Two Examples Of Individualism In Beowulf

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Beowulf is a heroic epic that displays the heroic code of the Anglo- Saxon religion. The heroic code is made of 6 values, Courage, Loyalty, Kinship, Treasure, Hospitality, and Vengeance. Christopher Tolkien summarizes the code in his quote, “Physical courage (and shear strength of body), pride and a fierce individualism which would brook no humiliation, and the duty (and pleasure) of revenge, were the chief features of the man of honour.”  Beowulf is a hero the same as Siegmund in that he shows his own individualism and displays the heroic code in all aspects.
Beowulf shows a mass amount of individualism. An example of this would be how Beowulf hated being humiliated through his accusation of losing his contest to Breca. Beowulf was a man that would not be humiliated. He was fast on his feet to set Unferth straight about what had happened between him and Breca. “I remained near him for five long nights, until a flood swept us apart; The frozen sea surged around me, …show more content…

The heroic code shows that treasure is a reward for those who seek bravery and skill to win battles of courage. Beowulf went above and beyond what the code had asked of him. An example of his treasures can be found in chapter 23 verse 1020-1023, “ Haldane's son gave Beowulf a golden banner, a fitting flag to signal his victory, and gave him as well, a helmet, and a coat of mail, and an ancient sword…” . Beowulf was given these gifts as a show of praise for him defeating the mother of Grendel.
The final value is vengeance. Vengeance is a value that the pagan religion holds dear. In a way, vengeance is what fuels hero's to fight battles. In Beowulf, the vengeance that Beowulf had for Grendel fueled his fire to go after Grendel's mother.  An example of this vengeance is chapter 12, verse 613, “ His anger doubled his strength.” . With the help of vengeance, Beowulf was able to defeat Grendel's

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