Beowulf: The Anglo-Saxon Culture

Tyler Argleben
Mr. Kroeker
3B
9/26/2016 Title: Subtitle http://digitalcommons.imsa.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1004&context=fall2010 While the Anglo-Saxon culture in “Beowulf” include display of strength, valor, honor and boastfulness of the early era is seen in today’s modern society.
Since it originated in oral tradition, the epic Beowulf has no known author. It does, however, serve as a representation of the Anglo-Saxon culture it originates from. As a work of art, it also serves its purpose of moral instruction, today serving as a demonstration of what values were important to the Anglo-Saxon people. Especially seen through the characters of
Beowulf and Wiglaf, the poem Beowulf illustrates three important morals of its time:

Here, Wiglaf proves himself the better man because he has honor while the others, who willingly abandoned their King in battle, clearly do not. Lastly, Beowulf and Wiglaf both show outstanding loyalty throughout the piece. All of
Beowulf’s actions are clearly motivated by loyalty, starting with his decision to help the Danes.
Beowulf’s father once started a feud, which Hrothgar helped to end. Hrothgar recalls, “Ecgtheow acknowledged me with oaths of allegiance” (472). Beowulf traveled with his men to fight a fearsome monster not for the glory of it but so that he could help his father to repay his debt.
Many years later, Wiglaf shows his loyalty and devotion to his king Beowulf by following him into the fray when no one else did, promising, “I shall stand by you” (2668). In the end, this loyalty reveals Wiglaf’s valor, proving him to be just as heroic a character as Beowulf. The characters in Beowulf demonstrate three of the most important morals at the time of the story’s creation: bravery, honor, and loyalty. The character of Beowulf clearly