The Anglo-Saxons valued their community and group’s needs before their own. They sought out revenge for their brothers that were killed or harmed. Such as in regards to Grendel’s death, “…But now his mother/ had sallied forth on a savage journey/ grief-racked and ravenous, desperate for revenge” (1276-1278). His mother sought revenge to make Beowulf pay for taking her son’s life. The Anglo-Saxons' largest fear could be said to be loneliness in their lives that would exist if they did not have their people protected. They largely depend on a support system in which they can put their trust into and not feel alone. With tragic events taking place, their community could be undermined because at tough times, many people cannot deal with a situation, so they turn their backs on the rest of the community, out of fear. Grendel is a response to the Anglo-Saxons fears because he jeopardizes and puts their community’s support system at risk. Grendel’s presence leaves the Anglo-Saxons community in constant fear of losing a member of their group, never knowing what to expect from the monster.
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