Beowolf

             In the anonymous Anglo-Saxon epic Beowulf, the characters exemplify values of the culture at the time it was conceived. The character of Beowulf illustrates some of these qualities better than other characters. On one side, these qualities proved helpful in Beowulf's conquests. But on the other hand, they worked against him sometimes. In the end, some even proved to be mortal for him. Beowulf shows three traits particularly well. These are the qualities of physical strength, courage, and being very materialistic.
             First of all, Beowulf is a very physically strong person. He uses his strength in very positive ways, much of which include defending and saving others. The first battle Beowulf must endure is against Grendel, the horrible monster attacking Hrothgar's soldiers. While fighting, the monstrous Grendel is surprised and: "Knew at once that nowhere on earth had he met a man whose hands were harder nothing could take his talons and himself from that tight hard grip."(line 433) Considering how this is thought of by a monster that can devour men, Beowulf must be exceptionally strong. Soon after Beowulf arrives at Herot, he is in a small argument with a slightly drunken Unferth. While conversing, a swimming match Beowulf and Brecca, one of Beowulf's old friends, had comes up. In this swimming match, Beowulf and Brecca were competing to find out who could swim further, and for a longer time. "No man swims in the sea as I can, no strength is a match for mine,"(line 266) is how Beowulf describes his actual abilities. This is an example of how not only is Beowulf incredibly strong, but he knows it.
             In relation to Beowulf's match with Brecca, another quality of Beowulf surfaces. This is his quality of courage, one of the most highly valued qualities of the Anglo-Saxon times. During the swimming match between Beowulf and Brecca, Beowulf never left Brecca's side. This was not because he could not, but because he did not want Brecca to get hurt.