Anglo Saxon Society In Beowulf

Anglo-Saxon Society and Beowulf

The sound of battle echoed from the halls of Heorot to the plains of geatland, Beowulf in all his glory was a conquering hero that was approaching his twilight years as king. As such he faced a new challenge, in his youth he fought and defeated Grendel and his mother to defend the people of Denmark and Heorot, he was now called to defend his land from this dragon. This beast which had awakened from its dormant rest and was now on a rampage to defend its treasure. These monsters shared many similarities that tie together with a unifying message. In Beowulf, the values and views of Anglo-Saxon society are reflected in the idea that both Grendel and the Dragon serve as warning that no man is immortal or god like and that we will all face judgement. In the first part of the book, Beowulf heard of the trouble facing King Hrothgar in Denmark and decided to take action, he arrives to find out that it has been twelve years since anyone has dared step foot inside of Hrothgar or face peril at the hands of Grendel, whose only motivation is to prevent any type of joyous noise. He is routinely described as a descendant of Cain, as a disfigured and ugly creature, with huge and lumbering features
His reputation precedes him and is widely respected. However as it was foreshadowed by the author at the beginning, he is about to face his final test. A dragon that guards a vast treasure is awoken after a thief steals a goblet. The thief became scared and unknowingly opened the door to death and destruction. The Dragon is portrayed by author as confused, although malevolent, he had no desire to attack the people of geatland but was forced to do so because of the thief, who as another subtle reminder, had committed another of the deadly sins;