Even though Beowulf is viewed as the cornerstone of modern literature, it is also a prime example of an Anglo-Saxon literary work. The Anglo-Saxon era was defined by a heroic code found in the people of that culture (Bowler 19). This code was exemplified through qualities such as bravery, honor, and strength (Bowler 19). In the epic poem Beowulf, the character Beowulf depicts an Anglo-Saxon warrior traveling the lands fighting fierce monsters to glorify himself and achieve his ultimate goal of fame ("Sparknotes: Beowulf n.p."). Since Beowulf was written during the Anglo-Saxon period, Beowulf follows the virtues most important to the Anglo-Saxon culture.

One significant quality of the Anglo-Saxon heroic code is bravery (Bowler 19). The character Beowulf exhibits his first act of bravery by journeying to Herot to vanquish it of the havoc-reeking monster called Grendel. Grendel is an abhorred being that lives in the moors beside the small...