What Does Beowulf Tell Us About The Anglo-Saxon Culture

Prompt 3: What does Beowulf tell us about the Anglo Saxon culture? Use the text to support your answer.

Throughout the poem, Beowulf reveals several characteristics about the Anglo-Saxon culture through the heroic code. The heroic code is an accumulation of values throughout the Anglo-Saxon time period that represents both Pagan and Christian views. Beowulf’s depictions of the Anglo-Saxon culture included bravery, loyalty, and honor while still exemplifying Paganism and Christianity in each aspect.

Defying all odds, Beowulf’s actions in the poem are nothing short of pure bravery. Traveling from Geatland to a foreign land to slay a man-eating monster and its mother is a clear indication of Beowulf’s heroism. During Beowulf’s second battle he says, “The fight would have ended straight away if God had not guarded me.” This line enforces the underlying concept that God and Christianity is within all things. However, Beowulf’s strong sense of heroic pride from his battles creates conflict with his Christian values. According to Christian beliefs, an individual should at all times be humble. Beowulf’s heroic deeds can almost be seen as a ploy to gain praise and strength,

Beowulf’s men devoted their lives to him when they sailed from Geatland to battle Grendel. Beowulf’s men also exemplified their loyalty when they never left Beowulf’s side during his battle with Grendel’s mother. However, by the end of the poem, all of the loyalty Beowulf’s men had for him was lost when they let their leader battle the dragon on his own. This betrayal conflicts with their prior loyalties to him. Without a king, Beowulf’s men would be nothing. They would have no guide, no one to protect them, and most importantly no one to reward them. By the end of the poem, Beowulf’s men drop all Christian values they once held and revert to immoral