Part one of term paper
The Anglo-Saxons living in the time of Beowulf did not believe in the afterlife. To them, the only way to experience life after death was to live on in the memories of others. One could fulfill this goal by being known for one’s generosity, courage, and strength. Beowulf, the protagonist of this epic poem, embodied all of these virtues a ...

Part two of term paper
... him fare with the gifts to his folk beloved, hale to his home, and in haste return. This is Hrothgar’s (Healfdane’s son) way of being generous and thanking Beowulf for slaying Grendel and it’s mother. This gift not only increased Beowulf’s fame and riches but also Hrothgar’s greatness. If Hrothgar had not displayed his gratitude for Beowulf’s great deeds he would have been looked down upon. He might be remembered for his lack of charity instead, and that would be the equ ...