Beowulf: An Epic PoemTo be called an epic poem, Beowulf reflects the values ​​of the culture in which it was created. Anglo-Saxon culture and the poem share many of the same values. They shared a heroic ideal that included loyalty, strength, courage, courtesy and generosity. Like all epic poems, Beowulf is a long narrative work that recounts the adventures of a great hero and also reflects the values ​​of the society in which it was written. Beowulf and the Anglo-Saxons believed in these qualities as individuals. The strongest bonds of loyalty in their society were to parents and lords. A kingdom was only as strong as its king, warlord. To have faithful men, the king had to reward them. In other words, men were paid for their loyalty. They were sometimes given land, gold, silver, food, armor and other things as rewards after battle. The Anglo-Saxons and the characters in Beowulf are ready to risk their lives at any time – they do not pay attention to the danger. The Anglo-Saxons acquired wealth by plundering the treasures of their enemies. Each family formed a bond of loyalty and protection. A family was required to avenge the death of a father or brother by feuding with the tribe or clan that killed him. This duty of bloody vengeance was the supreme religion of the Anglo-Saxons. The family passed on this hatred forever until it was avenged. Always remain faithful to the family and the lord. (Allen, 12-14) “The Anglo-Saxons appear as a race of fierce, cruel, and barbarous pagans, delighting in seas, slaughter, and drink” (Allen, 17). The character of the ancient Saxons showed qualities of fearlessness, activity and achievement. The Anglo-Saxons are for the most part a barbaric race, not savage and crude but above all military and...... middle of paper ....... W. Beowulf: An introduction. Cambridge: Univ. Press, 1967. Collins, John J. “Apocalyptic Literature,” Harper’s Bible Dictionary, ed. Paul J. Achtmeier. San Francisco: Harper, 1985. Emmerson, Richard K. and Bernard McGinn. The Apocalypse in the Middle Ages. Ithaca: Cornell, 1992. Garmonsway, et. al. Beowulf and his analogues. New York: Dutton, 1971. Gang, T. M. “Approaches to Beowulf.” RES 3 (1952):.6-12.Gildas. From Excidio Britanniae in Wade-Evans, AW, trans. Nennius' History of the Britons. London: Methuen, 1938. Goldsmith, Margaret. “The Christian Theme of Beowulf.” Middle Aevum 29 (1960): 81-101. Green, Martin. “Man, Time, and the Apocalypse in The Wanderer, The Seafarer, and Beowulf,” JEGP 74 (1975): 502-518. Hieatt, Constance B. “Envelope Patterns and Structure of Beowulf,” English Studies in Canada 1 (1975): 249-265.