An Analysis of the Epic Poem, Beowulf - Anglo-Saxon Customs and Values

Anglo-Saxon Customs and Values Reflected in Beowulf Readers today approach the Anglo-Saxon rime Beowulf with cultural preconceptions very antithetic from those expressed by the author of this verse. This rise hopes to enlighten the modern reader regarding the customs and values from the time of the poems composition. Beowulf makes reference to Ingeld and his wife and the coming Heathobard feud in that acid passion his love for peace-weaver, his wife, will cool (2065-66) This is a rare passage, for Anglo-Saxon poetry rarely mentions romantic feelings between spouses. In fact, ones marital status was even considered insignificant. For example, with the hero himself the poet never mentions whether he is hook up with or not. On the other hand, feelings between men are presented much and with surprising intensity. Consider Beowulfs farewell from Hrothgar and Heorot Then the good king, of a noble race, great Scylding prince, held that best thane round the neck an d kissed him his tears ran down, streaked his great beard. Wise in his age, he expected two things, solely one the more strongly, that never again would they look on from each one other as in this brave meeting. That man was so well(p) that he could not withhold those deep tears fixed in his heart by the bonds of thought, a deep-felt longing for the beloved man burned-out in his... ...ld English days. From the above its obvious that abundant severalize amply demonstrates that Beowulf truly reflects an Anglo-Saxon culture which is so much different from anything modern readers are used to. BIBLIOGRAPHY Chickering, Howell D.. Beowulf A dual-Language Edition. New York Anchor Books, 1977. Cramp, Rosemary. Beowulf and Archaeology. In TheBeowulf Poet, edited byDonald K. fry. Englewood Cliffs, NJ Prentice-Hall, Inc., 1968. Robinson, Fred C.. Differences Between Modern and Anglo-Saxon Values. In Readings on Beowulf, edited by Stephen P. Thompson. San Diego Green haven Press,1998. Collins, Roger and McClure, Judith, editors. Bede The Ecclesiastical History of the English pot The Greater Chronicle Bedes Letter to Egbert. New York Oxford University Press, 1969.