Theme of Beowulf

The Anglo-Saxons were the members of the Germanic peoples who invaded England, and were there at


the time of the Norman Conquest.   They were people of their own time, language and culture.   In the


Anglo-Saxon adventure filled tale of Beowulf, the heron Beowulf was, at the time, considered the modern


day superman.   His character exemplifies the Germanic hero, and consequently the Anglo-Saxon ideal:


strong, fearless, bold, loyal, and stoic in his acceptance of fate. With the absence of humility, yet his


important role in society and his ideals of chivalry, Beowulf was the definition of a hero in his own


time.   This novel develops the theme that with honor towards chivalry and faith in yourself, anything can


be accomplished. To be a hero in the Anglo-Saxon period, you proved yourself by doing good deeds,


showing honor and exemplifying bravery.   But with all of his amazing characteristics, Beowulf had a hard


time proving humility.   "you're Beowulf, are you - the same boastful foo!


l who fought a swimming match with Brecca, both of you daring and young and proud, exploring the deepest


seas, risking your lives for no reason but the danger?   All older and wiser heads warned you not to, but


no one could check such pride."(p.39,   Beowulf).   This quote best describes Beowulf as a child, full of


pride and not that good at hiding it.   "I fought that beast's last battle, left it floating lifeless in


the sea." (p.40 Beowulf).   Another quote that showed that in his older age, he had no problem expressing


how good he was. A Knight , a hero in the near future, was not one to be as outspoken of his capabilities


as Beowulf, even though they did both have the same roles in society and honor towards chivalry.   Two


qualities that did make Beowulf look a lot more heroic, unlike his absence of humility.


Beowulf's role in society...