It is said that what we value can be determined by what we sacrifice. In the epic poem, Beowulf is this shown by many characters, but none stand out as much as the title character himself. In this essay, the topics being addressed are the sacrifices Beowulf made to help Denmark and Geatland, how the sacrifices he made illuminate his values, and how they give a deeper understanding of the epic poem as a whole.
In Beowulf, Beowulf sacrifices his life multiple times to help Denmark and Geatland to achieve glory. For an Anglo-Saxon warrior, glory is extremely valued and will help him be remembered after death. For example, while Beowulf is battling Grendel’s mother, Hrothgar and his men assume he is dead and the book states “…That the hero had
In Beowulf, Beowulf sacrifices his life multiple times to help Denmark and Geatland to achieve glory. For an Anglo-Saxon warrior, glory is extremely valued and will help him be remembered after death. For example, while Beowulf is battling Grendel’s mother, Hrothgar and his men assume he is dead and the book states “…That the hero had