The True Value of Gold for Anglo-Saxons Jeanette Pfeiffer 12th Grade

Many items have different values in different cultures and in different time periods. Among communities, the same product might have five different values, depending upon necessity of the item, rarity, and beauty. Gold is one such precious metal which many cultures prize. The Anglo-Saxons delight in gold, gifts, and treasure, not only for their economic value but also for their social value.Beowulf translated by Seamus Heaney, explores the true meaning of rewards, treasure, and gold for the Anglo-Saxons during their time. In the poem Beowulf, it is displayed that the Anglo-Saxons value treasure for its social implications through the giving of treasure after a great deed is performed, the honor and respect shown to Beowulf after he is given his great gifts, and finally, the fact that great warriors are burned with their spoils after they die.

The reward for performing a heroic deed is almost as important to the Anglo-Saxons as the completion of the deed itself. Once Beowulf killed Grendel he was given great gifts by Hrothgar including, “a gold standard as a victory gift, an embroidered banner; also breast-mail and a helmet; and a sword carried high, that was both precious object and token of honour” (69). The king also gave...