Examples Of Sacrifice In Beowulf

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Duty, Glory, Sacrifice
(An Analysis of Beowulf’s Motivations)

The Anglo-Saxon Code is an ancient way of life. The Anglo-Saxon people lived by this code, and were reminded of it through the story of Beowulf. What people don’t realize, is our culture has been affected from this ancient code. We honor individuals that are brave, loyal, and great. Beowulf was one of the greatest heroes of history, and is the template for this code. The Anglo-Saxon code is what motivates Beowulf to be a hero. His motivations are a sense of duty, he wants to be glorious, and he would do anything for his people, even if it meant he had to sacrifice his life.
Beowulf had one reason to help Hrothgar with his monster problem, and that was because it was his duty. The wise men of his county told him to help the Danish king because they knew he could kill this monster, Grendel. “None of the wise ones regretted …show more content…
Beowulf wanted to be remembered.Beowulf made a request to king Hrothgar asking if he could kill Grendel bare handed. “I have heard, too, that the monster’s scorn of men is so great that he needs no weapons and fears none, nor will I.” (Page 48 Beowulf) Even after he slew Grendel, he wanted to help the king more, by killing Grendel’s mother. He wants the glory of defeating not one, but two monsters for Hrothgar, and he almost dies fighting Grendel’s mother.
Sacrifice is a hard virtue to find. Beowulf, in his final battle, shows this virtue selflessly. A dragon has come to Beowulf’s kingdom, and wrecks havoc on the place. Beowulf is now and old man, and still chooses to fight for his people. Beowulf said on page of Beowulf, “I’ve never known fear, as a youth I fought in endless battles. I am old, now, but i will fight again, seek fame still,If the dragon hiding in his tower dares to face me.” Beowulf kills the dragon, but at the cost of his own life. His final request was to have a lighthouse named after him, so he will never be

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