Beowulf and the Norse
sagas clearly and carefully outline what constitutes thefor the Anglo-Saxon period.
Anglo-Saxons, closely related to the Vikings of Scandinavia, shared a great deal in common with
them, particularly in terms of those characteristics most favored in their society. First and
foremost, bravery and honor were the most highly-coveted commodities in the Anglo-Saxon world.
The warrior code demanded bravery, honor, loyalty, and justice above all; if warriors did not
demonstrate their worth in battle and did not uphold the oaths they pledged, they would be
denied entrance into Valhalla. One's value is placed primarily on these characteristics and the
degree to which one possesses them. Beowulf, for this reason, embodies the Anglo-Saxon
archetype; he demonstrates his bravery on numerous occasions and his actions are honorable and
just to those he meets, regardless of whether they are his men or it is the monster
Grendel.
The primary difference between the Anglo-Saxon archetype and the
archetype of modern times stems from the fundamentally different nature of the two societies;
the society of modern times is not a warrior society. Both archetypes in modern times and in
the Anglo-Saxon period praise justice and honor as virtues. It is highly praiseworthy for one
to treat others equitably, to keep his/her word, and demonstrate loyalty to his/her friends and
family. This being said, bravery, like honor, loyalty, and justice, does not automatically
connect with physical fighting; it generally takes the form of persistence in the face of
adversity - mental toughness can be perceived as bravery.
In both periods,
consistency in all aspects is prized. Justice, honor, bravery, and loyalty know no exception
for the archetypes of the Anglo-Saxon period and modern times.
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