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| The first way he shows Anglo-Saxon beliefs is through his bravery. This is one of the most valued characteristics in Anglo-Saxon society. Bravery is valued highly in Anglo-Saxon society and those who do show bravery are more honored then others. This shows Beowulf's bravery in a dangerous situation. Beowulf shows this characteristic most of the time, making him an excellent example of an Anglo-Saxon epic hero. The next way that he shows the beliefs of Anglo-Saxon society is through loyalty. Loyalty is the most respected characteristic in Anglo-Saxon society. Here Beowulf is showing loyalty to Hrothgar because of family ties. Since the leader had control of just about everything and has the loyalty of everyone, being loyal was important to staying alive. Since Beowulf showed as much loyalty as he did he stands up to yet another characteristic of the Anglo-Saxon beliefs. Another belief that Beowulf portrays is friendship. Friendship is important because it shows another aspect of loyalty. The virtue of friendship is valued among Anglo-Saxons, even though it isn't valued so highly as loyalty. In this passage Horthgar is greeting Beowulf after his long journey to come and help his friends, and the friends of his father. By showing friendship Beowulf shows another virtue of an Anglo-Saxon hero. Beowulf also shared the Anglo-Saxon belief of an afterlife. The Anglo-Saxons believed that the only afterlife consisted of being remembered in songs or stories. Anglo-Saxons didn't believe in an afterlife because of their religion. In this quote Beowulf is trying to make a story for himself, to battle against a monster with only his hands would surely let him live on forever in tales and songs. Beowulf wanted to name the tower after himself so people would remember him forever. In being remembered forever Beowulf would live on, thus proving his ties to Anglo-Saxon society. Beowulf is an epic hero of the Anglo-Saxon time period because he showed friendship, loyalty, bravery, and shared a common belief about the afterlife. He showed friendship by coming to aid his kin and long time friend of his father's. Loyalty because he honored the friendship his father had with Horthgar. Bravery was shown through his actions of battling Grendel with his bare hands. The common belief about the afterlife is that there is none except in song or tale, and Beowulf shared that belief. Beowulf did battle monsters, but he also epitomised the beliefs of the Anglo-Saxon society and proved that you don't have to save a damsel in distress to be an epic hero.
Huntington Fletcher, Robert. 'Beowulf', from . Books & Literature Classics. Web. 29 Sept. 2011. < >. Leeming, David A. "The Anglo-Saxons - Anglo-Saxon Life: The Warm Hall, the Cold World." with World Classics. Austin, TX: Holt, Rinehart, and Winston, 2000. Print. Raffel, Burton, trans. "From Beowulf." with World Classics. Austin, TX: Holt, Rinehart, and Winston, 2000. 23. Print.
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Home / Essay Samples / Life / Beowulf Hero / Beowulf: An Epic Hero’s Journey  Beowulf: An Epic Hero's Journey
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