Liceul Tehnologic de Electronică și Automatizări

Caius Iacob Arad

Lucrare de atestat pentru limba și literatura engleza

Clasa XII-A

Beowulf: A Reflection of Anglo-Saxon Society and Values

Written by: Advisor:

Rus Paul Sebastian Mihaela Cornelia
Foaliș

May 2023
contents
contents
Argumentation
Why did I choose this theme
Introduction
What are legends and how they affect us
Body of the essay
Short summary of Beowulf
Characterization of Beowulf
Conclusion
Bibliography
Anexe

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 Argumentation

Why did I choose this theme

This theme was chosen for a number of reasons, one of them being the fact that
I enjoy reading myths and legends and am fascinated by how they give us a glimpse in
the past showing us morals, beliefs and values of the old ages.
Another reason is that i have not read the story of Beowulf and i thought that the
story of King Arthur was over used as a theme for english literature.

Introduction

What are legends and how they affect us

Legends have played a significant role in human culture for centuries. From
ancient myths and epic poems to modern-day stories, legends have captivated our
imaginations and provided us with insights into our shared values and beliefs.

Legends are stories that are passed down through generations, often becoming
more elaborate and embellished with each retelling. They can take many forms,
including folktales, myths, legends, and epic poems. Legends often feature heroic
figures or supernatural beings, and they are used to explain the origins of the world, the
workings of nature, and the nature of human existence.One of the most important
functions of legends is their ability to capture our imaginations. Legends are often richly
imagined and filled with fantastical creatures and heroic deeds. They transport us to
other worlds and allow us to experience things that are beyond our everyday lives.
Through these stories, we can explore the limits of our imaginations and discover new
possibilities.

Legends also provide insights into our shared values and beliefs. Many legends
feature heroic figures who embody the virtues that are important to a particular culture
or society. For example, Beowulf embodies the values of bravery, loyalty, and honor
that were prized by the Anglo-Saxons. Similarly, the ancient Greek hero Odysseus
represents the importance of cunning, resourcefulness, and perseverance.
In addition to reflecting our cultural values, legends can also serve as a means of
reinforcing them. By telling and retelling stories of heroic figures who embody the virtues
that we admire, we can reinforce our shared values and beliefs and pass them on to
future generations.

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Legends have been passed down from generation to generation through oral tradition,
and later through written texts, and have had a significant impact on the development of
human culture. They have helped to shape our beliefs, customs, and social practices,
and have played a vital role in the construction of our collective identity.

One of the primary functions of legends is to provide a sense of continuity and

connection with the past. Legends allow us to connect with our ancestors and to
understand the world as they saw it. They provide a link between past, present, and
future and help us to see ourselves as part of a larger historical narrative. Furthermore,
legends often address universal human themes such as love, loss, and the struggle
between good and evil. These themes help us to understand ourselves and our place in
the world, and they provide us with a framework for making sense of our experiences.
By exploring these themes, legends help us to connect with each other and to form a
shared sense of identity and purpose.
Legends also serve as a means of preserving cultural memory. Through the
retelling of stories, traditions, and customs, legends ensure that important cultural
knowledge is passed down from generation to generation. This helps to maintain
cultural diversity and prevent the loss of valuable cultural practices and beliefs. In
addition, legends can provide a sense of hope and inspiration in times of difficulty. Many
legends feature heroic figures who overcame great adversity through courage,
determination, and ingenuity. These stories can inspire us to overcome our own
challenges and to believe in our ability to make a positive difference in the world.

Beowulf is a poem that has captured the imagination of scholars and readers for
centuries. One reason for its enduring appeal is the way it provides insight into the
values and beliefs of the Anglo-Saxon people. The poem is set in a time before
Christianity had arrived in England, and it reflects the pagan beliefs of the Anglo-
Saxons.
The poem places a great emphasis on the virtues of bravery, loyalty, and honor.
Beowulf, as the hero of the poem, embodies these values in his actions and words. He
is fearless in battle, loyal to his king and people, and always seeks to uphold his honor.
These values were highly prized in Anglo-Saxon society, and they are still admired
today.
Another important aspect of Beowulf is its depiction of the role of storytelling in
early English culture. The poem was passed down orally for generations before being
written down, and it reflects the importance of oral tradition in preserving history and
legend. The poem also contains many references to other stories and legends, which
would have been familiar to its original audience.

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 Despite its age, Beowulf remains relevant today. It raises questions about the
nature of heroism and the relationship between the individual and society. It also
explores the role of fate in human affairs and the tension between fate and free will.
These themes have been the subject of much debate and analysis over the years, and
they continue to inspire new interpretations of the poem.
Overall, Beowulf is a powerful and enduring work of literature that has captivated
readers for centuries. Its exploration of the values and beliefs of the Anglo-Saxons, its
depiction of the role of storytelling in early English culture, and its exploration of timeless
themes make it a work that continues to be studied and appreciated today.

So by all the definitions of a hero, Beowulf, the protagonist of the Old English
epic poem, is undoubtedly a model of heroic virtue. He embodies many qualities that
are universally admired, such as bravery, loyalty, and selflessness. Beowulf is willing to
risk his life to protect his people and defeat evil, and he demonstrates great skill and
courage in battle.

Body of the essay

Short summary of Beowulf

Beowulf is an Old English epic poem that tells the story of the hero Beowulf, a
Geatish warrior who travels to Denmark to help King Hrothgar defeat the monster
Grendel, who has been terrorizing Hrothgar's people in their mead hall, Heorot. Beowulf
and his men arrive at Heorot and offer to help Hrothgar. Beowulf is a skilled warrior and
boasts that he can defeat Grendel with his bare hands. That night, Grendel attacks the
mead hall, and Beowulf fights him in a fierce hand-to-hand combat. He succeeds in
tearing off Grendel's arm, and the monster flees to his lair, where he dies.
Grendel's mother seeks revenge for her son's death and attacks Heorot, killing
one of Hrothgar's most trusted advisers. Beowulf volunteers to kill her and travels to her
underwater lair. There, he engages in another intense battle, during which he uses a
magical sword to kill her. He also finds and takes a treasure from her lair, which he later
distributes among his own people.
Years later, Beowulf returns to his homeland and becomes king of the Geats.
One day, a dragon awakens and begins to terrorize Beowulf's people, setting fire to
homes and destroying entire villages. Beowulf decides to fight the dragon alone, despite
his old age. In a final battle, Beowulf manages to mortally wound the dragon with a
sword blow, but the dragon manages to bite him on the neck, poisoning him.

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Beowulf dies from the wound, and his people mourn his passing. They also worry about
what will happen to them now that their king is dead. The poem ends with a lament for
Beowulf's passing and a reflection on the virtues of heroism and loyalty that he
embodied.

Characterization of Beowulf
Because he is portrayed as a hero he should have characteristics that befit on
and form the book we can give quotes that resemble them.
Beowulf, the hero of the Old English epic poem, is a complex character with
many defining qualities. Throughout the poem, he demonstrates bravery, loyalty, and a
deep sense of honor.
One of Beowulf's most defining qualities is his bravery. He fearlessly faces down
monsters and supernatural beings, never hesitating to put himself in danger for the sake
of his people. As Beowulf says, "I have heard, too, that the monster’s scorn of men is so
great that he needs no weapons and fears none. Nor will I" (lines 253-256). He faces
Grendel in unarmed combat, knowing full well the danger that he is in. Later, he faces
the dragon, despite the fact that he is old and may not survive the encounter. His
bravery in battle inspires others to follow his lead, as the poet notes: "The Geat captain
had boldly fulfilled his boast / to the Danes: he had healed and relieved / a huge
distress" (lines 827-829).
Beowulf is also fiercely loyal to his people. He travels to Denmark to help King
Hrothgar defeat Grendel, despite the fact that he has no personal stake in the matter.
As he says, "We belong by birth to the Geat people / and owe allegiance to Lord
Hygelac. / In my youth I have been fortunate in battles, / earned my mead with my own
sword" (lines 263-266). Beowulf's loyalty to his own people is just as strong; he returns
to Geatland and becomes king, dedicating himself to protecting his people and
maintaining order in the kingdom.
On another note, Beowulf is a deeply honorable character. He abides by a strict
code of ethics, always doing what he believes is right and just. As he says, "Each of us
shall abide / by the deeds of his hand and the decisions of fate" (lines 284-285). He is
also honest and humble, acknowledging the role that fate and luck play in his success.
As the poet notes, "The prince of the rings was too proud / to line up with a large army /
against the sky-plague" (lines 1660-1662).
In addition to his bravery, loyalty, and honor, Beowulf is also a complex character
with a nuanced personality. He is a man of action, but also a man of thought and
reflection. He understands the importance of words and the power they hold. When
speaking with King Hrothgar, he says, "My purpose was this, that I alone and with the
help of my men, the bravest and best that remained of the Geats, should cleanse

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Heorot" (lines 413-416). He also recognizes the value of wisdom and experience,
seeking the counsel of the wise and venerable Hrothgar.
Furthermore, Beowulf possesses a sense of humility that is rare among heroes.
Despite his many achievements and victories in battle, he does not boast or revel in his
own glory. When speaking of his battles, he is matter-of-fact and focused on the task at
hand. As he says, "The battle will be a blessing to whichever side death takes" (lines
1384-1385). This humility is also evident in his interactions with others, as he treats
everyone with respect and kindness, regardless of their social status or station in life.
Overall, Beowulf is a multifaceted character who embodies the virtues of
heroism, loyalty, honor, and humility. His actions and words demonstrate a deep
understanding of the complexities of human nature, and his legacy as a hero endures to
this day.

Conclusion
Beowulf's legacy as a hero has endured for many reasons. His unwavering
courage in the face of danger, his unshakeable loyalty to his people, and his strict
adherence to a code of honor make him a powerful symbol of heroism. His willingness
to put himself in harm's way to protect others inspires admiration and respect, and his
humility and modesty serve as a reminder of the importance of remaining grounded and
connected to our fellow human beings.
Furthermore, Beowulf's character is a reminder of the importance of mythology
and storytelling in human culture. His legend has been passed down through
generations, inspiring countless writers, artists, and filmmakers. It has also helped to
shape our collective understanding of what it means to be a hero, and to remind us of
the importance of community, loyalty, and courage.

On another note the reasons that Beowulf has remained such a powerful
example of heroic virtue is because his story is so deeply rooted in the cultural history of
the Anglo-Saxon people. His character embodies many of the values and beliefs that
were central to their worldview, including the importance of strength, loyalty, and honor.
In this sense, Beowulf's story is not just a work of fiction, but also a window into the
beliefs and values of an entire civilization.
Moreover, Beowulf's story has continued to resonate with audiences throughout
the centuries because of the universal themes it explores. His character embodies
qualities that are not specific to any one culture or time period, but rather are essential
to the human experience. By exploring these themes in such a powerful and enduring

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way, Beowulf's story has become a touchstone for people of all backgrounds and
cultures.
Another reason that Beowulf's character remains so relevant is because of the
way he embodies both strength and humility. While he is undeniably a powerful warrior,
he also recognizes the importance of working together with others and placing the
needs of his community above his own desires for glory or fame. In this sense,
Beowulf's story provides a model for how we can balance strength with compassion and
humility, and how we can work together to achieve common goals.
Finally, Beowulf's legacy as a hero is a reminder of the importance of telling
stories and passing down cultural traditions. Through the ages, stories like Beowulf
have helped to shape our understanding of ourselves and our place in the world. They
have given us a sense of connection to our past and to each other, and have provided
us with a shared vocabulary for discussing the values and beliefs that are most
important to us.
In conclusion, Beowulf's character remains a shining example of heroic virtue
because he embodies so many of the qualities that we admire in our heroes. His story
has endured because it speaks to universal themes and values that are essential to the
human experience. As we continue to explore and celebrate these timeless stories, we
would do well to remember the example set by Beowulf, and to strive to embody his
virtues of bravery, loyalty, honor, and humility in our own lives.

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 Bibliography
● Beowulf
● Davis, Nicola. "Beowulf the work of single author, research suggests". The
Guardian (British newspaper).
● Lord, Albert. The Singer of Tales, Volume 1. Cambridge, Massachusetts:
Harvard University Press
● Newton, Sam. The Origins of Beowulf and the Pre-Viking Kingdom of East
Anglia. Woodbridge, Suffolk, England: Boydell & Brewer.

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 Anexe

Fig.1 Fig.2
In Fig.1 is presented the first page of Beowulf in Cotton Vitellius and in Fig.2 we can see
Beowulf's death. Illustration by J. R. Skelton, 1908

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