Beowulf as an epic poem

Written by an anonymous Anglo Saxon author, Beowulf is an epic poem. In the epic poem, materialism and power in Anglo Saxon culture is shown multiple times. The values of the Anglo Saxons in Beowulf are bravery, honor, duty and loyalty. All of which are shown through acquired fortunes. The Herot hall and the characters show how materialism can bring fame and power.

A quote from the text that displays materialism at its finest is “Then Halfdane’s son presented Beowulf with a gold standard as a victory gift, an embroidered banner; also breat mail and a helmet; and a sword carried high, that was both precious object and token of honour.

So Beowulf drank his drink, at ease; it was hardly a shame to be showered with such gifts in front of the hall troops.”(line 1019). Hrothgar gives Beowulf treasures for his service, this isn’t unexpected this is exactly what beowulf expects from him. During the Anglo Saxon time giving gifts and treasures was a sign of respect and a thank you.

If someone helped you during a rough time like Beowulf did for Hrothgar, you are expected to give this person many treasures which also shows the people among you that you have riches. These gifts were materialistic items and showed great power because the regular people never had these kinds of riches.

Another quote from the poem proving people with materialistic treasures held great power is “It would be his throne-room and there he would dispense his god-given goods to young and old but not the common land or peoples lives.

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” (line 71). This quote shows that only the rich and powerful had the the greatest treasures. The average person in this era was poor and not as respected as the warriors and kings. Another quote that supports this idea is “The fortunes of war favoured Hrothgar”(line 64). Hrothgar was a well respected king, warriors/soldiers were loyal to him. The fortunes favored him because he was the king and he had the fortunes all to himself.

Anglo saxon society believes power is determined through materialism. However this can be questioned. The prince who is believed to be powerful due to all he owns,is fearful of Grendel as he cant defeat him. A quote that proves this is “Their mighty prince, the storied leader, sat stricken and helpless, humiliated by the loss of his guard, bewildered and stunned, staring aghast at the demon’s trail, in deep distress.(line 130). This quote demonstrates how riches are a very big part of Anglo Saxon society.

The importance of materialism and power in Anglo Saxon culture is pervasive in the poem Beowulf. The poem demonstrates how much of an affect the culture has on its society. Materialism in Anglo-Saxon culture shows power. If you are not rich in the Anglo-Saxon society you are one of the commoners without power among the people.