Beowulf - Paganism and VirtueThe Anglo-Saxons who lived in Beowulf's time did not believe in an afterlife. For them, the only way to experience life after death was to continue living in the memories of others. You could achieve this by being known for your generosity, courage and strength. Beowulf, the protagonist of this epic poem, embodied all these virtues and for this reason continues to live in memory. First, generosity was widespread and more highly valued in Beowulf's time than it is now. It was not simply a virtue, but rather a necessity. Many kings were measured by the measure of their generosity. To him in the hall, then, the song of Healfdane gathered twelve treasures, and the trust of the earls bade him go away with the gifts to his beloved people, and return safely to his home, and return quickly. .This is Hrothgar's (Healfdane's son) way of being generous and thanking Beowulf for killing Grendel and his mother. This gift not only increased Beowulf's fame and wealth, but also Hrothgar's greatness. If Hrothgar had not shown his gratitude for Beowulf's great deeds, he would have been scorned. He could instead be remembered for his lack of charity, and that would be the equivalent of going to hell for the early Anglo-Saxons. Everyone wanted to be remembered, but only for admirable things. Being remembered for a shameful life would be much worse than dying. Yes, for all vassals, death is better than a shameful life! Subsequently, courage and strength were also highly prized during these pre-medieval times. In our day, courage is often seen as foolish or ostentatious, whereas in Beowulf's time it was seen as admirable and praiseworthy. It was now, men say, in his sovereign's need that the earl made known his noble lineage, skill, keenness and enduring courage. … Heedless of the damage, even though his hand was burned, with a brave heart, he helped his kinsman. A little further down the loathsome beast he struck with his sword; its steel came in bright and burnished; that fire began to die out and diminish... So they had killed him, both relatives, two atheles: so an earl should be in danger in the day! - Among the acts of valor, the conquering hour of the king was the last, of his work in the world. The slaying of the great dragon was not only Beowulf's last act of courage, but also Wiglaf's first. Beowulf eventually died from a wound suffered in this battle and had a tower built in his memory.