Beowulf
...ese actions reflect the Anglo/Saxon characteristics of comaitatus relationship. Beowulf had wishes before his death to have a tremendous funeral and the people granted his wishes. This shows the loyalty and respect that everyone has for Beowulf the great hero. The epic Beowulf contains several examples of Anglo/Saxon characteristics. Comaitatus relationship is one of the most important because throughout the epic this shows the importance of a strong relationship between the king and his warriors. In any epic there must always be a hero. A man who has superhuman strength, who has great wit and cleverness, and who is able to complete a mission. In this epic it is apparent that the hero is Beowulf. During the Anglo/Saxon time period one very important characteristic was the heroic ideal. The heroic ideal is someone achieving great excellence and enduring eternal fame. Beowulf shown as the epic hero displays many of the heroic ideals throughout the sections. In section VI, Beowulf’s strength is described as “.... he has in his handgrip the strength of thirty men” page 36. When Beowulf fights Grendal in section XI, he defeats him with his bare hands, by doing this Beowulf gains everlasting fame. After Grendal is killed his mother comes back for revenge and Beowulf is called. Beowulf is able to kill Grendal’s mother with relative ease. Beowulf also shows his superhuman strength when he cuts off Grendal’s head and is able to carry it back to the land himself even though it would normally take four regular men to carry it. In section XXIV, Beowulf discusses his hard journey to kill Grendal’s mother and promises that no longer will people have to fear deaths in the hall. Also Hrothgar speaks highly of Beowulf when he says “Lo, this may one say who works truth and right for the folk, recalls all things far distant, an old guardian of the land: that this earl was born the better man. Glory is raised up over the far ways your glory over every people, Beowulf my friend. All of it, all your strength, your govern steadily in the wisdom of your heart.” Beowulf was thought very favorably among the people of the land and this is shows how great of a hero he was. In section XLII, Beowulf prepares for his final battle. He is the only man brave enough to fight the dragon. Beowulf is called the “..worthiest warrior through the wide earth...”. Beowulf was an extremely brave man who could be counted on to be called to battle at any time. Through all the qualities that he acquires he has fit into the Anglo/Saxon characteristic of heroic ideal in all sections throughout the epic. The Anglo/Saxon term Wryd means fate, which can always be tied into heroic ideal. Fate is to die as a courageous warrior and may be altered during a battle. In section XI, Beowulf and Grendal encounter each other and Beowulf with...