The epic poem Beowulf embodies the ideals of the entire Anglo-Saxon culture. Anglo-Saxons placed high significance on loyalty and courage as well as personal fame and recognition. Beowulf, a hero willing to defend his honor and die a worthy death, is willing to do anything in order to become “immortal”. Beowulf captures the core of Anglo-Saxon warfare, it also lets the reader know that law and order even in those days, was the responsibility of the leader. People made their names by gaining riches and defeating monsters. Loyal dependency was basic to Anglo Saxon life; it grew out of a need to protect the group (their tribe) from all terrors and enemies. “… A powerful monster, living down/ In the darkness, growled in pain, impatient/ As day after day the music rang/ Loud in that hall, the harp’s rejoicing”(Raffel).
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