An Analysis of the Epic Poem, Beowulf - Anglo-Saxon...

Anglo-Saxon Customs and Values Reflected in Beowulf Readers today approach the Anglo-Saxon poem Beowulf with cultural preconceptions very different from those expressed by the author of this poem. This essay hopes to enlighten the modern reader regarding the customs and values from the time of the poem’s composition. Beowulf makes reference to Ingeld and his wife and the coming Heathobard feud: in that hot passion his love for peace-weaver, his wife, will cool (2065-66) This is a rare passage, for Anglo-Saxon poetry rarely mentions romantic feelings between spouses. In fact, one’s marital status was even†¦show more content†¦And when the Geats’ boat had traversed the sea and they arrived back in Geatland, there is an expression of affection for Hygelac: the son of Healfdene gave me [treasures] at my own choice, which I wish, great king, to bring to you, to show my good will. All my joys still depend on you: I have few relatives, and no chief kinsman except you, Hygelac (2146-52) Well, it’s obvious where the hero’s gifts are going – right into the arms of Hygelac, because of this strong feeling of kinship between these two warriors, one the uncle of the other. The Anglo-Saxon culture’s strong ties of kinship between male members of one’s family made the members feel duty-bound to avenge a family member’s death. Feuds between families, clans, tribes and nations were passed down from generation to generation until revenge was effected. Consider Beowulf’s revenge of the murder of Heardred, son of Hygelac, by the sons of Othere. And the awaited revenge on the Geats by the Swedes in retaliation for Wulf and Eofor’s killing of Ongentheow. Hygelac, going â€Å"to the land of the Frisians, attacked the Hetware,† provoking a feud between the Geats on one side and the Franks, Frisians and Mereovingians on the other side. Sword wounds wereShow MoreRelatedChildrens Literature13219 Words   |  53 Pagesand John Locke: Late 1600s 8 3. Beginning of Children’s Literature: Late 1700s 10 4. Fairy and Folk Tales 12 The Golden Age of Children’s Literature: Late 1800s 12 5. Victorian Childrens Literature 16 6. Contemporary Childrens Literature 18 6. Analysis of Harry Potters’ series 21 7. Conclusion 30 8. Summary 31 Children’s Literature Definitions 31 The Ancient World [ancient Rome; 50 BCE to 500 CE] 31 The Middle Ages [500 to 1500 CE] 31 The European Renaissance [1500-1650 CE] 32 The 17th Century