Beowulf's Honor Code Essay

Beowulf depicts the heroic code of honor that is defined, and exposes preAnglo-Saxon culture. The story is set in Scandinavia, however is part of a Germanic oral tradition. Beowulf is a record of heroic deeds, the concept of identity both of which the two principal ideas are of heritage and individual reputation. The opening passages introduce the reader to a world in which every male figure is known as his fathers son. Characters in the poem are unable to talk about their identity or even introduce themselves without referring to family. This concern with family history is very important as the poem puts a great focus on kinship bonds and relationships throughout the book. In the poem the characters try with a great inspiration to act as their ancestors had to take and carry out the pride they exposed. A foundling to start with, he would flourish later on as his powers waxed on his worth was proved. In the end each clan on the outlying coasts beyond the whale-road had to yield to him and begin to pay tribute. That was a good king. (Beowulf 7-11 Page 3) Characters are constantly defined in by their fathers and ancestors. This passage also shows heroic action as a cultural value and shows how important it is.

While heritage is the model for shaping of their behavior and identity, a good reputation was the key in modeling the best and most well known identity. Shield Sheafson, the legendary originator of the Danish royalty, was orphaned, and the only way for him to develop an identity for himself was to carry out deeds that would be renowned and remembered. While Beowulfs pagan warrior culture doesnt seem to have a concept of the afterlife, it sees fame as a way of ensuring that an individuals will continue on after death, in a story that preoccupation in a world where death seems always to be knocking at the door.

Beowulf is devoted to articulating and illustrating the Germanic heroic code, which values strength, courage, and loyalty in warriors; hospitality, generosity, and political skill in kings; ceremoniousness in women; and good reputation in all people. Traditional and much respected, this code is vital to warrior societies in order for understanding their relationships to the world and problems lurking beyond their boundaries. All of the characters moral judgments stem from the codes mandates. This means individual actions can be seen only as either conforming to or violating the code.

The poem highlights the codes points of tension by recounting situations that expose its internal contradictions in values. The poem contains several stories that concern divided loyalties, situations for which guidance of how to act is explained. For example, the poet relates that the Danish Hildeburh marries the Frisian king. When, in the war between the Danes and the Frisians, both her Danish brother and her Frisian son are killed. Wise sir, do not grieve. It is always better to avenge dear ones than to indulge in mourning. For every one of us, living in this world means waiting or our end. Let whoever can win glory before death. When a warrior is gone, that will be his best and only bulwark. (Beowulf 13841389, PAGE 37)

The code is also often in tension with the values of medieval Christianity. While the code maintains that honor is gained during life through deeds, Christianity says that glory lies in the afterlife. Similarly, while the warrior culture is always better to strike back than it is to mourn over the situation. The Christians promote a peaceful, forgiving attitude toward ones enemies. Throughout the poem, the poet strains to present these two sets of values. Even though he is Christian, he doesnt seem to deny the key Pagan values of the story.

Beowulf is one of the most well known poems of all time, and will be continued to be taught for many years to come as it depicts different relationships throughout time as well as religion and traits of warriors. This poem was preserved and is being kept in London. The fact that this manuscripts Cotton Vitellius A xv is the only to survive.. This poem was also part of a series of adventures that were told. (Beowulf Page 81 -83) So not only is this poem great for a humanities class because of the explanation of Anglo-Saxon time, but it is also a great piece of history.