Chicago's renowned John Hancock Center, the local Eisenhower Jr. High, and the Daley Center are all buildings named after individuals who were valued and looked at with respect. Today, people value education, talent, and leadership enough to name buildings after individuals who represent these traits. Things have changed since the Anglo-Saxon period. The Anglo-Saxons valued aspects such as strength, power and hero status. Looking back in history, there are several artefacts of Anglo-Saxon culture, such as its poetry and art, which demonstrate the importance of such values. The epic poem Beowulf is an artifact that demonstrates the values ​​of Anglo-Saxon culture. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original EssayIn the epic poem, the main character, Beowulf is the embodiment of all that is good from the Anglo-Saxon point of view. Beowulf is their hero: strong, brave and daring. For the Anglo-Saxons these qualities were necessary for success. Before Beowulf goes to fight the evil monster, Grendel, he boasts to his people saying, "And I will fulfill that purpose, / I will prove my worth with a proud deed / Or I will meet my death here in the mead." (Beowulf 636-638). Beowulf is telling the townspeople that he will demonstrate his strength, as well as his greatness as a warrior, by defeating Grendel. On the other hand, he also recognizes that if he really wasn't as good as he thought he was, he would have met his death. As the hero everyone liked and respected, Beowulf represents the strength and courage valued by the Anglo-Saxons. The citizens of this epic poem not only admire their heroes, but also aspire to be strong and noble warriors. During the Anglo-Saxon period, it was important for men to be tough and fierce. After defeating Grendel, the townspeople recognized Beowulf's greatness: “Beowulf's actions/were praised again and again. /... on the wide earth, there was someone better." (855-856, 859). Since Grendel's defeat was essential for the Danes to return to their normal daily lives, Beowulf was rewarded with a feast and many gifts from the king, and everyone in the city gathered in the mead hall to celebrate Beowulf's courageous achievement. The people of this epic resemble the people of the Anglo-Saxon era because they highly value and aspire to be prestigious warriors courage and strength were not the only things that were valued; it was also important for them to enjoy themselves in the mead hall. In Beowulf, the powerful king of the Danes, Hrothgar, created his own mead hall called Heorot in which its people could drink mead and enjoy themselves. Mead hall was also a place of celebration. In Beowulf, the Danes all gathered in Heorot to celebrate Beowulf's successes. The men in the hall then handed the cup first to Hrothgar, the guardian of their homeland, urging him to drink deeply and enjoy it for it was dear to them. And he drank it like the warlord he was, with festive joy (615-619). The men in the mead hall honor their beloved king, as they have all gathered in the mead hall to thank their heroic and powerful leaders. During the Anglo-Saxon period, people placed importance and pride on mead and saw it as a place of comfort, celebration and relaxation. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a custom essay The epic poem, Beowulf, is.