“Great epic poetry generally embodies the attitudes and ideals of an entire culture.” Because an Anglo Saxon poet composed Beowulf hundreds of years ago, it contains many of the beliefs held at that time. This is true although the story was not written down until many years later. As a character, Beowulf exemplifies traits of honor and bravery. As he is introduced, Beowulf is traveling across the sea to assist Hrothgar in dealing with Grendel. …showed first 75 words of 378 total…

…showed last 75 words of 378 total…it originated. The Anglo Saxon culture had values very similar to our own today, though they emphasized certain areas more strongly than others. Honor was obviously held very high among the people. Conversely, shame was looked at as a punishment of its own. While Beowulf was probably altered a few times somewhere in time from its conception to its recording, it still contains the fundamental ethic system of the society in which it was born.