The Ideal Anglo-Saxton Warrior in Beowulf Essay Example
For the Anglo-Saxtons, their “heroic code” is deeply rooted in their culture, and warriors who followed it were highly respected and praised for their sacrifices. In the epic poem, Beowulf, the epic hero, Beowulf, is the ideal Anglo-Saxton warrior because he consistently displays the high value, “heroic code.” The poet depicts this by giving Beowulf the traits of bravery, generosity, and strength.
As any great thane, Beowulf exhibits bravery in all of his battles. The poet displays this trait in canto 6, “I have heard, too, that the monster’s scorn of men is so great that he needs no weapons or fears none, nor will I (Beowulf 6.140-44).” In this scene, Beowulf decides to go into his first battle with Grendel without any weapons; this demonstrates how Beowulf can be confident in his bravery to preserve his glory. After protecting his kingdom for fifty winters, Beowulf decides to go into one last battle with the dragon, Draca. He then declares his final boast, “I’ve never known fear; as youth, I fought in endless battles. I am old now, but I will fight again, see fame still (Beowulf 35.483-89).” Although Beowulf realizes that he isn’t as strong as he was in his youth, Beowulf decides to fight Draca, knowing that this may be his final fight.
Beowulf’s superhuman strength is echoed throughout the poem. The poet illustrates this trait in canto 11, “And was instantly seized himself, claws bent back as Beowulf leaned up on one arm...knew at once that nowhere on earth had he met a man whose hands were harder (Beowulf 11.189-193).” Beowulf was the only warrior that was able to defeat the gruesome monster, Grendel. Without his superhuman strength, Beowulf would have become Grendel’s next victim. During a battle with Grendel’s mother, his strength was also exhibited, “...no ordinary man could lift its carved and decorated length. He drew it from its scabbard and broke the chain from its hilt (Beowulf 23.429-34).” Giants were the ones who hammered that sword, and no one was able to lift it until Beowulf. He was able to use the blade to defeat Grendel’s mother and protect the Dane kingdom.
Anglo-Saxton culture values comitatus, a mutual benefit system between the nobles and thanes. The thanes are granted wealth and land if they promise to protect the noblemen. Higlac provided Beowulf with fame and treasures during his time as a warrior; when Beowulf became king, he drowned his thanes and their families in wealth. Because of this, Beowulf was praised for his generosity and selflessness. The poet depicts his warrior’s gratitude, Wiglaf, in canto 36, “Remembering everything his lord and cousin have given him, armor and gold and the great estates Wextans family enjoyed. Wiglaf’s mind was made up (Beowulf 36.579-82).” As a result of Beowulf’s generosity, Wiglaf felt the need to repay Beowulf for the goods he provided to him and his family. Because of Wiglaf’s loyalty, Beowulf granted him his prized possessions, “That brave king gave the golden necklace from around his throat to Wiglaf, gave him his gold-covered helmet, and his rings, and his mail shirt, and ordered him to use them well (Beowulf 42.171-74).” Even in his final breaths, Beowulf was generous enough to provide Wiglaf with his belongings along with the crown to his kingdom.
It is evident that Beowulf is the ideal Anglo-Saxton warrior because he displays bravery, strength, and generosity throughout the poem. Beowulf was an idol for all Anglo-Saxton thanes and was an example of the kind of warrior they should be. Even though Beowulf was a fictional epic hero, he became an essential part of Anglo-Saxon society and history.
