Perseverance In Beowulf

The Anglo-Saxon culture had many strong values that they practiced in battle, faiths, and their everyday lives. Some of these values include honor, perseverance, and loyalty (to their leader and each other). Beowulf displays and represents these values in many ways.

Honor is a quality the Anglo-Saxons practiced heavily. Anyone successful in battle, or going into battle at all, was teeming with honor from those around them. Leaders were showered with respect and honor because it’s associated with battle and success within that. Beowulf demonstrates honor as an importance of Anglo-Saxon culture in that Beowulf himself was well respected and honored greatly for his actions and intentions. This came from not only Beowulf’s own men, but Hrothgar and his men as well. Beowulf earned his honor by being a great leader amongst his own people and displaying courage and bravery when stepping up to fight

Perseverance, for the Anglo-Saxons, meant following through with something no matter the difficulty or danger, often at the expense of their own safety. Beowulf and his men are the epitome of this perseverance. Although Beowulf presses on throughout the entire epic, there is a particular moment where this value is needed more than ever and, in the end, leads him to his success. After triumphantly defeating Grendel, Beowulf has another battle in his wake. Grendel’s mother arrives to kill in revenge of the death of her son, attacking Herot (lines 41-45). Of course, Beowulf must persevere to finish what he and his men came to do; save and protect Herot. Beowulf then states, “Carrying the sword Hrunting, Beowulf goes to the lake where Grendel’s mother has her underwater lair. Then, fully armed, he dives to the depths of this water hell.” (lines 468-469). His perseverance is demonstrated fully as he commits himself to finish the battles brought to him and protect