Saxons

goodness evident in modern times is the result of free will. Today’s basis of what is considered right or wrong has essentially transpired from the heroic code that characterized Anglo-Saxon culture several centuries ago. The code encompasses ideals of heroism and chivalry that are particularly prominent in Anglo Saxon literature, most notably in the poem “The Wanderer”. In this tale of exile, when the protagonist warrior cannot adhere to what is demanded of him from the code, his subconscious…

while a villain is cruel, horrid, and savage. It may be hard to believe that many of the Anglo-Saxon views that lived thousands of years ago, still continue to influence modern day society. Villains may not be monsters anymore, but we continue to view then as humans who are cruel, cowards, and cunning till this day. Villains can be barbaric or cruel, but not to the extent they once were during the Anglo-Saxon times. In Beowulf, before…

Throughout the course of history the Vikings have been characterized by historians and the very people who encountered them as savages, barbarians, and thieves. However, under close examination it is clear that many of the practices and skills that were developed and used by the Vikings in Eighth century Europe have served as additions not only to art but they also influenced changes in government that proved positive for future government protection. The viking way of nature was not to to…

community are shared throughout all societies. Although the Anglo-Saxons lived in a period of constant warfare between kingdoms and had a male dominated society, they still believed in these universal ideals, in addition to a few other beliefs that gained a foothold in their society because of this hostility. This extra set of beliefs including; physical prowess, a strong patriarchal lineage, and generosity of kings, defined the Anglo-Saxons and gave shape to one of the most famous epic poems…

During Anglo-Saxon to medieval period in Britain, heroes changed from boastful to honorable as exemplified by Beowulf and King Arthur. Both heroes demonstrate bravery, but in different ways. While Beowulf conceitedly displays his victories and status, Arthur is valiant and humble when displaying his victories. Beowulf had one of the key Anglo-Saxon values: strength. In the epic poem Beowulf, Beowulf brags about all of his victories against monsters and beasts, declaring himself stronger than…

feeling that is devoid in their life. In the case of Ishiguru’s The Buried Giant and an Old English epic poem, Beowulf, the theme of vengeance while present in both, functions in different ways. In The Buried Giant, it appears that the Britons and the Saxons want to go to war over a fight that is completely outdated, but is just occurring because it is something that they feel obliged to do, in order to signify a real winner. Although in Beowulf, there are multiple instances of vengeance but all…

Beowulf and Rama posses many courageous traits . Beowulf, the most courageous of the Anglo-Saxons, exemplifies courage countless times throughout Beowulf. Upon Beowulf and his crew arriving in Denmark, Wulfgar, a warrior of King Hrothgar states: “Stoutness of heart,/ bravery not banishment, must have brought you to/ Hrothgar” (Beowulf 337). The…

What Makes an Epic Hero? The story Beowulf is England’s earliest masterpiece originated from the Anglo-Saxon poem. Beowulf is considered as the longest and greatest surviving Anglo-Saxon poem. Through Beowulf we can understand what the Anglo-Saxons valued. They value Battles, Heroes, and Heroes who win the battle and protects the people, and heroes who fight constantly and die with honor. The story Beowulf is an epic poem which contains all of the following which made it very popular. Beowulf,…

Anglo-Saxons took exile seriously; the threat of exile alone caused much anxiety among the individuals of that society. To be exiled means to be kicked out, or banished from one’s homeland, which would result in having no companionship. Because exile is something the Anglo-Saxons took very seriously, one had to commit a crime in order to be exiled. If one were to commit a crime Anglo-Saxons would resort to execution, unless the crime was not serious enough. If the crime was not serious…

Hill, T.D. Neophilologus (1993) 77: 297. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01000141 In this article it talks about how “The Dream of the Rood” is a poem representing an Anglo-Saxon Paganistic interpretation of Christ as he died on the cross for our immoralities. Plentiful is seen in the achievement of Christ’s victory, the encounter of good over evil, and the worth of the oak tree and cross. According to the text, the cross and the tree take on a massive quantity of emotions throughout the complete…