Anglo-Saxon Ideal Code of Conduct :: Beowulf Epic Poems Anglo-Saxon Literature Essays

Anglo-Saxon Ideal Code of ConductThe epic poem of Beowulf presents the characteristics of two heroes,Beowulf and Hrothgar. During this Anglo-Saxon time period, Hrothgar rules asthe world power of his Danish lands. However, this king faces many a(prenominal) problems due to thedisturbances of a monster known as Grendel. As an Anglo-Saxon warrior of thetime, Beowulf hears of this peter and journeys through the heros path tokill Grendel. Through this journey, Hrothgar and Beowulf reconstruct the graveof direct of an ideal Anglo-Saxon king and warrior. The Danish lands of the time are ruled by Hrothgar, a view andgenerous king. These qualities of character were value by the people of histime and place. All people of Hrothgars kingdom respected this king, and theyall accepted his very word far and wide as a command. The people also givehim great titles such as the Lord of the Mighty Danes, guardian of theScyldings, and protector of warriors. Much of these peoples respect as cend inresponse to Hrothgars generosity to everyone. This generosity can be seentowards Beowulf, when the king gives his thanks for the heroic deeds of thewarrior. Hrothgar bribes Beowulf with priceless material as he says to thewarrior, You shall lack no earthly riches I can render you. The people of theland also trust their king, who holds a strong article of belief in theology. In the scenewhere Hrothgar celebrates Grendels death, he holds the monsters hand as he says,Let us give thanks at once to God Almighty for this sight. The followers ofthe king both respect and trust their ruler, and through his generosity andstrong trust in good, Hrothgar displays the ideal decree of conduct for an Anglo-Saxon king. Another epic hero that has qualities that follow the Anglo-Saxon code ofconduct is Beowulf. This warrior, known to be the strongest man alive, leavesfor a heroic journey when he hears of the evil Grendel. He first shows hisstrength and bravery when he sets sail to assi st Hrothgar in defeating Grendelafter hearing news of the creature in his own land. Beowulf is constantlyreferred to as brave, such as when he defeats Grendel, and Hrothgar must rewardhim for his heroics. As the brave man moved preliminary until he stood immediatelybefore the Danish lord, Hrothgar says, I will reward this brave man withtreasures. The unbeatable strength of Beowulf shows during his confrontationwith Grendel, when the monster direct realizes that never had he met any man