Beowulf

Beowulf (early 8th century)

Beowulf is a narrative poem in verse and is considered the first example of literature in English. The story tells the deeds of a mythical hero and is set in present-day Scandinavia. Though written in Old English, three Germanic peoples are involved, the Danes, the Swedes and the Geats, whose hierarchical societies were based on strength and loyalty. Fights against mythical creatures in a harsh natural background form the basis of Beowulf, which also bears Christian elements, mixed with a strong feeling of melancholy.

Short plot

This violent poem of over 3000 lines is the story of a warrior, Beowulf, and of his battles with a monster, Grendel, with Grendel’s vengeful mother and with a dragon which is guarding a treasure. The poem opens in Denmark, where Grendel is terrorising King Hrothgar of Jutland and his warriors. Beowulf, Prince of the Geats, hears of his neighbours’ plight, and sails from Sweden to help them.

Full plot

Themes and language

▲ Miniature from the epic poem Beowulf. Old English poetry uses alliterative meter: the stressed words in a line begin with the same sound. Each line has two halves and there is a brief pause between them. The two halves of a line are linked by alliteration (repetition of an initial consonant). In Beowulf, kennings are used, that is metaphors to name a person, place or thing in a figurative way (“heaven’s candle” for the sun, “shepherd of evil” for Grendel and “sleep of the sword” for death). “This is a poem whose grim music is the snapping of fangs, the crunching of bones, and whose colour is the grey of the northern winter, shot by the red of blood. […] But it is in no way a primitive composition. It shows great skill in its construction, its imagery and language are sophisticated” (Anthony Burgess, English Literature, 1990). With its distinct style, this war tale is a moving depiction of heroism, generosity and virtue in an age plagued by violence. Beowulf’s main themes concern courage and revenge, honour and tribal loyalty, which were the predominant features of Anglo-Saxon culture.

Fame

Though neglected for centuries, Beowulf is now considered one of the most popular and enduring epic poems ever written. Since the nineteenth century, the poem has continued to receive praise as a great work of literature. Beowulf has been translated several times: what we read today is a translated version of the poem from Old English, and for this reason, it is difficult to fully appreciate its language and style. It has influenced a number of modern poets and fiction-writers, of whom perhaps the most notable is J.R.R. Tolkien, who draws much of the material for his fantasy world in Lord of the Rings from Beowulf.

CHECK IN

1. What type of society was Beowulf’s? 2. What is a ‘kenning’? Can you give an example? 3. What values are highlighted in this epic?