The Heroic Characters Of Beowulf

The characters presented in the old epic poem “Beowulf” provide significant insight into old English society and the characteristics that people praised. These heroes and villains act as examples and antithesis of the values that were considered important at the time. The heroic qualities of Beowulf, such as his bravery and leadership abilities demonstrate the values society deemed essential in leaders and warriors. The villains of the story, Grendel, his mother, and even the dragon, are viewed as outcasts due to their “otherness”, and show how those traits were not accepted in society. Stories and myths that heavily emphasize characters who are strong, brave, and loyal prove that old English society valued those qualities and people who possessed those traits. While some critics believe that the villains are unfairly judged by society, the poem remains a classic example of heroism and bravery. Beowulf is viewed as the quintessential hero in old English society, though it is not just because of his strength and valor. He comes from a noble, well-known family, and he respects the traditions and …show more content…
By doing this they will be made rich and well-known and benevolent among the people. Then, through that generosity, they will gain more allies that will protect them when they grow too old to fight. However endearing the notion of a peaceful reign was at this time, the fact of the matter is that war was a constant threat during the Anglo-Saxon period and would often result in glory for the winning side. It is easy to assume that this warrior code was in fact a reality during this point of history. Basically the only thing that really mattered was winning wars, earing riches, and honoring one’s king. This is yet another example of how the story of Beowulf acts as a historical window into that ancient society and their