Textuality » 3A Interacting

GCarabellese - Beowulf's Society
by GCarabellese - (2009-03-03)
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Reading Beowulf's epic poem we can understand some information about society of that time.

First of all the population was formed by warriors and seamen/sailors.

The society  was based on hierarchy. There was at first a king or a chief ,who ruled the population, after that the thanes ,who were very important royal vassal, and at last all the other people.

Old people were considered important and respected because thanks to their experiences they were very wise.

Also warriors had a relevant role in the society because they had to fight to defend the population.

In addition we can understand that they were pagan because the word "omen" means "presagio" so it refers to the supernatural.  

And last but not least Beowulf's society was based of code of values like generosity, loyalty, fidelity, respect and courage.