Question
Hear me! We've heard of Danish heroes,
Ancient kings and the glory they cut
For themselves, swinging mighty swords!
How Shild made slaves of soldiers from every
(5) Land, crowds of captives he'd beaten
Into terror; he'd traveled to Denmark alone,
An abandoned child, but changed his own fate,
Lived to be rich and much honored. He ruled
Lands on all sides: wherever the sea
(10) Would take them his soldiers sailed, returned
With tribute and obedience. There was a brave
King! And he gave them more than his glory,
Conceived a son for the Danes, a new leader
Allowed them by the grace of God. They had lived,
(15) Before his coming, kingless and miserable;
Now the Lord of all life, Ruler
Of glory, blessed them with a prince, Beo,
Whose power and fame soon spread through the
world.
Shild's strong son was the glory of Denmark;
(20) His father's warriors were wound round his heart
With golden rings bound to their prince
By his father's treasure. So young men build
The future, wisely open-handed in peace,
Protected in war; so warriors earn
(25) Their fame, and wealth is shaped with a sword.
When his time was come the old king died,
Still strong but called to the Lord's hands.
His comrades carried him down to the shore,
Bore him as their leader had asked, their lord
And companion while words could move on his
(30) tongue.
Shild's reign had been long; he'd ruled them well.
There in the harbor was a ring-prowed fighting
Ship, its timbers icy, waiting,
And there they brought the beloved body
(35) Of their ring-giving lord, and laid him near
The mast. Next to that noble corpse
They heaped up treasures, jeweled helmets,
Hooked swords and coats of mail, armor
Carried from the ends of the earth: no ship
(40) Had ever sailed so brightly fitted,
No king sent forth more deeply mourned.
Forced to set him adrift, floating
As far as the tide might run, they refused
Formatted by Andrew Keating
Beowulf | 1
Beowulf
Translated by Burton Raffel
*Glossary of Names Located at End of Text
To give him less from their hoards of gold
(45) Than those who'd shipped him away, an orphan
And a beggar, to cross the waves alone.
High up over his head they flew
His shining banner, then sadly let
The water pull at the ship, watched it
(50) Slowly sliding to where neither rulers
Nor heroes nor anyone can say whose hands
Opened to take that motionless cargo.
1
Then Beo was king in that Danish castle,
Shild's son ruling as long as his father
(55) And as loved, a famous lord of men.
And he in tum gave his people a son,
The great Healfdane, a fierce fighter
Who led the Danes to the end of his long
Life and left them four children,
(60) Three princes to guide chem in battle, Hergar
And Hrothgar and Halga the Good, and one
daughter,
Yrs, who was given to Onela, king
Of the Swedes, and became his wife and their queen.
Then Hrothgar, taking the throne, led
(65) The Danes to such glory that comrades and kinsmen
Swore by his sword, and young men swelled
His armies, and he thought of greatness and resolved
To build a hall that would hold his mighty
Band and reach higher toward Heaven than anything
(70) That had ever been known to the sons of men.
And in that hall he'd divide the spoils
Of their victories, to old and young what they'd
earned
In battle, but leaving the common pastures
Untouched, and taking no lives. The work
(75) Was ordered, the timbers tied and shaped
By the hosts that Hrothgar ruled. It was quickly
Ready, that most beautiful of dwellings, built
As he'd wanted, and then he whose word was obeyed
All over the earth named it Herot.
(80) His boast came true he commanded a banquet,
Opened out his treasure-full hands.
That towering place, gabled and huge,
Stood waiting for time to pass, for war
To begin, for flames to leap as high
As the feud chat would light chem, and for Herot to
Formatted by Andrew Keating
Beowulf | 2
Beowulf
Translated by Burton Raffel
*Glossary of Names Located at End of Text
(85) burn.
A powerful monster, living down
In the darkness, growled in pain, impatient
As day after day the music rang
Loud in chat hall, the harp's rejoicing
Choose ONE of the following characters from Beowulf and (using examples from the poem) explain how that character demonstrates Anglo-Saxon cultural values by discussing their qualities. You must identify at least 3 values to discuss for your chosen character, and provide evidence from the poem (include the quotes, citing the page from our class copy specifically), that you discuss for each example.
Remember to use the RACE writing method. Your response should have a short introduction, clear thesis statement identifying the Anglo-saxon virtues the chosen character does or does not display, and then short paragraphs discussing each value, and a brief conclusion that wraps up your argument.
Character options:
Beowulf (traits of the hero/warrior/king)
Hrothgar (traits of a king. How is he a good king? Where has he failed as king?)
Unferth (what traits does he have? Where does he fail?)
Wiglaf (traits of the young/ new hero/family member/vassal to his king)
You will be permitted to reference the text of Beowulf from the link provided for the course while writing your response so you can pull quotes. You must use this copy, and include appropriate in-text citations with page numbers.
Remember, you must include quotes from the text(cited from the specific translation from the course) for full credit on the questions. For the copy we are using, cite the line numbers.
Ancient kings and the glory they cut
For themselves, swinging mighty swords!
How Shild made slaves of soldiers from every
(5) Land, crowds of captives he'd beaten
Into terror; he'd traveled to Denmark alone,
An abandoned child, but changed his own fate,
Lived to be rich and much honored. He ruled
Lands on all sides: wherever the sea
(10) Would take them his soldiers sailed, returned
With tribute and obedience. There was a brave
King! And he gave them more than his glory,
Conceived a son for the Danes, a new leader
Allowed them by the grace of God. They had lived,
(15) Before his coming, kingless and miserable;
Now the Lord of all life, Ruler
Of glory, blessed them with a prince, Beo,
Whose power and fame soon spread through the
world.
Shild's strong son was the glory of Denmark;
(20) His father's warriors were wound round his heart
With golden rings bound to their prince
By his father's treasure. So young men build
The future, wisely open-handed in peace,
Protected in war; so warriors earn
(25) Their fame, and wealth is shaped with a sword.
When his time was come the old king died,
Still strong but called to the Lord's hands.
His comrades carried him down to the shore,
Bore him as their leader had asked, their lord
And companion while words could move on his
(30) tongue.
Shild's reign had been long; he'd ruled them well.
There in the harbor was a ring-prowed fighting
Ship, its timbers icy, waiting,
And there they brought the beloved body
(35) Of their ring-giving lord, and laid him near
The mast. Next to that noble corpse
They heaped up treasures, jeweled helmets,
Hooked swords and coats of mail, armor
Carried from the ends of the earth: no ship
(40) Had ever sailed so brightly fitted,
No king sent forth more deeply mourned.
Forced to set him adrift, floating
As far as the tide might run, they refused
Formatted by Andrew Keating
Beowulf | 1
Beowulf
Translated by Burton Raffel
*Glossary of Names Located at End of Text
To give him less from their hoards of gold
(45) Than those who'd shipped him away, an orphan
And a beggar, to cross the waves alone.
High up over his head they flew
His shining banner, then sadly let
The water pull at the ship, watched it
(50) Slowly sliding to where neither rulers
Nor heroes nor anyone can say whose hands
Opened to take that motionless cargo.
1
Then Beo was king in that Danish castle,
Shild's son ruling as long as his father
(55) And as loved, a famous lord of men.
And he in tum gave his people a son,
The great Healfdane, a fierce fighter
Who led the Danes to the end of his long
Life and left them four children,
(60) Three princes to guide chem in battle, Hergar
And Hrothgar and Halga the Good, and one
daughter,
Yrs, who was given to Onela, king
Of the Swedes, and became his wife and their queen.
Then Hrothgar, taking the throne, led
(65) The Danes to such glory that comrades and kinsmen
Swore by his sword, and young men swelled
His armies, and he thought of greatness and resolved
To build a hall that would hold his mighty
Band and reach higher toward Heaven than anything
(70) That had ever been known to the sons of men.
And in that hall he'd divide the spoils
Of their victories, to old and young what they'd
earned
In battle, but leaving the common pastures
Untouched, and taking no lives. The work
(75) Was ordered, the timbers tied and shaped
By the hosts that Hrothgar ruled. It was quickly
Ready, that most beautiful of dwellings, built
As he'd wanted, and then he whose word was obeyed
All over the earth named it Herot.
(80) His boast came true he commanded a banquet,
Opened out his treasure-full hands.
That towering place, gabled and huge,
Stood waiting for time to pass, for war
To begin, for flames to leap as high
As the feud chat would light chem, and for Herot to
Formatted by Andrew Keating
Beowulf | 2
Beowulf
Translated by Burton Raffel
*Glossary of Names Located at End of Text
(85) burn.
A powerful monster, living down
In the darkness, growled in pain, impatient
As day after day the music rang
Loud in chat hall, the harp's rejoicing
Choose ONE of the following characters from Beowulf and (using examples from the poem) explain how that character demonstrates Anglo-Saxon cultural values by discussing their qualities. You must identify at least 3 values to discuss for your chosen character, and provide evidence from the poem (include the quotes, citing the page from our class copy specifically), that you discuss for each example.
Remember to use the RACE writing method. Your response should have a short introduction, clear thesis statement identifying the Anglo-saxon virtues the chosen character does or does not display, and then short paragraphs discussing each value, and a brief conclusion that wraps up your argument.
Character options:
Beowulf (traits of the hero/warrior/king)
Hrothgar (traits of a king. How is he a good king? Where has he failed as king?)
Unferth (what traits does he have? Where does he fail?)
Wiglaf (traits of the young/ new hero/family member/vassal to his king)
You will be permitted to reference the text of Beowulf from the link provided for the course while writing your response so you can pull quotes. You must use this copy, and include appropriate in-text citations with page numbers.
Remember, you must include quotes from the text(cited from the specific translation from the course) for full credit on the questions. For the copy we are using, cite the line numbers.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
## Anglo-Saxon Cultural Values in Beowulf
The epic poem "Beowulf" presents various characters who embody the traditional values of Anglo-Saxon culture, particularly the virtues of bravery, loyalty, and leadership. For this analysis, I will focus on Beowulf, the poem’s titular character, whose qualities exemplify these cultural values throughout his journey. Through his fearless actions, unwavering loyalty to his king, and his notable leadership skills, Beowulf stands as an archetype of the Anglo-Saxon hero.
### Bravery
One of the paramount values depicted in "Beowulf" is bravery, an essential trait of the Anglo-Saxon hero. Beowulf demonstrates this quality through his courageous decision to confront Grendel, a terrifying monster terrorizing the Danes. When he hears of Hrothgar's plight, Beowulf proclaims, “I shall go to the Danes and explain / why I have come, hybrid brave in the arms of blood” (line 196). This declaration highlights his readiness to face danger for the sake of others. Moreover, when he battles Grendel, he chooses to fight without weapons, relying solely on his strength. He states, “I have heard of your great courage and your strength. / [...] I will fight Grendel with bare hands” (lines 262-265). This act of courage not only emphasizes his bravery but also sets a standard for what it means to be a hero in Anglo-Saxon culture.
### Loyalty
Another critical value in Anglo-Saxon culture is loyalty, particularly loyalty to one's king and people. Beowulf exemplifies this trait when he sails to Denmark to assist Hrothgar, who had previously helped Beowulf’s father. Beowulf says, "My courage has been proven in battle, / and for that I’ll be true to my lord" (lines 194-195). His loyalty is evident in his desire to aid Hrothgar without expecting any reward, displaying a selfless intention to protect the realm. This quality not only strengthens his bond with Hrothgar but also reflects the communal spirit valued in Anglo-Saxon society, where warriors are expected to support their king and uphold the safety of their community.
### Leadership
Lastly, Beowulf's leadership is a vital aspect of his character, showcasing the qualities of a responsible and respected king. After he defeats Grendel, he is celebrated not only for his strength but also for his ability to unite people. Hrothgar acknowledges Beowulf’s leadership attributes when he says, “You have shown great strength, / more than I can ever comprehend” (lines 807-808). Beowulf’s capacity to inspire loyalty and courage among his men, as demonstrated by his triumphs over monstrous foes, attracts followers who trust him. This leadership extends beyond mere strength; it implies wisdom and the ability to foster a sense of belonging within his ranks, essential traits for a successful king in Anglo-Saxon ethos.
### Conclusion
In conclusion, Beowulf serves as a quintessential representation of Anglo-Saxon cultural values through his demonstration of bravery, loyalty, and leadership. His formidable courage to face adversaries, unwavering dedication to his king, and natural ability to lead and inspire others underscore the heroic ideals celebrated within Anglo-Saxon society. As a warrior, he not only embodies these values himself but also inspires those around him to uphold the same virtues, solidifying his legacy as an iconic hero in literature. Through Beowulf, we see a profound reflection of the cultural fabric of the time, where strength, loyalty, and leadership are revered above all.
The epic poem "Beowulf" presents various characters who embody the traditional values of Anglo-Saxon culture, particularly the virtues of bravery, loyalty, and leadership. For this analysis, I will focus on Beowulf, the poem’s titular character, whose qualities exemplify these cultural values throughout his journey. Through his fearless actions, unwavering loyalty to his king, and his notable leadership skills, Beowulf stands as an archetype of the Anglo-Saxon hero.
### Bravery
One of the paramount values depicted in "Beowulf" is bravery, an essential trait of the Anglo-Saxon hero. Beowulf demonstrates this quality through his courageous decision to confront Grendel, a terrifying monster terrorizing the Danes. When he hears of Hrothgar's plight, Beowulf proclaims, “I shall go to the Danes and explain / why I have come, hybrid brave in the arms of blood” (line 196). This declaration highlights his readiness to face danger for the sake of others. Moreover, when he battles Grendel, he chooses to fight without weapons, relying solely on his strength. He states, “I have heard of your great courage and your strength. / [...] I will fight Grendel with bare hands” (lines 262-265). This act of courage not only emphasizes his bravery but also sets a standard for what it means to be a hero in Anglo-Saxon culture.
### Loyalty
Another critical value in Anglo-Saxon culture is loyalty, particularly loyalty to one's king and people. Beowulf exemplifies this trait when he sails to Denmark to assist Hrothgar, who had previously helped Beowulf’s father. Beowulf says, "My courage has been proven in battle, / and for that I’ll be true to my lord" (lines 194-195). His loyalty is evident in his desire to aid Hrothgar without expecting any reward, displaying a selfless intention to protect the realm. This quality not only strengthens his bond with Hrothgar but also reflects the communal spirit valued in Anglo-Saxon society, where warriors are expected to support their king and uphold the safety of their community.
### Leadership
Lastly, Beowulf's leadership is a vital aspect of his character, showcasing the qualities of a responsible and respected king. After he defeats Grendel, he is celebrated not only for his strength but also for his ability to unite people. Hrothgar acknowledges Beowulf’s leadership attributes when he says, “You have shown great strength, / more than I can ever comprehend” (lines 807-808). Beowulf’s capacity to inspire loyalty and courage among his men, as demonstrated by his triumphs over monstrous foes, attracts followers who trust him. This leadership extends beyond mere strength; it implies wisdom and the ability to foster a sense of belonging within his ranks, essential traits for a successful king in Anglo-Saxon ethos.
### Conclusion
In conclusion, Beowulf serves as a quintessential representation of Anglo-Saxon cultural values through his demonstration of bravery, loyalty, and leadership. His formidable courage to face adversaries, unwavering dedication to his king, and natural ability to lead and inspire others underscore the heroic ideals celebrated within Anglo-Saxon society. As a warrior, he not only embodies these values himself but also inspires those around him to uphold the same virtues, solidifying his legacy as an iconic hero in literature. Through Beowulf, we see a profound reflection of the cultural fabric of the time, where strength, loyalty, and leadership are revered above all.