, all of society's evil men can be personified within the demons of Cain. The main demon presented in Beowulf is Grendel. Grendel personifies the exact opposite of what the Anglo-Saxons held dear. Beowulf, the story's hero, is the embodiment of what every Anglo-Saxon strove to become in their lifetime. Grendel is constantly angry, afraid and unsure of himself; while Beowulf is fearless and loyal to his king.
Everyone has their own battle to fight; whether or not they win the war it is up to them. In Beowulf by a 9th century Monk, Beowulf had many battles to fight which lead to his death, but he became a hero. Beowulf showed that he was a Anglo-Saxon hero by defeating his enemies and have Anglo-Saxon characteristics such as strength, intelligence, honer, bravery and a leader.
Throughout any society, the members all have an image of a person that would be considered perfect. That person would follow a certain set of values that are admired by its people. In the viking culture, Anglo-Saxons searched for someone who was selfless, possessing the ability to put others needs above their own. Someone who was also brave enough to face any challenge that came their way no matter the outcome. Above all, they yearned for some one stronger and mightier than the rest. Someone with impeccable strength to protect and fight for them. The author is able to portray the Anglo-Saxons ideals through the main character, Beowulf’s, actions.
The Anglo-Saxons had many different values and beliefs that were of value to them. The Anglo-Saxons were pagan people from different cultures. Their different beliefs and culrtures brought forth a more diverse culture in this region. The Anglo-Saxons had a strong belief in loyalty to their king, they believed that weapons and armour show the might of a warrior, and
Furthermore, another Christian element that is constantly represented in the poem is the belief of fate, or the belief that whatever happens to you is out of your control. When Beowulf fought the dragon in Beowulf’s Last Battle, he says this: "when [the dragon] comes to me / I mean to stand, not run from his shooting / Flames, stand till fate decides / Which of us wins." (619-622). During all of the battles, Beowulf says something retaining to how fate will decide who will win the battle. Throughout the poem, Beowulf’s men constantly support him and are ready to back him up if fate does indeed decide to take his life. Loyalty is a value that the Anglo-Saxon culture believes greatly in, so when Beowulf’s men abandon him after the dragon defeats him, Wiglaf gives them a long speech on how they should be ashamed for running, seeing as Beowulf has always had their back, so that they should, in return, have