Beowulf Anglo Saxon Warrior

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The Anglo-Saxons were fierce and mighty warriors who lived from 449-1066 A.D. They were made up by four Germanic tribes; Angles, Saxons, Jutes, and Frisians/Danes. The characteristics of an Anglo-Saxon are those of a hero. They are demonstrated in many pieces of Literature, also known as Anglo-Saxon Literature. The most famous written work is the poem, Beowulf. In the poem, Beowulf is a hero of the Geats. He comes to help Hrothgar, the king of the Danes, to defeat a monster known as Grendel. After Beowulf slays him, Grendel’s mother attacks but is also killed by Beowulf. After winning both battles, Beowulf goes home and fifty years pass. Beowulf then battles a dragon, is fatally wounded and dies. There are a total of seven Anglo-Saxon characteristics, but there are three that absolutely describe Beowulf: The Anglo Saxon warrior values bravery, courage, and prowess in battle, the most honorable death is death in battle, and after the Christian influence, the literature displayed a mixed belief of pagan influence (fate) and God's control over all aspects of life. The Anglo Saxon warrior values bravery, courage, and prowess in battle is one of the seven characteristics of an Anglo Saxon warrior. This certainly characterizes Beowulf throughout the whole poem. In stanza 4, line 165, Beowulf states; “That I, alone and with the help of my men, May purge all evil from this hall. I have heard, too, that the monster's scorn of men, is so great that he needs no weapons and fears none. Nor will I. My lord Higlac might think less of me if I let my sword go where my feet were afraid to, if I hid behind some broad linden shield: My hands alone shall fight for me, struggle for life against the monster.” In this quote Beowulf is trying to convince the King of the Danes to let him defeat the monster Grendel. He tells him how he has defeated many other monsters and how he could

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