Consider "Beowulf" as a Store House of Teutonic Culture.

Beowulf as a Store House of Teutonic Culture:

    Hrothgar was the king of Danes. He built a great hall named Heorot for feasting and distributing gifts. But a monster disturbed by the sound of the fasting attacked the hall and killed the men sleeping there for long twelve years such acts of killing continued. No one dared to resist the monster. Beowulf, the nephew of Hygelec who was the king of Geats decides to come to rescue the kingdom of Hrothgar. He was greatly welcomed by the people of Danes. He has come to fight with Grandel, the monster. As usual the man went to sleep leaving Beowulf and his people in the hall Grandel opened the door and killed Beowulf's men. Grandel caught hold of Beowulf and Beowulf showed his great physical strength fighting with the monster. Beowulf was able to tear off a hand of Grandel. The monster fled off to the sea cave and died. The victory of Beowulf was celebrated.

Beowulf Culture and Tradition:

    Grandel's mother became furious and rushed to the hall to kill Beowulf but Beowulf was not there. She too king's friend, Aeschere to the sea cave. Beowulf heard of the mishap and went into the sea cave. He reached the den of Grandel's mother. A battle took place and Beowulf killed her. The Danes got rid of the monster. Later on he became the king and ruled for 50 years. Even in his old age he detracted a dragon. When he died people lamented and cried loudly.

    The story of Beowulf presents a picture of Teutonic life and manners. It presents the activities of the fore-fathers of English in Per-Christian era. Therefore, Beowulf is considered as a criticism of Anglo-Saxon life. Beowulf is to the Anglo-Saxon as Iliad and Odessey to the Greek. The following characteristics of German life we find in Beowulf-

▪ Anglo-Saxons were a pastoral race.

They were hard working people and lived by hunting.

They were physically stout and was ready to face danger.

There were fewed and tribal fights.

The women enjoyed high position.

They had rights and privileges.

    Man carried weapons armours as a mark of heroism cowardice was condemned.

    Therefore, we can say, Beowulf presents a faithful picture of German life and manners.