Beowulf reflects the Anglo-Saxon and Germanic values present up to the eleventh century. Even though it was written in the eleventh century, because it was an oral tradition, many of the beliefs and values could have been present at the time of writing along with in centuries past. Beowulf emphasizes the medieval ideals of loyalty, selfness, fame and honor, with an emphasis on using these values in battle. Fame in this culture could only be …showed first 75 words of 731 total…

…showed last 75 words of 731 total…in the poem they have a much different emphasis. In Beowulf and medieval society war and battle are the focus. On the surface this may make the people of the time seem brutal or savage, but these attitudes had been cultivated through centuries of defending the country and warring with other countries. In these times war was a way of life, and the people found a way to incorporate their beliefs and values into it.