o head back to his homeland. Here he states If ever I hear from across the ocean that people on you your borders are threatening battle as attackers have done from time to time, I shall land with a thousand Thanes at my back to help your cause(p125). This promise is a true example of loyalty. Beowulf has more than repaid the debt of loyalty his father had created; yet he still is inclined to pledge an allegiance with Hrothgar. Beowulf provided a clear view of the Anglo-Saxon ideal of loyalty.Another Anglo-Saxon ideal Beowulf clearly depicts is the idea of the super strong hero. Men who were considered to be great were almost always men of exceptional physical strength and fighting ability. In this characteristic Beowulf definitely excelled.For example in a conversation between Hrothgar and one of his seamen, we learn that Beowulf is a thane, they declared, with the strength of thirty in the grip of each hand.(p.27). This statement gives light to the idea that in this culture men of strength are known throughout the land. A second example of Beowulfs mighty strength is when his is fighting Grendel. Only a man with incredible strength could boast to Grendel when it comes to fighting, I count myself as dangerous any day as Grendelp(47). This is a very bold statement to be made because Grendel has already killed some of the best fighters in the land. A last example of the Anglo Saxons ideal of human strength comes after Beowulf has defeated Grendel. The narrator says Nowhere, they said north or south between the two seas or under the tall sky on the broad earth was there anyone better to raise a shield or to rule a kingdom(p.57). This statement shows that the people living in this time idealized and stood behind men of considerable strength. They praised men of power who could accomplish feats that no other men could. In the poem Beowulf was that man.A third ideal that Beowulf embodied was that of courage. In the Anglo-Saxon ...
