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Mikaela Bracamonte

Ms. Figueroa

Senior English 3

6 December 2018

Anglo-Saxon Values

The Anglo-Saxon period was a time where characteristics of righteousness, honor and

kinsman ship where very important to their time. The Anglo Saxons has exceedingly high

standards on beliefs and traits including chivalry and heroism. The epic poem describes the

battles fought by a hero who is look upon by many. In the poem “Beowulf”, there is a hero

named Beowulf who comes from a land far away. Beowulf sails the ocean to help King Hrothgar

fight a battle against the evil in this land. This battle started with Grendel, the most feared demon

in the begging. The Anglo Saxons represented the values of loyalty, glory and heroism.

Loyalty is shown through the prom through all of Beowulf’s comrades. One of Beowulf’s

has shown great loyalty to his mighty king. This name was Wiglaf, he had shown great loyalty

and honor towards his king in a fearless way. In the poem in states “but now out lord must lean

on younger arms and we must go to him while angry flames burn his flesh, help our glorious

king” (Beowulf 722-725). Loyalty was portrayed in Wiglaf due to him sticking up towards the

other knight who ever fearful of the great beast defeating their lord. Wiglaf had wanted to go in

and help his king knowing he may be hurt. Loyalty is also portrayed in the story by Wiglaf

willing goes in to help his lord to in this battle even when all of the kings other men are to scared

to. In the poem Wiglaf states “I’d rather burn myself then see flames swirling around my king”

(Beowulf 766-767). Wiglaf would rather die for his king then to see him get hurt in a battle he
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shouldn’t be facing alone. The Anglo Saxon value of loyalty is heavily portrayed in the character

Wiglaf.

Another Anglo-Saxon value that is highly represented is glory. Glory is portrayed in each

kill Beowulf had succeeded in with all the fights he had been in. In the poem it states “the victory

for the proof, hanging high from the rafters where Beowulf had hung it, was the monsters arm

claw and shoulder and all” (Beowulf 356-358). Beowulf had shown glory in the battle he had

just won by displaying the arm of his opponent. Not only did Beowulf show glory in the win

with the battle of Grendel. Beowulf had shown the value of glory in the defeat of Grendel’s

mother which was a harder accomplishment. In the poem it states “then the geats brave prince

entered hero covered with glory for the daring battles he had fought; he sought Hrothgar to salute

him and show Grendel’s head” (Beowulf 598-602). Beowulf portrayed glory in doing the

impossible, the battle with Grendel’s mother is something no other man could achieve. The angle

Saxon value of glory is portrayed in Beowulf for his way of showing his accomplishments in

each of his battles.

Beowulf entire character is also based off of the Anglo Saxon value of heroism. Beowulf

had contained the power of 20 men, he was known to be one of the strongest warrior out there. In

the poem it states “I have never seen lighter warrior on earth than is one of you a man in battle

dress” (Beowulf 7). Beowulf is looked as a mighty leader to others. However not only does

Beowulf appear is a strong and mighty god. Beowulf is called by king Hrothgar to help his land

in the destructive appearance of Grendel. In the article it states “so every elder and experienced

council man among my people supported my resolver to come here to you king Hrothgar,

because all know if my awesome strength” (Beowulf 20). Beowulf is killed from a king who is in

need of his help to save his land from Grendel. The angle Saxon value of heroism is portrayed in
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Beowulf due to his great strength and ability to help other above himself. The Anglo Saxons had

shown the values of loyalty, glory and heroism in the poem Beowulf.
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Works Cited

“Beowulf.” The Interactive Reader plus: with Additional Support, by Sharon Sicinski-Skeans

and Arthur N. Applebee, McDougall Littell, 2003.