The epic poem Beowulf carries the classic hero story of the Anglo-Saxon warrior of who shares the poems name. Beowulf is a well-respected Geat who has slain many monsters. The visible clash between good and evil within Beowulf displays the values of Anglo-Saxon society. Evil throughout Beowulf is portrayed through the exploits of bloodthirsty monsters, more specifically, Grendel. Grendel enjoyed murdering danes within the mead hall of Herot. He ravaged the danes relentlessly with no repercussions for decades. This was done as he is an outcast due to being a descendant of the biblical evil character of Cain. As a result of his ancestry, Grendel had been “banished by God” (20). He was being punished for Cain’s murder of his brother, Abel. Grendel
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Grendel slaughtered men in Herot without mercy or remorse. His constant rampages violate the Anglo-Saxon value of the wergild, or the “man-payment”. If a killing is committed, payment is expected in order to compensate for the loss of that man. Grendel made no such payments and slaughtered with no regard to societal norms. Revealed by the good forces within Beowulf is the value of lof. Lof is the fame gained and is that which a man is remembered for. Beowulf is in constant pursuit of lof through the slaying of monsters, or the expelling of evil. Upon hearing of Grendel’s terror he, “quickly commanded a boat fitted out, proclaiming that he’d go to that famous king” (23). Beowulf hopes to rid the evil of the world in order to improve his lof. The most conspicuous Anglo-Saxon value throughout the poem is the dependence on Christian beliefs. References to Christian attributes are constantly used. Delivered through the clash of good versus evil is the importance and strength of God. It is through God that evil, Grendel, is overpowered and the good, Beowulf, is victorious. The protection and power of God is preached, “Hail to those who will rise to God, drop off their dead bodies and seek our Father’s peace” (23). Christianity plays a large role in the Anglo-Saxon society and its importance is stressed throughout the lines of
Grendel slaughtered men in Herot without mercy or remorse. His constant rampages violate the Anglo-Saxon value of the wergild, or the “man-payment”. If a killing is committed, payment is expected in order to compensate for the loss of that man. Grendel made no such payments and slaughtered with no regard to societal norms. Revealed by the good forces within Beowulf is the value of lof. Lof is the fame gained and is that which a man is remembered for. Beowulf is in constant pursuit of lof through the slaying of monsters, or the expelling of evil. Upon hearing of Grendel’s terror he, “quickly commanded a boat fitted out, proclaiming that he’d go to that famous king” (23). Beowulf hopes to rid the evil of the world in order to improve his lof. The most conspicuous Anglo-Saxon value throughout the poem is the dependence on Christian beliefs. References to Christian attributes are constantly used. Delivered through the clash of good versus evil is the importance and strength of God. It is through God that evil, Grendel, is overpowered and the good, Beowulf, is victorious. The protection and power of God is preached, “Hail to those who will rise to God, drop off their dead bodies and seek our Father’s peace” (23). Christianity plays a large role in the Anglo-Saxon society and its importance is stressed throughout the lines of