The Anglo-Saxons valued heroism and immortality because of their low life-span, and they told stories based off these philosophies. They created idealistic leaders who were strong warriors, wise, and followed strong morales. Beowulf follows through with the values of the Anglo-Saxons leaders and ideals, and Beowulf is a magnificent example. Beowulf becomes king of the Geats after his uncle and cousin die, and as a ruler, he rules in peace and prosperity without a complaint from his people (Beowulf 745-747). Even in his death, he remains a humble hero, asking for nothing but for the safety and well-being of his people (Beowulf 751-764). Leaders in Beowulf do not accurately represent the true nature of humanity. Unfortunately, humans posses greed, hatred, stupidity, and they make mistakes. They can not constantly keep to bravery, wisdom, and
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Red Horse says that leaders must “protect the power of the people in power and keep the others down” to stay in power and continue to rule, no matter what the cost may be (Gardener 118). Leaders in Grendel, however well they rule, all follow through with the philosophy of machiavellianism, and not all of their decisions are right. Hrothgar and his rule is an accurate example of rulers in Grendel. Hrothgar in his prime would be the closest fit to a ruler described by the Anglo-Saxons, but he is not an angel by any means. Hrothgar would bribe and pillage other leaders to gain or remain in control of his territory However, as time moves on, Hrothgar begins to fade away from his strength and morality. "He had in his youth the strength of seven men. Not now. He has nothing left but the power of his mind—and no pleasure there: a case of knives. The civilization he meant to build has transmogrified to a forest thick with traps" (Gardener 121). Grendel shows leaders as they are;
Red Horse says that leaders must “protect the power of the people in power and keep the others down” to stay in power and continue to rule, no matter what the cost may be (Gardener 118). Leaders in Grendel, however well they rule, all follow through with the philosophy of machiavellianism, and not all of their decisions are right. Hrothgar and his rule is an accurate example of rulers in Grendel. Hrothgar in his prime would be the closest fit to a ruler described by the Anglo-Saxons, but he is not an angel by any means. Hrothgar would bribe and pillage other leaders to gain or remain in control of his territory However, as time moves on, Hrothgar begins to fade away from his strength and morality. "He had in his youth the strength of seven men. Not now. He has nothing left but the power of his mind—and no pleasure there: a case of knives. The civilization he meant to build has transmogrified to a forest thick with traps" (Gardener 121). Grendel shows leaders as they are;