Identity Through Loyalty Beowulf exemplifies how loyalty was a defining characteristic of one’s identity inside Anglo-Saxon society. When Beowulf first lands in areas controlled by the Danes, he is identified based on loyalty to his king. When questioned by the guard at the shores about who he and his men are, Beowulf replies, “We belong by birth to the Geat people / and owe allegiance to Lord Hygelac” (Beowulf 260-261). Aside from what clan he comes from, the other important part in his identification is the man he serves and devotes his loyalty too. Interestingly, Beowulf mentions which leader he is aligned with comes before identifying himself by his family lineage, further showing the importance of loyalty in defining a person in Anglo-Saxon
