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UNIT Beowulf

06

1 Beowulf is an epic poem, the roots of which lie in the seventh century. It is widely taught as the first
important work of English literature. Although it was virtually ignored for many centuries, it gained attention
in the nineteenth century as a source of historical information about the Anglo-Saxon era. It was not until the
mid-to-late twentieth century, however, that the poem became highly regarded as a work of literature. Since
that time, it has had a significant influence on prominent writers like W.H. Auden and Geoffrey Hill.

2 Although Beowulf was first composed in written form by an unknown Anglo-Saxon poet around 700 CE,
its roots are much older, as it was passed down orally for many years. It is thought that the work actually dates
back to several hundred years before it was written down, as the Danish and Swedish royal family members
in the poem are based on actual historical figures that ruled around the beginning of the sixth century. When
the pagan Scandinavian and Anglo-Saxon societies, underwent a large scale conversion to Christianity, Beowulf
began to be re-told by Christians, who attempted to attribute Christian thoughts, motives, and actions to the
characters in the work. The poem is unique in its blending of pagan and Christian values.

3 When the Anglo-Saxons and Scandinavians invaded Britain during the sixth century, they brought with
them several closely related Germanic languages, which together came to make up Old English. It was in
this language that the original Beowulf was written, although most students read one of the versions that has
been translated into modern English, which is fortunate as most would not understand the archaic form of
the language. Because of its use of Old English, the language and structure of the work is significantly different
than poetic works, which succeeded those written in Old English.

4 In contrast to traditional poetry, which employs the use of rhyme at the end of certain lines, Old English
poetry made use of alliteration by including several words that began with the same sound. In this way, the
poets linked the first part of the line with the second, and when spoken, the first syllables of the alliterative
words would be stressed. Old English poems also frequently employed kennings---simple objects described
using poetic phrases. For example, an Old English poet might refer to the sea as a ?쐓wan road??or a ?쐗hale
road,??while a king might be called a ?쐒ing giver.??
5 The main character in the poem is Beowulf, and the story encompasses 50 years of his life, ending with
his final battle and death. Beowulf is represented as a hero throughout the work, which is divided in two distinct
sections. One follows the adventures of Beowulf in his youth and the other in his advanced age. As a young
boy, he earns respect for his feats of strength and courage, and also for his values of loyalty, courtesy, and
pride, all of which are prescribed under the Germanic heroic code. However, it is when he kills the monster
Grendel and his mother, that he becomes a true hero among his people and eventually assumes his rightful
place as their king.

6 The second part of the story circumvents much of Beowulf?셲 life and career and focuses on the end of
his life. His final encounter is with a dragon, which he ultimately defeats. However, the wounds he sustains
during his battle lead to his death, leaving his people without a king. Beowulf?셲 downfall is sometimes viewed
as selfish, as he can be seen as acting for his own personal glory and leaving his people in danger. On the
other hand, the encounter can be viewed as an unavoidable event in that it was prescribed by fate, also a
prominent theme in the work. Finally, Beowulf can be seen as merely displaying the requisite qualities and
values of the warrior culture in which he lives. Regardless of whether his actions were ultimately right or
wrong, the people of the slain king mourn his death and celebrate him as a perfect hero.

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