Beowulf Analysis

In the Anglo-Saxon society, all people strove to become a hero, but to maintain the heroic status, the hero must uphold and abide by its rules. Furthermore, humility had no place in the Anglo-Saxon society. To become a hero, one must first establish a name for himself. The people did not consider boasting an ill-mannered quality, as long as one could back his words with deeds. Finally, the Anglo-Saxon hero was expected to be able to perform all those things necessary for life with utmost excellence.
Therefore, one must ask the question, “Does Beowulf uphold these heroic standards?” According to the welcoming party that he received at Herot and from King Hrothgar, Beowulf had undoubtedly begun to establish a name for himself. The people knew about his valorous feats in the ocean. Furthermore, Beowulf went to Denmark of his own free will to help the Danes stop the murderous deeds of Grendel. We can further develop Beowulf’s heroic character by contrasting his life wit...