The Power and Importance of Inheritance, Ancestry, and Warrior Culture in Beowulf's Society

 Essay Sample on Beowulf

The following sample essay on Beowulf.  Іs a poem of leaders, warriors, evil, and good.It is also a poem of heroes and tragic losses. What kind of a community is revealed from these subjects if it is the community itself, which provokes peace and violence for these warriors to be hailed by?What organization and values does the community hold in this poem? Throughout the poem there is reference to kings and lords.In thefirst chapter it is revealed that it is a feudal society.

“Then Beo was king in that Danish castle, Shild’s son ruling as long as his father and as loved, a famous lord of men.”(Beowulf, 25/53).Kings and lords are the ruling class in this noble society. It is a male dominated household with the father passing his legacy to thefirst son at his death.Inheritance was the key to success in the community as Timothy Rueter explains how Charles the Fat gained his titles in the early Middle Ages.

“…The Alemannic kingdom which he inherited from his father in 876 and the remainder of the east Frankish kingdom which he inherited from his older brother…in 882.”(Germany, 115). Whenever Beowulf travels to a land he is always asked to state his father’s name and sum his life into an opening statement before procuring his business.

“We are Geats, men who follow Higlac.My father was a famous soldier, known far and wide as a leader of men.His name was Edgetho.

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His life lasted many winters; wise men all over the earth surely remembers him still.And we have come seeking your prince, Healfdane’s son, protector of his people, only in friendship.”(Beowulf, 31/260).This quote furthers the notion that the male controls the society and the family name must be maintained to gain power.Ancestors are held in a religious fashion among the family. Beowulf also shows us that it is a warrior community.