Many historians and authors, such as Tacitus, described Anglo-Saxon England as a region dominated by warlike, belligerent tribes of Germanic descent. These people constantly fought for territories and treasures, which they possessed or wished to acquire. It was the duty of a king or a lord to acquire jewels and armor for his people and that was how he kept his kinsmen loyal to him. In the legendary epic poem, Beowulf, these traits of Anglo-Saxon culture are clearly defined. The character of Beowulf is a true representative of Anglo-Saxon culture. First, Beowulf performs his duties as a kinsman to his uncle, Hygelac, with loyalty and dedication. Further, a reader witnesses Beowulf acting as a lord to his people, acquiring land and treasures for them. Moreover, the attitude of unknown narrator of the poem reflects his support and approval of the culture described in Beowulf.

The epic, Beowulf, begins with the funeral of Shield Sheafson, the originator of the Danish people. Shield Sheafson is described as a "scourge of many tribes, a wrecker of mead-benches, rampaging among foes" (lines 4-5). Obviously, this ring-giver has led an aggressive and violent life. He has terrorized his neighbors and rival tribes, destroyed their mead-halls or gathering places, and in addition, made them pay tribute. Therefore, while the king was alive, his tribe was protected from enemies, fed, clothed and enjoyed the treasures which their lord acquired for them. The author of the epic shows his approval of this culture and its attributes by saying that Shield Sheafson "was one good king" (line 10). Kinship was one of the main aspects of Anglo-Saxon England - a lord led his men in fyrd (journey or expedition) against enemies, acquired treasures for them and protected his tribe and in return for all that, his kinsmen were loyal to him and followed their lord in battles. People were not identified on a demographic basis, but by their belonging to a particular king or a ring-giver.

Furthermore, the idea of kinship is demonstrated in other parts of the epic. When Beowulf is described preparing to fight the dragon, his last battle, Wiglaf follows Beowulf, his lord, into the fray. Wiglaf remains by Beowulf's side until the hero's death, although the rest of Beowulf's warriors disappear with the first sight of the dragon. Wiglaf demonstrates his loyalty not to his country or to his tribe, but particularly to his lord, Beowulf:

		Go on, dear Beowulf, do everything
		you said you would when you were still young
		and vowed you would never let your name and fame
		be dimmed while you lived. Your deeds are famous,
		so stay resolute, my lord, defend your life now
		with the whole of your strength. I shall stand by you.(2663-2668)

The theme of revenge is equally important in this culture. Hrothgar, Shield Sheafson's descendant, has a very big problem - Grendel, a monster, scavenges his tribe and killes Hrothgar's thanes for twelve years. Hrothgar is unable to defend his people against Grendel due to his age. Therefore, Beowulf decides to avenge Hrothgar's people in the battle with Grendel. The narrator approves Beowulf's actions and debases cowardly Unferth, who lends Beowulf his sword and is afraid to stand up for his lord against Grendel. Beowulf challenges Unferth on this matter:

		Now I cannot recall
		any fight you entered, Unferth,
		that bears comparison.
		You killed your own kith and kin,
		so for all your cleverness and quick tongue,
		you will suffer damnation in the depths of hell.(582-589)

Finally, the author of Beowulf emphasizes the importance of arms and war-gear in Anglo-Saxon culture. First of all, one's sword has a name and is one of the main attributes of a soldier's gear. Beowulf's swords are named Hrunting and Naegling, and are considered to possess great powers, necessary to defeat an enemy. Even King Arthur's sword has a name, Excalibur, although this character appears in the history of England much later than Beowulf. Furthermore, a soldier's sword is one of his most prized possessions. Giving a sword away, as Unferth does, is considered as giving away one's honor and respect as a warrior:

		When he lent that blade to the better swordsman,
		Unferth, the strong-built son of Ecglaf,
		could hardly have remembered the ranting speech
		he had made in his cups. He was not man enough
		to face the turmoil of a fight under water
		and the risk to his life. So there he lost
		fame and repute. (1465-1471)

		Never before has a force under arms
		disembarked so openly...
		Nor have I seen a mightier man-at-arms on this earth
		than the one standing here: unless I am mistaken,
		he is truly noble. This is no mere hanger-on in a hero's armor. 
		(243-251)

The Anglo-Saxon period in the history of England was distinguished by its ruthlessness and violence. And, yet, it was the period of great warriors masterfully described in the ancient epic Beowulf. This legend depicts all of the main characteristics of the Anglo-Saxon culture, its traditions and people's behavior. The poem is far from being a pacifist poem, for its author clearly approves the behavior and the actions of the main characters. The author hits upon numerous important aspects, which define this culture, making Beowulf one of the most valuable literary as well as historical works of the time.

Works Cited