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Generosity, Courage, And Strength In Beowulf - Essay

Generosity, Courage, And Strength In Beowulf

The Anglo-Saxons living in the time of Beowulf did not believe in the afterlife. To them, the only way to experience life after death was to live on in the memories of others. One could fulfill this goal by being known for one’s generosity, courage, and strength. Beowulf, the protagonist of this epic poem, embodied all of these virtues and lives on in memory because of this.
First, generosity was widespread and more greatly valued during Beowulf’s time than it is now. It was not merely a virtue, but instead a necessity. Many kings were measured by the extent of their generosity.
To him in the hall, then, Healfdane's son
gave treasures twelve, and the trust-of-earls
bade him fare with ...

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Anglo-Saxons. Everyone wanted to be remembered, but only for admirable things. Being remembered for a shameful life would be much worse than dying.

Yea, death is better
for liegemen all than a life of shame!

Next, courage and strength were also looked highly upon during these pre-medieval times. In our time courage is often seen as foolish or ostentatious, while during Beowulf’s time it was seen as admirable and praiseworthy.

‘Twas now, men say, in his sovran's need
that the earl made known his noble strain,
craft and keenness and courage enduring…
Heedless of harm, though his hand was burned,
hardy-hearted, he helped his kinsman.
A little lower the loathsome beast
he smote with sword; his steel drove in
bright and burnished; that blaze began
to lose and lessen...
So had they killed it, kinsmen both,
athelings twain: thus an earl should be
in danger's day! -- Of deeds of valor
this conqueror's-hour of the king was last,
of his work in the ...

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Generosity, Courage, And Strength In Beowulf. (2004, November 21). Retrieved December 23, 2024, from http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Generosity-Courage-And-Strength-In-Beowulf/17832

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"Generosity, Courage, And Strength In Beowulf." Essayworld.com. November 21, 2004. Accessed December 23, 2024. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Generosity-Courage-And-Strength-In-Beowulf/17832.

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PAPER DETAILS

Added: 11/21/2004 10:50:14 AM
Category: English
Type: Premium Paper
Words: 699
Pages: 3

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