Tenets of Anglo-Saxon Philosophy in Beowulf

The story of Beowulf vividly portrays the forces of evil in the world. The theme of evil in the world is especially evident in the description of Grendel, the monster. Grendel is said to be a savage beast, who returns with “blood dripping behind him, back / To his lair, delighted with his night’s slaughter” (lines 39-40). Grendel terrorizes the people of the land, ripping men apart with his brute strength. He is a cold, merc

Epic stories can provide a glimpse into the characteristics and ideals of the societies that wrote them. The Anglo-Saxons believed that the world was a place full of evil and heartlessness. The character of Grendel is evil incarnate. He is a ruthless, savage monster with a thirst for blood. Fate plays a critical role in Beowulf, guiding the character’s actions throughout the story. The belief that events are predetermined and people do not have control over their destiny remains a central part of the story. A third characteristic of the Anglo-Saxons represented in the story is the philosophy that death is inevitable and unavoidable. Beowulf is not afraid to die fighting Grendel, he views death in battle as an honorable way to die. Through the reading of Beowulf, it is possible to understand the important tenets and values that the Anglo-Saxon people held in high esteem.

A third Anglo-Saxon ideal found in Beowulf is a resignation to the certainty of death. Unafraid to die in battle, Beowulf views his death as part of his destiny and feels that dying during battle is an honorable way to pass. Incorporating the Anglo-Saxon belief in fate, Beowulf expresses his

Some topics in this essay:
Incorporating Anglo-Saxon, , Beowulf Beowulf, Finally Anglo-Saxons, anglo-saxon people, evil world, belief power fate, belief power, epic hero, anglo-saxons believed, power fate, story beowulf, anglo-saxon belief, found beowulf, certainty death, resignation certainty death,