As king, he works to reform education in England, encouraging schools to teach Latin to children of commoners, and translating Latin texts into English, so that people can use them. Although he cannot not read until he is twelve years old, Alfred loves learning from an early age, and continues studying, translating, and writing throughout his life, even when he has kingly duties. He is the youngest of three sons, but from an early age, demonstrates that he is the most noble, handsome, kind, and intelligent of his brothers. King Alfred of Englandappears in The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, Exploration, Example and ExhortatĪlfred is one of England's most beloved kings. He asks to look upon the dragon's treasure, since that is the cause of the fight. When Beowulf slays the dragon, he also receives a fatal bite to the neck. Beowulf is not afraid of death, but feels that it is important that he die honorably like a warrior. He puts the protection of his people before his own safety, and decides to fight the dragon, although he is a very old man by this point.

Later in his life, Beowulf becomes King of the Geats, and he is loved by his people as a kind, loving, and wise ruler. Not only that, but he insists on fighting them with no help from others, and he prefers to do it barehanded. Beowulf is capable of wielding weapons forged by giants, and he is not afraid to fight monsters, even when he knows that he is likely to die. A brash young man, he brags about his prowess in battle, as a matter of personal honor, and he is willing to go to great lengths to back up his boasts. Beowulf has superhuman strength and the ability to hold his breath for an entire day. Beowulf is the ultimate Germanic hero, with his loyalty and respect toward the king, his unstinting bravery, and his immense fortitude and strength. Beowulf, King of the Geatsappears in Epic: Beowulfīeowulf is one of the best-known fictional characters in English literature, remaining well-known throughout the ages.

The anglo saxon world an anthology