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Keen Kaur

Senior English P3

Figueroa

17 December 2018

Anglo-Saxon Values in Beowulf

The story Beowulf, written by an unknown poet, is collectively the epitome of Anglo-

Saxon values. The Angel and Saxon tribes consisted of Germanic individuals who came together

to be known as the Anglo Saxons. They resided in North Western Europe, and invaded Britain

during the Roman rule. They were of the Pagan faith, but gradually converted to Christianity.

They brought their culture, beliefs, and most importantly, their values with them. In Beowulf,

Beowulf must defeat Grendel, a spawn of Satan, and his mother who causes mass destruction.

Beowulf was their only hope at peace. It portrays the fight of good against evil with incorporated

Christian and Pagan beliefs and Anglo-Saxon values. The character of Beowulf displays

multiple Anglo-Saxon values including honor, loyalty, and courage.

The first Anglo-Saxon value that is exemplified in Beowulf is honor, and it is one of the

most preeminent. Beowulf and his men’s honor is present as they fulfil their promise of defeating

evil. He, himself, holds his men to their word, “I’ll order my own comrades on their word of

honor to watch your boat down there on the strand... keep her safe” (Beowulf 367). He assures

the Danish men that he is there to slay the monster. The quote exhibits the value of honor as he

and his men stay true to their word, and they put their life in peril for the greater good of the

people. Also, Beowulf insists that he shall fight Grendel with no armor which further contributes

to the honor he displays throughout the poem. He explains how Grendel, his opponent, “Has no

idea the arts of war or shied”, and he then declares, “There will be no weapons, therefore, for
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either this night” (Beowulf 591). Beowulf wants the fight to be fair, even if that means he must

fight with no armor. Grendel is a non-human creature, with super natural powers, whereas

Beowulf is a mortal with super-human strength. Still, he suggests that they fight with no armor,

putting himself in danger to honor the kingdom and king himself.

Another major value epitomized in the epic poem is loyalty. The Anglo-Saxons saw

loyalty as a warrior’s code of conduct. This was shown through Beowulf’s men’s loyalty to him.

They stayed by his side and displayed veneration towards him. They followed his orders and did

what they could in order to help him. “He chose the mightiest of men he could find, the bravest

and best of the Geats... and lead them down to their boat” (Beowulf 312). His men followed him

wherever he asked, even if it meant putting their life in jeopardy. His men’s immense sense of

obligation and esteem for him lead to their defense for Beowulf and his honor. “All of Beowulf’s

band had jumped from their beds, ancestral swords raised and ready, determined to protect their

prince if they could” (Beowulf 354). This quote proves that his warriors are prepared and willing

to protect and fight for him and the challenges he may face. There was only so much his men

could do for him, but one remained the most genuine, his name being Wiglaf. Throughout the

epic poem, loyalty is equally represented between Beowulf and his warriors.

Finally, the last value prevalent in the epic is courage. Beowulf portrays this in his

bravery and indifference to death. He was ready to fight Grendel, who had great power. Beowulf

was fully confident in his abilities. “And how the youth was to enter the battle of line with his

lord, his first time to be tested as a fighter, his spirit did not break” (Beowulf 445). He was fully

prepared for his fight against Grendel, showing no ounce of trepidation and he kept his spirits

high. Beowulf fought with all his strength, despite the potential danger he was putting himself.

He did it for himself, and his word to the king and his people. “Inspired by the thought of glory,
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the war king threw his whole strength behind a sword-stroke and connected with the skull”

(Beowulf 534). Beowulf was aware of the consequences that may have came with his actions,

but his bravery and courage did not stop him. His biggest display of courage throughout the story

was his acceptance of death as his fate in whatever situation he put himself in.

The Anglo-Saxon values prevalent throughout Beowulf were honor, loyalty, and courage.

He honored himself, the king, and the kingdom he made a promise to. He fulfilled his promise,

no matter the price he had to pay. Not only were his men loyal to Beowulf, but he reciprocated

this loyalty. Finally, it was his courage that was the reason for his heroism in the poem. All these

values were that of a great warrior, and that he was. He left his legacy for his people, reminding

them that all things are possible, and he gave them hope.
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Works Cited

Keeping, Charles, and Kevin Crossley-Holland. Beowulf. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1987.

Print.