Beowulf and the Anglo-Saxons

“Beowulf and Anglo-Saxon Culture” “Beowulf” is the oldest known piece of English literature, written around 700 A.D. in Old English. It is an epic poem that is a tale of its namesake, Beowulf. We can date this poem easily, not only scientifically, but also culturally. There are certain characteristics in Old English (Anglo-Saxon) society that are evident throughout the poem. Among those traits are religion, the relationship between kin, thanes, and lords, and the way …showed first 75 words of 596 total…

…showed last 75 words of 596 total…again, not being able to morn appropriately (by bringing the murderer to justice). The Anglo-Saxon civilization believed that fate determined life. They also believed in the human will; that courage allowed individuals to control their responses to fate. Fate (wyrd) is sometimes used as a substitute for “the will of God.” They admired courage, loyalty, courtesy, generosity, and perseverance. In the poem, Beowulf says, “Fate often saves an undoomed man when his courage is good.”