the aspects of Anglo-Saxon culture are reflected in the poem Beowulf. In 449, the first band of people from the great North German plain crossed the country of Kent. They were the Jutes. Following the Jutes came Angles and Saxons. These Germanic tribes brought with them a common language and created the Anglo-Saxon England that lasted until 1066.
A warrior’s courage and respect is what gives him power with others and in himself during current and pass times. Beowulf is always courageous, “Whether he is fighting sea monsters, Grendel’s mother or humble fire breathing dragons, Beowulf shows that the courage and strength should be an inspiration to all heroes” (Garcia). This quote illustrates the seriously dangerous task and battles Beowulf had to face and how all these achievements may be an inspiration to all warriors of his time and fore after to follow in his footsteps. Therefore, one can conclude that if anyone may follow in the footsteps of Beowulf they may also too be considered a courageous hero. Warriors had to be willing to anything to show their courage, to prove themselves to be able to be seen as a true Anglo-Saxon hero.
Though they come from different cultures, time periods, and lands, King Arthur and Beowulf do share some similarities and differences. The first and the most vital differences between them is that King Arthur is defined as a romance hero, and Beowulf is said to be an epic hero. According to the myths, an epic hero is a central figure in the epics where he reflects the particular values and heroic ideals of his society. Beowulf, one of the ancient England’s heroes- a brave knight, is described to be the perfect archetype of an epic hero. Like all the epic heroes, this hero of ours “possesses superior physical strength and supremely ethical standards”.
This ‘Right of Conquest’ gave rulers a legitimate claim to a throne because of their military might. As well as being a means of establishing rule, the use of force was also necessary for maintaining political control of any given territory. Many rulers spent much of their reigns travelling around their lands, giving a visible presence, enforcing royal rights and discouraging any rebellion by a show of force. This was the case for the rule of Louis VI of France, who was infamous for spending much of his life on horseback ‘enforcing royal rights ruthlessly’ and having to ‘defeat numerous petty vassals’ . Force was also
Aeneas has many characteristics that were highly valued by the Romans during this time period. These characteristics include: courage, skill at arms, piety (obedience to the will of the gods), leadership, and determination. Aeneas was also loyal to his country and had family values. In Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Sir Gawain proves that he is not only chivalrous, but has both honor and nobility. When his uncle, King Author, is challenged by a green knight to a beheading game, Sir Gawain steps in and accepted the challenge for King Author.
In Anglo-Saxon culture and literature, to be a warrior was to be a hero. A warrior was to be strong, intelligent, and courageous. Warriors had to be willing to face against any opponent, and fight to the death for their glory and people. The Anglo-Saxon warrior was able to be all of these, as well as be humble and kind to their people. In literature Beowulf is a perfect example of an Anglo-Saxon warrior.
They are in oral art form and combine entertainment, history, morality, and encouragement in an heroic adventure. The Hero embodies the ideals of the society and is helpless in the hands of fate. Some themes and characteristics are their classification as aristocratic poems dealing mainly with kings and kingship, they present courage, strength and an overarching benevolence as basic virtues, and great loyalty from followers. There is a mix and possibly conflict of Pagan and Christian values and ideas. Finally, there is a clash of different topics or main ideas: human ambition vs God's plan, and good vs evil.
Anglo-Saxons The Romans invaded Britain in AD 43. After that, for 400 years southern Britain was part of the Roman world. The last Roman soldiers left Britain in AD 410, and then new people came in ships across the North Sea. Historians call them Anglo-Saxons. The new settlers were a mixture of people from north Germany, Denmark and northern Holland.
There are many versions of the story of King Arthur. Each portrays heroes, betrayal, magic, romance, and great acts of chivalry along with some magical help from Merlin. Mankind has always needed heroes. Throughout history Arthur is the symbol of a medieval hero who constantly endangers his own life for others. The chivalrous acts displayed by Arthur show the beauty of Arthurian romance and why, whether or not these legends are true, we want them to be.
Through Beowulf’s characteristics, actions, and reputation, Beowulf displays many generic values of a hero. Some of these values include bravery, loyalty, strength, courage, and desire for fame. When it comes to exemplifying the values of the Anglo-Saxon culture from which he comes, three main traits stand out; bravery, loyalty, and strength. For a hero to show