Salgado 1

Alondra M. Salgado

Ms. Figueroa

Senior English

4 December, 2018

Anglo-Saxon Values

Beowulf is a story that has been roaming around for centuries, and is still used to

exemplify many positive and important values that are stilled followed in the 21st century. The

story revolves around the Anglo-Saxons, who lived during 450 A.D. after invading Great-Britain

many years after the Romans did. This story of an epic hero follows the journey of the King of

The Geats; Beowulf. He was born into a noble family, defeated evil monsters, and protected the

innocent lives of people who depended on his gift. His strength and power were admired by

many, considering him a hero. Although, the Anglo-Saxons valued far more than just strength

and power; they valued loyalty, religion, and acts of bravery.

Showing loyalty to a leader and to someone in high position, is expected from everyone

in this time period. Towards the end of the poem, Wiglaf demonstrates his loyalty to Beowulf as

he enters the dragon’s cave when Beowulf finds himself in danger; despite knowing his decision

could be fatal. “And we must go for him, while angry flames burn at his flesh, help our glorious

king! By almighty God, I’d rather burn myself than see Flames swirling around my lord”

(Beowulf, 724-727). This action made by Wiglaf demonstrates an example of the Anglo-Saxon

value of loyalty, because he knew that he needed to protect not just his king, but a dear friend.

During Beowulf’s final battle, the soldiers who he believed he could depend on, did not enter the

dragon’s territory to help him, and were after seen as traitors to their people. “Before long the

battle-dodgers abandoned the wood, the ones who had let down their lord earlier, the tail-turners,
 Salgado 2

ten of them together, when he needed them the most, they had made off. Now they were

ashamed” (Beowulf, 2845-2851). This act of unloyalty made the Anglo-Saxons, especially

Wiglaf look down upon the ten soldiers. Being unfaithful no matter the consequences, especially

to a king was seen as disrespectful to their civilization.

Practicing Christianity and Paganism was quite common as an Anglo-Saxon, they valued

their religious beliefs, and included them in their daily rituals. Being faithful, singing Christian

chants, and living off the word was normal for the people living in Scandanavia, and those

beliefs did not change in the battle field. Before every battle against evil, Beowulf entrusted his

life in God’s hands, and gave credit to God, for he is the one who granted him his power. “The

monster wrenched and wrestled with him, but Beowulf was mindful of his mighty strength, the

wondrous gifts God had showered him: He relied for help on the Lord of All, on his care and

favor” (Beowulf 1269-1274). Despite being in a dangerous situation, Beowulf decided to put all

of his fate on his religion. Towards the end of the poem, Beowulf believes to be punished by God

for breaking a divine law (showing greed). “It threw the hero into deep anguish and darkened his

mood; the wise man thought he must have thwarted ancient ordinance of the eternal lord, broken

his commandment” (Beowulf 2327-2331). Religion was something that contributed to

everything the Anglo-Saxons did and thought.

Doing what is correct, being strong and courageous, comes hand-in-hand for the tribe.

Even if Beowulf was in the middle of a deadly situation, he knew that he had to fight back for

the people who depended on him for protection. “Yet the prince of the rings was too proud

to line up with a large army against the sky-plague. He had scant regard for the dragon as a

threat, no dread at all of its courage or strength, for he had kept going often in the past, through

perils and ordeals of every sort, after he had purged Hrothgar's hall, triumphed in Heorot
 Salgado 3

and beaten Grendel. (Beowulf 2345-2353). Before going in to battle with the dragon, Beowulf

shows absolutely no fear and is confident that he will be victorious. Wiglaf, Beowulf’s right-

hand-man, knew that he had to do what was correct, despite being frightful and putting his life

on the line by helping Beowulf defeat the dragon. “As God is my witness, I would rather my

body were robbed in the same burning blaze as my gold-giver’s body than go back home bearing

arms. That is unthinkable, unless we have first slain the foe…” (Beowulf 2650-2660). Wiglaf’s

bravery transcends next to his cowardly, fellow soldiers. His acts of courage rewarded Wiglaf

with Beowulf’s golden chain, and his new title.

The main values that represented the Anglo-Saxon’s beliefs and influenced their

decisions were: staying loyal to their sovereignty, constant to their religion, and being valiant in

times of need. Despite having all of the Geat soldiers flee out of fear, Wiglaf was obedient to the

royal, and stayed by Beowulf’s side till the end, which proved his loyalty to him. The Anglo-

Saxons were driven by their Christian beliefs, and it influenced how they formulated their

thoughts. Being courageous like Beowulf and Wiglaf was an ideal trait in Scandanavia. These

Anglo-Saxon values are still traits that to many people in today’s society look for, which gives

this story the recognition it has today.

 Salgado 4

Works Cited

"Beowulf." Goodreads. N.p., 15 Mar. 1982. Web. 08 Dec. 2018