Beowulf

2 Pages 458 Words

Beowulf’s words and deeds suggest numerous things about traditional Anglo-Saxton values. The tale of Beowulf is of good against evil; man against demon; ethics and morals against personal gain from murdering others. In this story all of the monsters are associated with Cain, who, in the bible, is the first murderer that ever existed. The main monster in Beowulf is Grendel, and that is who Beowulf faces against. Grendel represents everything that opposes the Anglo-Saxton values and beliefs. Grendel is extremely irate, insecure, and unaware of himself, while Beowulf is loyal, courageous, and confident and, of course, the exemplification that all other Anglo-Saxton’s desired to be.
Firstly, there is the idea of being courageous and standing up for something a person may believe in. Beowulf believed in destroying the monster, and saving all of the people. He did so. Grendel was not brave enough to stand up to Beowulf, and therefore, he was destroyed. ". . . Grendel's one thought was to run. From Beowulf, flee back to his marsh and hide there:” demonstrates this point. He was not able to escape, and he did not deserve the chance to, because he lacked the audacity in which Beowulf had. Courage is one value the Anglo-Saxons seemed to hold close at heart.
Secondly, there was the factor of confidence. Grendel did not have confidence in himself, whereas Beowulf was overly confident, and arrogant. The people of the story seemed to admire this attribute of Beowulf, and therefore it could be considered another value. Beowulf knew he could win, and claim victory over Grendel, and had no problem proving it to his fellow peers. "He remembered his final Boast and, standing erect, stopped. The monster's flight,” through the entire fight Beowulf was able to keep his confidence and cocky attitude, all the way to the very end. Confidence is another trait that the Anglo-Saxon people seemed to admire.
Finally, Beowulf is loyal to his men and...