Beowulf

             Beowulf, the protagonist of the epic poem, embodied all of these virtues and lives on in memory because of this. First, generosity was widespread and more greatly valued during Beowulf's time than it is now. It was not merely a virtue, but instead a necessity. Many kings were measured by the extent of their generosity. If Hrothgar had not displayed his gratitude for Beowulf's great deeds he would have been looked down upon. He might be remembered for his lack of charity instead, and that would be the equivalent of going to hell for the early Anglo-Saxons. Everyone wanted to be remembered, but only for admirable things. Being remembered for a shameful life would be much worse than dying. Yea, death is better for liegemen all than a life of shame! Next, courage and strength were also looked highly upon during these pre-medieval times. In our time courage is often seen as foolish or ostentatious, while during Beowulf's time it was seen as admirable and praiseworthy. Slaying the great dragon was not only Beowulf's last act of courage, but also Wiglaf's first. Beowulf eventually died from a wound suffered in this battle and had a tower constructed in his memory. Many other acts of courage were displayed by Beowulf during his lifetime and they also furthered his fame, glory, and story. Beowulf was not only courageous, but he was also the strongest man in the world. He was the mightiest man of valor in that same day of this our life, stalwart and stately. This strength brought him great respect from all. It was the one thing that truly set him apart from all the other men. If one lacked generosity, strength, or courage, one could always just claim to have them. Men during Beowulf's time were very proud and often boasted and exaggerated at any chance they had and its like that today too. While pride and boasting were widespread throughout all of the men they said that they looked down on it.