Change in the Concept of the Warrior in Literature: Anglo-Saxon and Middle English Period Essay

Medieval heroes in early English literature had to be valiant, chivalrous, and strong. As the periods rotated, the ideas put in the concept of a warrior changed as well. From Beowulf’s bravery and dedication to Sir Gawain’s code of chivalry and gallantry.

The epic poems of the Anglo-Saxon period praised feats of brave knights, their battles with evil monsters, and their valiant spirit. One of the most known works of those times is the oldest epic poem of the “barbarian” peoples of Europe, Beowulf. In more than 3,000 lines, Beowulf relates the tale of a heroic warrior who fought beasts and dragons (“The Anglo-Saxon and Medieval Periods” 27). The influence of Christianity in Beowulf, although superficial, is palpable. When Beowulf immerses himself into the water to fight Grendel, it refers to the Christian rite of baptism in which the water purifies and cleanses a person of evil (“Christianity in the Anglo-Saxon Period and in Beowulf” 4). The poem glorifies pagan virtues – fearlessness in battle, loyalty to the tribe and the leader, merciless revenge on enemies.

Meanwhile, Medieval romances and adventurous novels praised honor, heroism, nobility, and chivalry. About 1375, an anonymous English poet wrote Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, recounting the marvelous adventures of a knight of Arthur’s court who faces a series of extraordinary challenges (“The Anglo-Saxon and Medieval Periods” 33). The main qualities of a warrior in medieval novels were valor and courage.

Just as the periods replaced each other, the concept of the warrior depicted in the works of those times changed as well. The image of a fearless and desperate warrior, always fighting evil in Anglo-Saxon literature, was replaced by a valiant and gallant knight from medieval novels. However, what remained timeless is that the image of the hero has always embodied the moral ideals of his time.

Works Cited

Barquero, Pablo. “Christianity in the Anglo-Saxon Period and in Beowulf.”

“The Anglo-Saxon and Medieval Periods.” Historical Essay, 2018, pp. 20–33. herefordhslibrary, herefordhslibrary.pbworks.com.