Values and Beliefs of Anglo-Saxon Society-4

When reading Beowulf, I found many of the same values and beliefs of the Anglo-Saxon Society. One clear association is that of the mead-hall. In Beowulf, it’s known as Herot and served as a gathering place of sorts in Anglo-Saxon society. Another connection they shared is the type of values that the epic, Beowulf, represents, such as courage, loyalty, and fame. All of these traits were of great importance to the Anglo-Saxon society and are represented throughout Beowulf. Beowulf displayed tons of courage when he fought Grendel and his mother, as well as the fire-dragon. He showed loyalty by standing up for his people, and not backing down from the challenges that would cause certain death for others. Lastly, Beowulf obtained fame by slaying the beasts and creatures he faced and saving his and others communities countless times. The Anglo-Saxon society always believed in having a strong leader, and Beowulf definitely fit that mold—“They said that of all kings upon the earth, he was the man most gracious and fair minded, kindest to his people and keenest to win fame. One last connection Beowulf shares with the Anglo-Saxon society is the transition from the “old warrior religion” to Christianity. One such excerpt that supports this transition is, “Dared to touch king Hrothgar’s glorious Throne, protected by God—God, Whose love Grendel could not know.” This line clearly shows how Christianity spread throughout the Anglo-Saxon society by referring to God as a higher being watching over their world.
The main theme behind Beowulf is the idea of “Good vs. Evil.” This is a very common theme in any type of epic. What an epic revolves around is a hero’s journey to achieve a certain task which happened to be the killing of Grendel for the Danish people. To do this, the hero usually confronts many obstacles, which is usually where the “evil figures” play their part. In Beowulf, Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and the dragon represent the evil that Beowulf must defeat to achieve fame and glory. Another example in Beowulf that follows the “Good vs. Evil” theme is the “Light vs. Dark” theme. Beowulf clearly represents the light, while Grendel represents the dark. In Beowulf, Grendel absolutely hates the light and only goes out to hunt during the night. He even lives in the depths of the sea where it’s dark as well. Beowulf on the other hand represents light and the good in people which is why God chose to help him in his battles. When Beowulf defeats Grendel, it symbolizes light conquering darkness, and good overcoming evil.