José Sánchez

Senior English

7 December 2018

Period 3

Anglo-Saxon Values

Someone worth is based on the values they demonstrate harsh times. The Anglo-Saxons are

Germanic people who invaded Great Britain after the Romans, in the fifth century. In this epic

poem, Beowulf must defeat Grendel for terrorizing the danes. In revenge, Grendel’s mother kills

the danes kings, Hrathgar best man and leads to Beowulf killing her. After that Beowulf becomes

king for fifty years and is then killed by a dragon. The Anglo-Saxon’s valued loyalty, honor, and

hospitality.

One of the most important values that the Anglo Saxon exemplified in Beowulf is loyalty.

Wiglat demonstrates his loyalty to Beowulf by going into the battle with the dragon even though

it means losing its life. “and we must go to him, while angry, flames burn at his flesh, help our

glorious king! By almighty God.” (723-725). The fact that Wiglat has the audacity to go in and

safe Beowulf shows his bravery while also being a man of his words. Loyalty carries along even

after death and this is scene with the Geets. “crying that no better king had ever lived, no prince

so mild, no man so open to his people, so deserving of praise.” (895-898). The people of Geets

spoke highly of Beowulf knowing he’s dead and won’t be able to hear the praises. This goes a

long way for the qualities valued by the Anglo-Saxon because being able to depend on your

people even after death is loyalty.

Having honor in all situations is highly looked for by the Anglo-Saxons throughout Beowulf’s

adventure honor is demonstrated in battles.”then Wiglat went back, anxious to return while
Beowulf was alive, to bring him treasure they’d want together.” (794-796). Honor is shown in

these lines because Wiglat was self sacrificing and can be noted that he honored his king in his

last moments of life. One of Beowulf greatest handiness that got him all the fame and glory, was

his way of handling his battles. “i’d use no sword, no weapon, If this beast can be killed without

it, then crushed like Grendel…” (613-615). Beowulf demonstrates that he doesn’t need any

weapons to defeat this feared dragon such as how he did with Grendel. Even though this courage

will lead Beowulf to his death there’s no greater honor to know that you fought your last battle

fearlessly.

An overlooked value of the Anglo- Saxons was hospitality,Beowulf’s bold move to go to the

land of the danes was a bit suspenseful due to how they were first received. “and that having

come to him from over the open sea you have come bravely and are welcomed” (215-217). Even

though the danes were not too familiar with the Geets they received them and offered them to

stay after Beowulf defeated Grendel’s mother in revenge for Hrathogar, the Geets were the guest

of honor back with the king and queen. “then the Geets brave prince entered Herot, covered with

glory… drinking, the queen among them” (599-604). Since Beowulf complies with the task that

the king of Danes had given of getting revenge for Hrathgar deaths they were treated with a feast

and praises. Hospitality is an over looked value but comes a long way when you treat people for

the first time.

In Beowulf, three main Anglo-Saxon values that were demonstrated were loyalty, homer. And

hospitality. Many actions and even words can be categories into certain values. It is to ones

benefit to decide their loyalty such as to friends, their homer for how they want people to know

them, and their hospitality in how they treat people. Many Anglo-saxon values can be pointed

out in Beowulf’s heroic journey that are still important in modern days.