Throughout the epic Beowulf, many values of the Anglo-Saxon society can be seen; in addition, the overarching theme that one might achieve immortality through fame is present. Upon his arrival to Herot to meet with King Hrothgar, Beowulf stated in his boast, “my lord Higlac might think less of me if I let my sword go where my feet were afraid to” (Raffel 25). The Anglo-Saxons were a people that valued personal bravery and strength displayed in war. Therefore, by stating he would fight off the monster without a sword, Beowulf was boasting of his strength and bravery to Hrothgar. After listening to Beowulf’s boast, Hrothgar stated, “Beowulf, a banquet in your honor: let us toast your victories, and talk of the future” (Raffel 26). A common Anglo-Saxon ideal was that lords and kings should display open-handed hospitality to the thanes. By throwing a banquet in Beowulf’s honor, the king was displaying hospitality to one who was of a lower social rank than himself and of a different land. Further, the overarching theme that immortality can be reached through fame is an ideal that was very present in Anglo-Saxon culture. In Beowulf’s final battle with the dragon, he told his men, “This fight is not yours, nor is it up to any man except me” (Heaney 43). While facing the dragon, Beowulf could have had the nation’s most elite warriors fighting alongside him. However, his longing to be remembered as a hero led him into the battle alone. Despite the obvious pride seen in Beowulf’s character, in the end, he was made immortal, even after his death, due to his good deeds, for the story states, “[the people] gave thanks for his greatness…and [cherished] his memory” (Heaney 48). Therefore, while Beowulf had left the earth, he would forever remain immortal in the hearts of his people. Therefore, the epic displays countless values of Anglo-Saxon culture, while tying into the universal theme that one may reach immortality through fame.
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