The epic poem "beowolf"was the oldest surviving English poem, reinforces the values upheld by Anglo-Saxons. The Anglo-Saxon society strongly valued kinship, valor, honor, blood vengeance, royal generosity and pagan beliefs. There are certain characteristics in Anglo-Saxon society that is evident among this poem. Among these traits are religion, relationship between kin, thanes and lords, and the way people dealt with their fate.
             Pagan beliefs... Anglo-Saxons were pagan, people who are not Christian. The poem 'Beowulf" is written based on pagan beliefs, The story, however, was first orally told and later thought to be written down by a monk who may have incorporated some Christian belief since Christianity was steadily increasing. Beowulf has both pagan motifs and Christian characteristics, which were both, represent the culture of the Anglo-Saxon people. The main pagan concept of the was fate. Beowulf mentions fate many time throughout this epic poem. In a pagan society, fate determines the outcome life. Beowulf believes fate is a higher power and that fate alone will determine the outcome of his many battles with the dragons. This view is typical of the Anglo-Saxon people. Beowulf was to be believed to have superhuman or "god like" qualities. A prime example of Beowulf's superhuman qualities is when he swims, with full armor and carrying a sword, for an entire day without a breath of air. As the story of Beowulf was passed down over the years many Christian moral and beliefs were added. Along with paganism, Christianity was a value upheld by the Anglo-Saxons. A Christian element of Beowulf is the constant mentioning of God before and after every battle. These conflicting thoughts of Beowulf are very similar to the conflicting beliefs of the Anglo-Saxons.
             Beowulf could be described as an Anglo-Saxon hero. The Anglo-Saxon people emphasized loyalty, courage, and honor. A hero to th
             ...