Beowulf
The Anglo-Saxon Hero as defined by the Battles of Beowulf Within the tale of “Beowulf” four character traits can be found which define the Anglo Saxon Hero. The first is loyalty, as demonstrated by the relationship between Lord and thane. According to page 23 of the “Beowulf” introduction, “a relationship based less on subordination of one man’s will to another than on mutual trust and respect.” The second and third characteristics are strength and courage. The importance of these specific traits to the Anglo-Saxon people is clearly presented during the reciting of Sigemund’s tale within Heorot. As the song states, “He was adventurer most famous, far and wide through the nations, for deed of courage – he had prospered from that before, the protector of warriors – after the war-making of Heremod had come to an end, his strength and his courage” (38). The final piece which comprises the Anglo-Saxon hero is the notion of fame. The only after life a warrior could ever aspire to have was immortality through fame. One again this is explained by the introduction to the story, “Beowulf’s chief reward is pagan immortality the memory in the minds of later generations of a hero’s heroic actions” (24-25). By under . . .
When Beowulf first grasps the arm of his opponent he is described as “he who of men was strongest of might in the days of his life" (37). He is loyal to his lord, he is courageous and has desire for fame, all that he lacks is great strength. Beowulf remains as just courageous and as ravenous for fame in his elder years as he does in his youth. The only exception is Wiglaf, son of Weohstan, who quickly jumps into battle to aid his lord. In his second battle Beowulf again epitomizes the Anglo-Saxon hero by again exhibiting the aforementioned traits. He is forced to protect his Kingdom from a fearsome dragon after a servant angers the creature by stealing an ornamented cup. He then proceeds to rip Grendel’s arm from his body while “more than enough of Beowulf’s earls drew swords, old heirlooms, wished to protect the life of their dear lord, famous prince however they might” (37) (a perfect example of the importance of loyalty in the lord-thane relationship). This is the one battle in the poem where Beowulf looses the loyalty of his men. This passage also shows Beowulf’s unconquerable courage. Strength, courage, loyalty, and fame. Although he is armed for the battle he wishes that he could “grapple with the monster, as [he] did of old with Grendel” (59). She was strong courageous, loyal to her son, and though she dies, famous through her battle with Beowulf. Having no heirs he passes his kingdom on to Wiglaf, who Beowulf describes as the last of the race of Waegmundings. Armed only with his strong belief in the goodness of the Lord Beowulf attacks the evil Grendel (“enemy of god” according to page 37) and displays his awesome strength. He is exceptionally strong since, in order to reach the dwelling of Grendel’s mother, he must swim for almost a day to reach the bottom of a lake.
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