The pagan Germans, Greeks, and other ancient peoples believed that fame and glory are the only things that survive a person’s de
ath. What elements in Beowulf show the value of a person's fame and reputation for the Anglo-Saxon society? Write an essay in which you use examples from the poem to support your answer
Beowulf's goal is to gain glory by killing Grendel. His deeds have given him a reputation for heroism and support from his people to help the Danes. When Beowulf goes into the lake to fight Grendel's mother, the bystanders fear he has lost his life and fame. The death equals defeat equals loss of glory. Beowulf has the characteristics of an epic hero, which include qualities such as bravery and loyalty.
This evidence shows that war and bravery are important in Achilles's ancient Greek society. He is given men and ships to go to war and although his mother weeps when she sends him off it portrays a sense of bravery in Achilles.
