... as a young warrior shed light on the characteristics he obtains that allow him to be fit for an assent to the throne. By embodying the values of the Germanic heroic code, courtesy, pride and loyalty along with courage, it is easy to believe that Beowulf would be a great King. Beowulf exemplifies many characteristics of a good king, one of them being courtesy. Beowulf first shows courtesy to ... so many instances of loyalty. The epic Beowulf opens up with "So. The Spear-Danes in days gone by/ ad the kings who ruled them had courage and greatness." (41. 1-3) The trait courage is immediate...

• Word Count: 1469
• Approx Pages: 6
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

... tell a different story, however. There are quite a few models of powerful women in this epic-Grendel's mother, for example-but none is more expressive of true Anglo-Saxon culture than Wealhtheow. One of the most common duties given to women was that of "peaceweaver". This is done "either biologically through ... have been different based on where they lived, all these men needed to embody the same personality traits. The heroes of both Anglo-Saxon literature and culture had to have the characteristics of both heroes and warriors. "A hero had to be strong, intelligent, and courageous. Wa...

• Word Count: 1584
• Approx Pages: 6
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School