Beowulf is an epic tale of a strong man who is a hero to all. Beowulf expresses loyalty and bravery like no other man before or after him. Throughout the story pagan and religious elements are discussed between the lines of there lives.
Loyalty is one of the traits that the Anglo-Saxons admired and is a major role in Beowulf and his surroundings. Wiglaf, one of Beowulf's soldiers and friends, shows great loyalty towards Beowulf when he is the only one that stays during the time Beowulf fights the last dragon. Wiglaf also tries to give a speech to Beowulf's men to try to support him. " All of us swore to repay him, / kindness for kindness/with our lives- (766-767). This action sums it up; Wiglaf has shown his loyalty towards Beowulf. Loyalty also shows when Beowulf dies by the last dragon and Wiglaf follows his request, which is to build a light tower for the sailors so they can find there way. " Have/The brave Geats build me a tomb/when the funeral flames have burned me, and build it/Here, at the waters edge, high/on this spit of land so sailors can see," (809-813). The progression of there friendship has reached a wonderful peak by Wiglaf granting his wish.
Anglo-Saxons also believed bravery as an important part of life and a highly respectable trait. When Beowulf, an Anglo-Saxon, goes to fight the final dragon he is one of the only few that stays and fights the dragon. "He strode calmly, confidently, toward the tower under/The rocky cliffs: No coward could have walked there!" (690-691). This shows Beowulf's demeanor when walking to fight the fire breathing dragon, he is not afraid. Bravery also shows when Beowulf and Brecca have a swimming match to see who is more skilled and stronger. " Winter/churned through the water, the waves ran you/As they willed, and we struggled seven long nights/To survive- (248-251). This match is completely brutal. Even though Beowulf prevails, both of the men exercise their bravery.