Anglo Saxon Traditions In Beowulf

Much of what is taught today or in the not so distant past comes from the Anglo-Saxon traditions that began around the fifth century. The main question that is asked is, “How do people know about the Anglo-Saxon traditions?” In that time period story telling was a very big part of the culture. In the stories that people told many aspects of religion and the day to day life of people from that time period were implemented into the story. When these stories were finally written down and then translated it allowed historians to start piecing together how these ancient people lived, and what they believed. One of the epic poems from the Anglo-Saxon time period is Beowulf. In this epic poem Beowulf, the epic hero, travels from his home with the Geats in what is now known as Sweden to help the …show more content…
Glory is what Beowulf wanted from everyone, and for this reason he chose to fight Grendel and save the Danes. The Anglo-Saxons believed that if you were capable of something great that it was your duty to go out and do the thing. By doing your duty you received glory, and it was for this reason that Beowulf helped the Danes. When the epic poem Beowulf was being told earning respect was a big deal, and because of the emphasis on respect during that time it was also emphasized in this poem. When he fights her he is not after glory, he is after respect. He wants to be the one that children look up to, elders respect, and future generations remember. Above all Beowulf has an obligation to protect his people, and this is what motivates him to fight the dragon in the end of the poem. In his last moments Beowulf gives Wiglaf power, gives his people the riches from the dragon’s lair, and has a tower built so that sailors will be able to make it home in storms. Beowulf is obviously motivated by his people because he makes sure that he can help them even in his