Anglo-Saxon Medieval period...Beowulf...?

Question

how does Beowulf represent the political, religious and ethical beliefs of the era in which it was written?

Answer 1

See the introduction to Beowulf in Michael J. Alexander's translation (Penguin Classics, 1973), or:

www.herot.dk/beo-intro-rede.html

Answer 2

It represents the political beliefs of its time by showing the use of "comitatus". Which is sworn loyalty to a king or leader. Like Beowulf saying he will fight for King Hrothgar.

It represents the religious beliefs of the time by showing how the recently converted Christian Danes revert to sometime worshiping there old gods. The poet in the story then says they are foolish for not believing in the "real" Christian God. It also says how Grendel is descended from "sin" or Cain.

It represents the ethical beliefs by showing numerous examples of the concept of "wergild". This is where if you killed an enemy in battle you have to pay there family a fee. (It was introduced by the Catholic Church in England to try and deter fighting.)

Answer 3

Political - Beowulf is contracted by a king (the standard of the time) to temporarily serve him and rid their kingdom of a persistent monster. This practice was common, as warriors who were not kings themselves did business with kings in exchange for soldiers, wealth, weapons, etc.

Religious - There are many pagan symbols in Beowulf (the cremation of Beowulf in his death, etc) whilst also keeping the heroism seen in many Christian-tinged tales. Grendel/Grendel's mom are seen as descendants of Cain. Beowulf emerges from the lake in the "ninth hour" -- the same time as Christ's death on the cross.

Ethical -- The battle between good/evil. Since Grendel is envious (sin) of the people of Herot, he kills them (also a sin.) However, Beowulf slays Grendel and his mother, and is seen as the hero. He also buries himself with a cursed treasure after another person stole (another sin) a golden cup.

Hope that helps. =)

Answer 4

Beowulf is actually an intermingling of Christian and pagan elements because while it was written down after the Anglo-Saxons were Christianized (ca. 1000 AD), it recounts the period when the Germanic tribes still had pagan cultural practices in the 6th and 7th centuries.