...Nick Smith Mr. Farrington English 3 23 October 2016 The Significance of Glory After Death in Beowulf and History In Beowulf, the aspect of attaining glory throughout one’s life is an integral part of their culture. Warriors battle to protect their land, serve their king, and to be remembered and have their legacy carry on after they have died. People such as these worked their entire lives, and dedicated them to serving their country and king as a way to attain glory themselves. The comitatus, or the bind between a king and his people, shows that the people of Beowulf’s time fought together, as one united people, and that even kings were willing to lay their lives down in the line of duty to protect their nation and to attain the...
Words: 784 - Pages: 4
...The Hero as a Reflection of Culture Belen Lowrey Abstract: In works of literature, a hero is a man to be admired and emulated. For this reason, the hero always demonstrates the embodiment of the ideals of the creating culture. Historical events and social conditions of different cultures cause different attributes to become valued in leaders. These cultural values are reflected in both the actions of a hero and in the heroic motivations. This paper focuses on the heroes of the Iliad, the Aeneid, Beowulf, and The Song of Roland and examines how historical events and cultural circumstances shaped the portrayal of the heroes in these works. Sabiduria, vol.1,1 Hero as a Reflection of Culture 1 Every culture has heroes. In works of literature, is an individual to be admired and emulated, and because of this he is the embodiment of the greatest virtues of the culture that created him. The ideals of every culture were shaped by the social conditions of the time and therefore different attributes became valued. To different degrees, the hero in a work is a result of not only the culture from which the hero comes, but also the culture of the author. Cultural values are reflected in both the actions of a hero and his motivations. As heroes, Achilles, Aeneas, Beowulf, and Roland reflect the values of the societies that created them. One of the oldest works of ancient literature is Homer‟s Iliad. Homer‟s works are dated to between 900 and 750 B.C. (Krieger,...
Words: 3619 - Pages: 15
...Beowulf Essay To be a hero in Anglo-Saxon literature and culture one must be a warrior. In the Anglo- Saxon culture a hero had to be intelligent, valorous, prideful and most importantly strong. Fighting for glory and fighting for his people until death was the duty of a hero. The hero had to be willing to face these odds and Beowulf portrayed this. Beowulf is the perfect example of an epic hero because of his prideful actions and willingness to take on fighting the strongest monster and the other hard deeds. "The seafarers used to say, I remember, who took our gifts to the great people in token of friendship-that is fighting man in his hands grasp had the strength of thirty other men. I am thinking that the Holy God, as a grace to us Danes in the West, has directed him here against Grendel’s oppression. Thus good man shall be offered treasures in return for his courage. " (Line 377) Strength is essential to be being an Anglo-Saxon hero. In these lines we can see Beowulf has massive strength if he has strength of thirty men in his arms. "I have not in my life set eyes on a man with more might in his frame than this helmed lord. He's no hall fellow dressed in fine armor, or his face belies him; he has a head of a hero." ( Lines 247) It is clear that physical appearance is essential to being a hero because it is important that you look the part. Even if Beowulf was not the greatest warrior it is always best to act and look the part so he could give the people hope. But...
Words: 820 - Pages: 4
...Reflection | Beowulf 2. What role does the mead-hall play in Anglo-Saxon warrior culture? What is the proper relationship between a lord and his warriors? Give an example you find in the translation of Beowulf. Within Anglo Saxon warrior culture, at the time at which Beowulf is set, the mead hall had an important role in their society. The mead hall provided a place where the nobility of the time could negotiate deals, discuss management of the land and where the king could give orders to his subjects. It was also a place where the heroic deeds of war could be recounted and the spoils of war could be divided among the thanes. Personally, I think that the mead hall exemplifies the heroic themes portrayed in the poem and provides an excellent backdrop for its trials and tribulations. Two examples within the Beowulf translation, of the cultural importance of the mead hall are; 7 He decided to build an enormous hall, the largest anyone had ever seen. From there, he would rule and give everything he could to his people, except for land and his men’s lives. - Chapter 1 So all of the noble clansmen, including the great king himself and his queen, rode to the great hall to witness Beowulf’s great deed. - Chapter 13 The ideal relationship between a lord and his warriors which the poem Beowulf so strongly depicts, stems from the Anglo-Saxon oath called “Comitatus”. “Comitatus” was a legal bond of a sort between a lord and his warriors whereby the warriors agreed...
Words: 417 - Pages: 2
...Chantel Carter History 4330 Beowulf: An Anglo-Saxon Hero Every culture has its heroes. In the poem Beowulf, the Anglo-Saxon view of a hero is revealed. In Anglo-Saxon culture, to be a hero was to be a warrior. This is due to the fact that they derived from a Germanic culture. A hero had to be strong and skillful, courageous, and loyal. At the same time they also had to be generous and humble. Beowulf’s courageous and respectable qualities depict the Anglo-Saxon’s view of a hero during that time. In addition, the respect the characters show for their kings illustrate the high esteem in which the Anglo-Saxons held their kings. These examples also show the importance of gaining honor in this culture. The characteristics of Beowulf, the respect held for their kings, and the importance of honor provide a glimpse into the Anglo-Saxon society. One of Beowulf’s characteristics that are shown early on in the poem is his strength. When he arrives in the land of Dane, he is described as having “the strength of thirty in his mighty hand-grip.”1 Beowulf’s first challenge is to rid the land of the monster Grendel. He decides to make it more than just a simple task of slaying the monster when he declares that it will be a hand-to-hand fight. I have heard it said this evil monster in his wild recklessness scorns all weapons. I therefore decline, that Hygelac my lord may be pleased to the heart, to take any sword or broad-braced shield, yellow war-wood, into this combat, but with my...
Words: 655 - Pages: 3
...Beowulf: A Historical Masterpiece Written in approximately 750 A.D., Beowulf is the only remaining transcript of the 10th century. Even before it was written though, it had been circulated though it’s original oral narrative. Many of the events and characters tie to battles and actual figures in history that pre-date the Anglo-Saxon invasion in 450 A.D. Though originally pagan in nature, due to the Anglo-Saxon conversion to Christianity Beowulf was told through a Christian poet. The poet does reference to biblical thoughts and ideas, it’s mixed within the basic Anglo-Saxon principle. Which is pretty impressive. The fact that one can use Beowulf as a way to look at and understand the Anglo-Saxon culture, which may have been lost without it, is an historical feet all on its own. The values shown in the characters in Beowulf are the same values the Anglo-Saxon had. When it came to the values of the warrior class, it’s especially similar. Beowulf is in a sense the quintessential Anglo-Saxon warrior. Warriors at that time were first and foremost loyal to his people and his thane. A warrior was also brave and valorous. Without these what kind of warrior would one be? The warrior had to be courageous to go out to battle without certainty of coming home. Along with courage, a warrior also had to be proud. Not too proud as to offend the thane or his lady, just enough to make him seem worthwhile. Strength was a very sought after trait in a warrior. Strength was so highly viewed in...
Words: 1553 - Pages: 7
...What role does the mead-hall play in Anglo-Saxon warrior culture? The mead-hall represents a safe heaven for all the people of Hrothgar’s village. Once Beowulf defeated Grendel the mead-hall could continue its purpose. Like in the beginning with the bard singing and everyone happy. 2. What is the proper relationship between a lord (or king) and his warriors? The proper relationship between the king and his warrior is loyalty and generosity. Loyalty because if no one trusts you, no one will listen and hate you. Generosity because if you aren't generous and give to your people you will be a hated king like Heremod. A greedy king who keepeth all his treasure. 3. What is the role of women in the heroic culture of Beowulf? The role of women...
Words: 376 - Pages: 2
...the provided article Beowulf and the Teaching of Leadership written by John loughman and John Finley. The two authors state the epic poem Beowulf can give you timely insight and direction into leadership (P. 155). Although the story of Beowulf presents to us a very common leader I would have to disagree that the epic poem doesn’t really present to us how impactful and present his leadership skills. The two authors also compares and contrast the similarities beowulf has to culture movies you see in your everyday life. This would include Narnia, Lord of the rings, etc. ( P. 156) The two others also give a cultural background on how the story of Beowulf was conceived. Stemming from Beowulf being made up of Old English ( P. 156). Also the article touches basis on other warriors and tribes who kind of follow under this makeup. Such as warriors being fearless and following under a leader willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done....
Words: 463 - Pages: 2
...cultural influences and niches. The English language has undergone a series of transitional changes since its origins dating back to c.400 A.D. whilst Britain was under occupation by hosts of Germanic tribes. Detailed throughout the literature that still exists in our modern world, it is possible to trace links between the English language and its development throughout different cultures and historical time periods. The study of the development of the English language has been used to represent the specific ideals and notions that pertain to particular cultures throughout history. Anglo-Saxon poetry express its cultural identity and values that underpin Anglo Saxon society, through ancient texts such as Beowulf exploring notions of heroism and servitude. Middle English literature such as The Millers Tale, unmasks the inner feudal system that deciphers the hierarchal structure within Middle England. The Holkam bible through both visual representation and literature highlights the Biblical understanding at the time and cultural barriers that were associated. The Miller’s Tale by Geoffrey Chaucer is an example of Middle English poetry that represents the societal structure of the time through language. The Miller’s Tale expresses the hierarchal structure in Middle England through denoting each individual characters social standing within society. The Miller’s Tale entails the story of a carpenter who falls in love with a juvenile/adolescent girl (“Of eighteteene yeer she was of age”);...
Words: 2176 - Pages: 9
...Beowulf: The Mother Poem Beowulf is an important work of the Anglo-Saxon culture. In the poem it depicts Beowulf as a famous hero, full of endless courage and infinite strength. Through his vigorous journeys, he encounters many treacherous obstacles and monsters, but never feels distress. As leader of the Geats, he shows superb leadership skills, taking pride in both his and his peoples’ name. Nonetheless, he boasts about his achievements and heroic battles that he has encountered. The author’s style differs from that of any other due to the unique kennings being used throughout the poem. The tone interchanges throughout the entire work; gives countless numbers of kennings, and has graphic imagery. Beowulf, the “mother poem” of England, explains the import values of diction, tone, imagery, and style, it also informs us about the Geat culture and characteristics of honor, kinship, and courage....
Words: 822 - Pages: 4
...have different views on how they would classify the genre of a piece. For example the story of Beowulf that is over 1000 years old has had controversy over calling it an epic piece or not calling it an epic piece of literature. An epic piece of literature is a long narrative poem that is composed dealing with a hero’s trials and accomplishments. Some scholars call Beowulf a folk epic or a mythological piece. This is because of the how Beowulf is almost running with history throughout the poem. There are divine intervention trials and triumphs and the mythological portion with the slaying of dragons and monsters in Beowulf. The story is really all about what it takes to be a hero but it starts off in a mythical fantasy kind of way. For example he fights monsters bare handed and he has strength that is almost divine. He saves the entire nation that is in fear of many mythical type creatures that no one in the land is willing to fight but him showing tremendous courage. But aside from his mystical fights with terror the poem really highlights the qualities in what makes him this fearless leader. For example he is courageous, generous, strong, cunning, fearless, selfless, wise, and has good morals. This is almost a heroic code that has followed all heroes in literature and in our culture today and throughout time with the same kind of qualities that deems the hero in the story. In the time period when Beowulf was written there were many things that line up in the story making it...
Words: 1006 - Pages: 5
...“..Beowulf, Higlac’s follower and the strongest of the Geats- greater and stronger than anyone anywhere in this world--” these are the words that describe Beowulf. The poem Beowulf is the earliest example of poetry in the English language. The story takes place in Scandinavia during the 5th century CE, about a brave Germanic Warrior named Beowulf who lived to fight for glory and honor. In fact, the poem is still around up-to-date, and indeed a movie was made as well. However, the movie Beowulf shows numerous amount of differences within the poem based on our society today. Although the poem and the movie Beowulf share some similarities, the different portrayals of Beowulf’s role as a hero, Beowulf’s last battle, and gender role divulge the values of society in which they are told. To begin with, the first example of similarities and difference in the poem and movie Beowulf is warrior’s role as a mighty and brave hero. In the poem Beowulf; Beowulf was notable for his heroic character, and described as the bravest and strongest of all the geats. When Hrothgar’s herot was attacked by the evil monster Grendel; Beowulf accepted the monster’s terms that...
Words: 546 - Pages: 3
...The key character in the poem Beowulf, is a heroic and a legendary character whose actions are embodied to the Anglo-Saxon culture. As a hero he has the accepted and the most ideal characteristics that are accepted in the Anglo-Saxon culture. The tale revolves around these characteristics to make up an epic tale. Beowulf is moulded to possess the virtues, traits and beliefs that were highly respected and requires in the Anglo-Saxon culture. Therefore, is displayed to have these virtues in his own actions and words during different circumstances in the tale. Reading Beowulf brings out lots of similarities with many pieces of literature from the Ancient Greek and the Modern literature. The Beowulf carries is similar to many Greek dramas that focused on a protagonist who was turned out to be a tragic hero. There was an element of belief in the gods who had super- human powers and had unique and ultimate special skills of their own, and overcame unsurmountable problems. However, in Beowulf, there is no Greek or Roman gods, but there are other supernatural beings defined as monsters that exist and are difficult to win over. Beowulf is extra-ordinarily strong, agile, and super intelligent. He is portrayed as one who overcomes many obstacles and was able to kill Grendel and his mother and the others in the sea. In addition, the wide character list and meaningful names is similar to those of other types of literature of the early eras. The story of Paradise lost opens in hell. Satan...
Words: 2659 - Pages: 11
...Jabberwocky by Lewis Carroll In the Anglo-Saxon culture and literature, heroes were considered to be warriors and were respected by the entire community. The hero not only had to be tough and fearless, he had to be successful on the battlefield and loyal to his lord as well. The time period of the Anglo-Saxons lasted for 600 years, from 410 to 1066, but the culture and literature of this period was not forgotten (Delahoyde). Lewis Carroll was a writer in the 19th century who included the Anglo-Saxon era in his work. After the publication of his novel, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, he published another novel named, Through the Looking-Glass, and What Alice Found There. His poem, “Jabberwocky,” is a poem from the novel, Through the Looking-Glass, and What Alice Found There (Delahoyde). This poem is still known to be one of his famous poems. The poem is about a father who is tells his son to be beware of a monster named “Jabberwocky” that wanders around in the woods. In the poem, Carroll mentions several dissimilar and unusual creatures that do not exist in the real world. Carroll’s style of writing is very unusual in this piece of work and it only influences the readers to laugh at the definitions of the words. In his mind boggling poem, “Jabberwocky,” Lewis Carroll uses unusual diction to mock the Anglo-Saxon heroic tradition. After the father tells his son of the monster that lives in the woods, the son goes on a search for this monster with the purpose of killing it...
Words: 964 - Pages: 4
...James October 2007 Even though archeology reveals a lot about the Neolithic and Iron-Age era in Britain, Literature tells more about the life and culture in the region, especially after the coming of Germanic Indo-Europeans from the continent in A.D 449, as reported in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. England, then a province of the Roman Empire, was named Britannia after its Celtic-speaking inhabitants, the Britons. The Britons were actually Romanized Celts. They left their greatest linguistic legacy in place names, such as Avon, Dover, Thames, and probably London. [1] The Anglo-Saxon invaders brought with them their own tradition of oral poetry, but there is no evidence of literacy before their conversion to Christianity. There is only circumstantial evidence of what the poetry must have been like. Aside from a few short inscriptions on small artifacts, the earliest records in the English language are in manuscripts produced at monasteries and other religious establishments, beginning in the seventh century. Literacy was mainly restricted to servants of the church, and the bulk of Old English literature is religious with Latin origins. As literate culture developed, ethnic Germanic heroic poetry continued to be performed orally in alliterative verse and was at times used to describe current events. The oral culture thus had tremendous bearing on the form and structure of the literature of the epoch. The Battle of Brunaburh, which celebrates an English victory over...
Words: 1689 - Pages: 7
