1. What the Anglo-Saxons believed in:
Personal Valor:
Competed for fame. Love of glory. Honored for courage, bravery, pride.

2. Sense of Shortness of Life
They were aware that all things pass away, especially because they were constantly under the threat of being invaded. This sense was behind their desire to achieve fame….they wanted to be remembered.

3. Religious with a touch of Fatalism
This was the idea that fate (wyrd) was unalterable by man.

4. Allegiance to a Lord or King
Comitatus- commitment or loyalty
Family----clan----tribe----kingdom

5. Open-handed Hospitality
This hospitality went from Lord to Thane
Ring giver and feasts

6. Stern and Barbarous Life
The Anglo-Saxons were always being invaded so they were aware of the harsh realities.
In addition, nature itself was a very hard experience.

7. Savage and Sentimental
Fierce warriors who would mourn the loss of soldiers, but only to a point. They would stop grieving when the wergild (man price) was paid.

8. Characteristics of an Anglo-Saxon Hero
Incredible strength
Courage/bravery
Love of Beauty
Boasting (belief in own abilities) known as gielp
Generosity
Belief in Wyrd (fate)