Does Beowulf Reflect The Anglo-Saxons?

How does Beowulf reflect the Anglo-Saxons?

In the poem, Beowulf, Anglo Saxon influences are very prominent and seeped into their literature. The hero, a norse Thane from Geatland, becomes a legend after committing heroic deeds and overcoming strenuous tasks. It is known for being one of the most important works of Anglo-Saxon literature and has no known author. Since they lived in tight communities that often had to fend off invaders, the main ideals of comitatus kept the Anglo-Saxons from collapsing as a whole.

The Anglo-Saxons governing system was built on the fundamental of loyalty. We see this expressed in the poem multiple times, most commonly between the bonds of Beowulf and his men. Although in most of his battles he faced each monster alone, loyalty from the hero for his people is the virtue that keeps him going. In the poem itself, the people say that Beowulf, “...was the kindest of worldly kings. Mildest, most gentle, most eager for fame” (Probst 2973). Those aspects of the protagonist were the main standpoints of comitatus and the beliefs of a great hero in the Anglo-Saxon land. It shaped the very tribal culture in which they lived.

Without loyalty the entire system would have been dismantled.
Many believe a person or character's willpower and determination make them strong and invincible, but Beowulf's physical strength is one of the main reasons to why he is the archetype of an Anglo-Saxon hero.

Beowulf shows his strength and willpower in the story many times, either facing the demon Grendel with no protection whatsoever or facing sea monsters in a swimming race. As it says in Heroes and Leaders, “His bravery and prowess against such fearful foes make him a respected leader, and he eventually becomes king: "Well-loved, followed in friendship, not fear.” (Hacht 581). Without Beowulf’s brute strength and bravery in the ideals of the Anglo-Saxon culture, the people under the rule of Hrothgar and eventually Beowulf himself, would’ve had slim chances to survive without the hero's strength and bravery under

pressure.
“Comitatus,” a meaning of loyalty and responsibility among a group, was a very important ideology in the Anglo Saxon society. Beowulf exemplifies an ideal Anglo Saxon hero who possesses the characteristics of loyalty to the fullest; so forth, his faithfulness to his rulers and followers can be critically be seen by the readers throughout the many acts in the poem. Furthermore, the idea of kinship is demonstrated in other parts of the epic. When Beowulf is described preparing to fight the dragon, his last battle, Wiglaf follows Beowulf, his lord, into the fray. Wiglaf remains by Beowulf's side until the hero's death, although the rest of Beowulf's warriors disappear with the first sight of the dragon. Wiglaf demonstrates his loyalty not to his country or to his tribe, but particularly to his king, saying, “Go on, dear Beowulf, do everything
you said you would when you were still young and vowed you would never let your name and fame be dimmed while you lived. Your deeds are famous, so stay resolute, my lord, defend your life now with the whole of your strength. I shall stand by you” (Probst 2663)” Beowulf without his loyal men behind him, even one man in this case, would be nothing. We see in the ending of this battle during Beowulf’s demise, without Wiglaf there, there was little chance that the hero would’ve been able to kill the dragon, showing the importance of comitatus in the culture.
Beowulf carries the traits of a hero. His bravery and physical strength account for more than any other man. Beowulf left his homeland to help complete strangers in their time of need, and he produced. Not only did he victoriously slay one beast, but 3 of the most ferocious, vicious beasts that the Danes had ever scene. Beowulf risked his life for the life of others, and he was victorious. He depicted the ideals of an Anglo-Saxon hero in every aspect.