The Anglo-Saxons living in the time of Beowulf did not believe in the afterlife. To them, the only way to experience life after death was to live on in the memories of others. One could fulfill this goal by being known for one’s generosity, courage, and strength. Beowulf, the protagonist of this epic poem, embodied all of these virtues and lives on in memory because of this. First, generosity was widespread and more greatly valued during Beowulf’s time than it is now. It was not merely a virtue, but instead a necessity. Many kings wer ....