Beowulf: Characteristics In Anglo-Saxon Culture

The different characters in Beowulf represent characteristics in Anglo-Saxon culture, both desired and not desired. From the envied heroic status of Beowulf himself, to the undesired status of the cowardly thanes who abandoned him to die alone during a fierce battle, the ideals of Anglo Saxon characteristics are well presented in the epic poem Beowulf.
Beowulf is the representation of a heroic figure demonstrating acts of prowess and superiority. With his supernatural capability to literally dis-arm his opponent Grendel, he is an early image of a modern ay superhero. Beowulf is strong, courageous, and willing to die for the people he rules; the very image of the perfect man in Anglo-Saxony.
The monstrous Grendel, his fear inspiring mother,

To abandon one’s leader was considered a cowardly offence in Anglo-Saxon times. Wiglaf makes this well known to the cowardly thanes, and says that they have shamed their family names forever.
Wiglaf himself represents chivalric loyalty when only he alone stays to fight the dragon with Beowulf. He assists his ruler in vanquishing the monstrous beast, and is not critically injured in the process. His heroic act will no doubt earn him praise in the kingdom Beowulf formerly ruled.
Not only do characters represent things in the story Beowulf. The mead hall of Herot that King Hrathgar builds represents joy and happiness, as the mead hall was the place of entertainment in Anglo-Saxon times. It is large, grand, and spacious. The world has never seen such a marvelous mead hall. Hrathgar intends for it to be a place of joy, and it is. At least, it is until Grendel terrorizes it in his burning hatred for joy and happiness. Herot is not the only place that represents something. The lair of Grendel and his mother depicted an environment of doom and misery. It is a swampy mars, full of filth and contaminants. It is not a pleasant place, and the finding of the head of one of the king’s favorite thanes make the place even more scary and