Reflection 1

The author of Beowulf mentions many of the values of an epic Anglo-Saxon story. The building of Hrothgar’s great hall, Heorot, is but one example of the generosity displayed by the Danes, Geats, and Swedes throughout the story within and between their peoples. “it would be his throne-room and there he would dispense / his God-given goods to young and old— / but not the common land or peoples’ lives.” (71 – 3) Of course, a promise does not guarantee his generosity, so the poet further explained: “Nor did he renege, but dole out rings / and torques at the table.” (80 – 2) An example of generosity between the Danes and Swedes could perhaps be “…a daughter, I have heard, who was Onela’s queen, / a balm in the bed to the battle-scarred Swede.” (62 – 3) The reasoning behind this is that it has been common throughout history for two great houses to arrange a marriage in order to keep peace and instill kinship.

Bravery is also a heavily used value in Beowulf as the hero describes his mindset as thus: “It is always better / to avenge dear ones than to indulge in mourning, / for every one of us, living in this world / means waiting for our end. Let whoever can / win glory before death. When a warrior is gone, / that will be his best and only bulwark.” (1384 – 9) In other words, he would rather die fighting in vengeance than an old man’s death morning those he lost. This did not mean he did not fear, but that he could overcome his fear to defend his kin. “No easy bargain / would be made in that place by any man. / The veteran king sat down on the cliff-top. / He wished good luck to the Geats who had shared / his hearth and his gold. He was sad at heart, / unsettled yet ready, sensing his death. / His fate hovered near, unknowable but certain.” (2415 – 21)

The death of Beowulf served as an epic sacrifice, as portrayed in Wiglaf’s thoughts. “It was hard then on the young hero, / having to watch the one he held so dear / there on the ground, going through / his death agony. The dragon from underearth, / his nightmarish destroyer, lay destroyed as well, / utterly without life.” (2821 – 6) This sacrifice also provides wealth for the Geats, as mentioned in the following: “The treasure had been won, / bought and paid for by Beowulf’s death.” (2843 – 4) Furthermore, the wealth is much needed, as there is no great hero to take up the mantle of Beowulf. Hence, the sacrifice has value and meaning.