Journal Feb 25 & 26 List five to ten life lessons that can be learned from the poem “Beowulf. Give a brief explanation of each lesson and how we learn it from the poem.

Beowulf “The Return”

The Final Battle Every Epic has a final battle –Offers a final opportunity for the hero to be tested –Allows the hero to fulfill their debts and return to their society with greater insight –Completes their “selfless” journey

What does it offer to the reader? A glimpse into the ideals of Anglo- Saxon culture –His words, his actions, what is said about him –A final gift that is selfless (somewhat) He gives his life for his kingdom He ensures that Wiglaf will carry on the ideals His legacy is ensured

The ideals that Beowulf teaches Loyalty to king –Kingdom was only as strong as its war-leader king. There was no underlying administration or bureaucracy to maintain any gains beyond the lifetime of a leader –The lord, or the ring giver, would reward warriors of their bravery, devotion, and loyalty by offering wealth of all kinds –It was considered shameful not to defend one’s lord

The ideals that Beowulf teaches Warriors should have strength, pride, courage and loyalty –Had to be stoic and appear fearless –A hero had to be strong, intelligent, and courageous. Had to be willing to face any odds, and fight to the death for their glory and people. –The Anglo-Saxon hero was able to be all of these and still be humble and kind

The ideals that Beowulf teaches Celebrate your accomplishments –Boasts not evidence of excessive pride, serve to illustrate cultural not individual pride. –Boasts were taken seriously. Were understood to be serious utterances with personal, social, legal, and political consequences. –The boast was like a pledge to the society.

The ideals that Beowulf teaches Never Underestimate Heritage and Reputation –Much of Beowulf’s power comes from his heritage –His legacy is maintained through the way people view his importance –His reputation is built through what he says and what he does

The ideals that Beowulf teaches Face your challenges head on –Grendel and Grendel’s mother are defeated because Beowulf addressed them directly –Beowulf proves himself through his courageous action

The ideals that Beowulf teaches Find your allies and trust your mentors –Hrothgar gives Beowulf advice that is well needed Honors the Anglo Saxon ideals Warns against excessive pride (speech on pgs ) –Wiglaf remains by his side at the crucial moment He will carry on his reputation He understands Beowulf’s legacy

Themes in Beowulf and Star Wars HeroismGood v EvilIdentity