For centuries, the epic poem “Beowulf” has served a multitude of purposes for historians trying to forge an accurate image of early Anglo-Saxon society. Due to the apparent shortage of credible primary sources pertaining to the time in question, it becomes ever more clear why this sole thread of Anglo-Saxon literature is so heavily investigated by those in the field. As it pertains to this essay, the epic poem will be used to shed light on the prevalent gender roles exinsistant within Anglo-Saxon culture. As was common for the majority of societies in Medieval Europe, Christianity would leave a huge imprint on the basic framework of these gender expectations and helped forge what would constitute the ideal man and woman of the time. Through
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The poem itself takes little time in displaying this connection. Upon introducing himself to Hrothgar and the Danish court, Beowulf clarifies his deepest intentions of ridding the king and his palace of the creature Grendel who has stricken immense grief in the life of the Danes. In the same breath Beowulf eludes to the possibility of failure, “Whichever one death fells must deem it a judgement by God.”. By making this statement, Beowulf simultaneously displays his abundant confidence in his ability to defeat Grendel and also his awareness that he is only man, and is vulnerable to the failures which could arise by taking on this beast. The theme of an ideal leader being powerful yet humble is one which resurfaces consistently. Not to put aside the existing desire for a strong leader, as the story would go the only weapon necessary for Beowulf to defeat Grendel, a monster previously eluded by so many warriors, was his mighty grip. But upon completion of this great feat Beowulf was humbly reminded again by Hrothgar “Do not give way to pride. For a brief while your strength is in bloom but it fades quickly; and soon there will follow illness or the sword to lay you low…”. This delicate balance of personality clearly dictates the Anglo-Saxon version of the ideal
The poem itself takes little time in displaying this connection. Upon introducing himself to Hrothgar and the Danish court, Beowulf clarifies his deepest intentions of ridding the king and his palace of the creature Grendel who has stricken immense grief in the life of the Danes. In the same breath Beowulf eludes to the possibility of failure, “Whichever one death fells must deem it a judgement by God.”. By making this statement, Beowulf simultaneously displays his abundant confidence in his ability to defeat Grendel and also his awareness that he is only man, and is vulnerable to the failures which could arise by taking on this beast. The theme of an ideal leader being powerful yet humble is one which resurfaces consistently. Not to put aside the existing desire for a strong leader, as the story would go the only weapon necessary for Beowulf to defeat Grendel, a monster previously eluded by so many warriors, was his mighty grip. But upon completion of this great feat Beowulf was humbly reminded again by Hrothgar “Do not give way to pride. For a brief while your strength is in bloom but it fades quickly; and soon there will follow illness or the sword to lay you low…”. This delicate balance of personality clearly dictates the Anglo-Saxon version of the ideal