Beowulf
The British epic Beowulf vividly expresses the Anglo-Saxons heroic ideals. Anglo-Saxons, as a result of the combining of Christian and Pagan beliefs, lived in a time of feuding clans and contrasting religious dogma. The people of this time admired men of great courage, strength and loyalty. All of the heroic traits of the time are expressed in Beowulf. Beowulf is the ideal Anglo-Saxon of the time, showing courage, loyalty, and strength. In the first few chapters of the translation of Beowulf, when he is going to Herot to fight the Grendel, Beowulf is described as "...the strongest of the Geats-greater and stronger than anyone anywhere in this world," His worthy reputation precedes him to Hrothgar's mead-hall. At the hall Beowulf tells of how he and Grendel have been called together to fight. Even with all of the terrifying stories told of the Grendel, Beowulf
Beowulf also exhibits superhuman strength and abilities, challenging a childhood friend (Breca) to a swimming duel in the open sea. In the actual battle against Grendel Beowulf defeats the beast by literally tearing off his arm: this being a monster in which swords and spears could not harm. Going into battle with the fire dragon, at the end of the story, shows that Beowulf has self pride in his reputation of being the greatest soldier in the world: willing to die in battle rather than die in shame. Beowulf was the ideal Anglo-Saxon, constantly exhibiting their heroic ideals of courage, strength, and loyalty. Beowulf didn't defeat his companion because he refused to leave him alone within the dangers of the sea, "Breca could not swim far from me because I was faster in the water; and I had no intention of leaving him. He also, despite being injured, manages to decapitate the monster with on mighty thrust of the sword. He also shows loyalty towards himself and his reputation every time he puts his life on the line. His actions made him a here amongst the people of his time and of the generations that followed. After Beowulf overcomes Grendel, the beast's m!other comes to avenge her son's death. The night Beowulf's men and Hrothgar's men feast and sleep in Herot shows Beowulf's bravery, as well as the men's confidence in his ability to destroy the Grendel. still puts his life on the line to rid Herot of the beast. Beowulf also decides that it would be an unfair fight, and would diminish his reputation if he were to fight the Grendel with a sword or weapon; deciding to battle the Grendel in hand to hand combat. ------------------------------------------------------------------------**Bibliography**. Beowulf is showing loyalties to both the fallen king and his people by going to Herot.
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