Epic Beowulf

Beowulf is an epic about a hero who takes on great challenges and adventures. This epic is from the Anglo-Saxon period. The character Beowulf embodies the virtues of the Anglo-Saxon culture and beliefs. Beowulf reveals details about the culture in which it was written. During this time of the Epic, around 800 A.D., there were two basic and common beliefs. these beliefs were both Paganism and Christianity. The main belief that we see right off the bat is Paganism. Paganism is the belief in monsters and/or the supernatural. As you read the Epic the reader sees that Beowulf fights three mythical monsters. The first two being that of a werewolf of some type. These two monsters were very ruthless and ripping people to shreds. The third monster being that of a dragon that has treasure stored in his cave. The other belief that we see is Christianity. Multiple times throughout the Epic Beowulf gives praise to God. For example, when he first arrives at Denmark from Geatland. The mixture of Paganism and Christianity gets the reader interested in the poem. These people had enough on their hands with religion and what not, but what about there way of living? The lifestyle that we see in this Epic is the warrior lifestyle. The warroior lifestyle in Beowulf was very important to Beowulf and many others that lived at this time. The warrior lifestyle was all about reputation, victory, bravery, loyalty, and kindness. Nobody during this time wanted to be remembered for losing or being a failure. Throughout the Epic Beowulf shows bravery and courage when fighting the monsters. Especially fighting Grendel with his bare hands. No warrior could be victorious without his weapons or armor. Weapons and armor were some of the most important items that someone during this time could have, so important that they would name their weapons. These weapons/armor usually passed down from father-son or from lord-warrior. The lifestyle and religious factor really took a toll on some people.