"No one knows when Beowulf was composed, or by whom, or why. Main characters of any epic poem always represent the strongest values of his culture. The epic poem Beowulf is a slight glimpse into the past values. The main character Beowulf is a typical Anglo-Saxon hero. He has many traits including good leadership skills, the want for fame, and determination. Beowulf is young, about 18, and is trusted by the Geats. The culture of many Anglo-Saxon people include the need for certain traits of their leaders. Among many others, some of the most important traits are: bravery, arrogance, and strategic thinking; all of which, Beowulf posses.
Strategic thinking is very useful to heroes and the Anglo-Saxon culture. It allows even ordinary people to reason and formulate a plan for their problem. Many heroes possessed this trait as it was almost necessary to survive. .
And Beowulf drew.
His battle-sharp dagger: the blood-stained old king.
Still knew what he was doing. Quickly, he cut .
The beast in half, slit it apart.
(37. 2701-2705).
This citation refers to Beowulf's last battle. Even in the grasp of death's hands, he had enough sense or strategic thinking about him to stab the dragon one last time; the stab wound that finally killed him. .
Arrogance, despite popular belief, was a positive trait during the time of the Anglo-Saxons. Arrogance not only helped the heroes tell their stories, it allowed them to obtain an optimistic out-look on many situations. .
" A monster seized me, drew me.
Swiftly toward the bottom, swimming with its claws.
Tight in my flesh. But fate let me.
Find its heart with my sword, hack myself.
Free; I fought that beast's last battle,.
Left it floating lifeless in the sea.".
(8.554-558).
Here, Beowulf is bragging to the people in attendance at Herot. Although he does give some credit to fate, he talks about his battle with the raging sea and how he overcame many obstacles such as this monster.
