Question

In lines 38-55 the beowulf-poet portrays a successful king. through hrothgar’s achievements, the poet suggests his own system of values. what seems to matter to most people in his society?

Answer 1

In the Beowulf, Hrothgar has portrayed as an effective leader “The fortune of war favored Hrothgar”.

"Friends and kinsmen flocked to his ranks

young followers, a force that grew

to be a mighty army."

In that place and time, the evidence of a good leader is characterized by the one who wins the battle. People willingly followed someone who would defeat their enemies. Hrothgar in contrary to the beginning will later be paralyzed by Grendel.

What people and the poet valued was when Hrothgar built a great hall. The hall served the purpose of saving from enemies and can be used as a shelter, whenever in danger. It further added to the town's greatness. Hence the hall was the sign of power and greatness.

At last, Hrothgar  "Doled out rings/and torques at the table", that is he praised and rewarded those who deserved. Through this act, he portrayed himself as a gracious king. It was a presumably a value to the Anglo-Saxons and the poets to be rewarded.