Journal 2

Beowulf reveals the ideals and attitudes of an Anglo-Saxon society. The code of comitatus is followed by loyal warriors, such as Beowulf and Wiglaf. Anglo Saxon’s didn’t believe in an afterlife, so most men strived to accomplish all that they could during their time on Earth. If a man’s bravery is truly great, then that man could expect to be enshrined in Anglo- Saxon society. Furthermore, Anglo Saxon society also constituted of earthly virtues of bravery, loyalty, generosity, and friendship. In the epic of Beowulf, Beowulf and Wiglaf struggled to conqueror evil, while being the most virtuous soldier. The universal theme that is revealed in Beowulf is heroism and the concept of identify. In Beowulf, just like in Anglo Saxon society, the people are defined by their brave ancestors or their virtuous lineage. For example, one of the heroes enshrined in society is Scyld Scefing. Scyld is referred to as “Scyld son of Scef” because he represents his noble family (21).