Perseverance In Beowulf

The Anglo-Saxon culture had an abundance of 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 multiple ways.

Esteemed honor, a quality the Anglo-Saxons practiced heavily, meant giving neverending respect to those superior to them and/or engaging in battle. Anyone triumphant in protecting and fighting for those around them, or participating at all, was teeming with honor from their companions. Leaders, like Beowulf, earned respect and honor because it’s associated with battle and success within. 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

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 embodiment 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). Beowulf demonstrates his perseverance fully as he commits himself to finish the battles brought to him and protect