Beowulf’s society, the Anglo-Saxons, idolized many qualities, specifically those of a strong warrior, courageous fighter, and hero willing to die for his glory and people. Principally, the persona that the Anglo-Saxons most idolized was that of a warrior. Beowulf is an admired warrior well-known to all who surround him. When Beowulf first meets King Hrothgar, he announces, “My people supported my resolve to come here to you, King Hrothgar, because all knew of my awesome strength” (line 415). Beowulf then proceeds to list many of his achievements for which he is well-known. The warrior wishes to make it clear that he is, without a doubt, someone worth noticing. Furthermore, the Anglo-Saxon civilization admired those with courage. Starting
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Beowulf clearly exemplifies these characteristics. Before he conquers Grendel, Beowulf says, “I hereby renounce sword and the shelter of the broad shield, the heavy war-board: hand-to-hand is how it will be, a life-and-death fight with the fiend” (435). Beowulf is aware that he is entering a life-or-death situation, but he shows no fear. He faces the battle to discover his fate. Later on near the end of the epic, Beowulf boasts, “I risked my life often when I was young. Now I am old, but as king of the people I shall pursue this fight for the glory of winning” (line 2511). Beowulf’s pride is an obvious priority. Even as an old man, he is still determined to defeat this dragon. Clearly, Beowulf is the epitome of everything the Anglo-Saxon society believed in. His warrior title, bravery, and dedication to his people illustrate the ideal hero of an epic. However, are these characteristics the reason he met his demise? If Beowulf had worn more armor for his fight with the dragon, or perhaps even recruited someone else to accomplish the task, he might not have been killed by this enemy. Although his personality got Beowulf to such a high position of honor, it may have also been the cause of his
Beowulf clearly exemplifies these characteristics. Before he conquers Grendel, Beowulf says, “I hereby renounce sword and the shelter of the broad shield, the heavy war-board: hand-to-hand is how it will be, a life-and-death fight with the fiend” (435). Beowulf is aware that he is entering a life-or-death situation, but he shows no fear. He faces the battle to discover his fate. Later on near the end of the epic, Beowulf boasts, “I risked my life often when I was young. Now I am old, but as king of the people I shall pursue this fight for the glory of winning” (line 2511). Beowulf’s pride is an obvious priority. Even as an old man, he is still determined to defeat this dragon. Clearly, Beowulf is the epitome of everything the Anglo-Saxon society believed in. His warrior title, bravery, and dedication to his people illustrate the ideal hero of an epic. However, are these characteristics the reason he met his demise? If Beowulf had worn more armor for his fight with the dragon, or perhaps even recruited someone else to accomplish the task, he might not have been killed by this enemy. Although his personality got Beowulf to such a high position of honor, it may have also been the cause of his