2002. pg. 42) is a testament to Beowulf's strength.
Beowulf's second notable trait is his incredible valor in battle. He chooses to fight with his bare hands only, as he fears "My lord Higlac/ Might think less of me if I let my sword/ Go where my feet were afraid to- (Applebee et al. 2002. pg. 38). This action seems almost foolish in its bravery, and yet proves to be successful. Beowulf also shows this intense courage in his many battles against other creatures, such as Grendel's mother and the dragon, both of which he fought with little or no outside assistance.
Finally, Beowulf's belief in the supernatural is evidenced by his belief in Fate. For instance, when Beowulf first arrives at Herot, he accepts tells Hrothgar what he plans do to, but also what shall happen if Beowulf dies; he accepts death as a part of life, and then comments, "Fate will unwind as it must!" (Applebee et al. 2002. pg. 38). Beowulf once again comments on Fate as he is about to do battle with the dragon: " not run from his shooting/ Flames, stand till fate decides/ which of us wins." (Applebee et al. 2002. pg. 53).
From these traits, we can generalize what values people in Anglo-Saxon times had: skill in all manners of warfare; unwavering courage, even in the face of death; and strong belief in the supernatural, both from existing pagan religions and the relatively new Christian religion. These facts are often quantified, with reports of Viking warriors, who hail form the same areas as Beowulf and Hrothgar, having these same traits in raids along the European coasts. Nevertheless, time marched on, and the people that revered Beowulf moved on. Soon, a more modern, yet still archaic hero would arise.
Sir Gawain.
Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, written during the Middle Ages and translated by John Gardner, is a story of Sir Gawain, a knight of King Arthur's Round Table, who embarks on a quest to prove his chivalric nature.
