Beowulf
Beowulf is the first surviving epic written in the English language. Though it is often viewed both as the archetypal Anglo-Saxon literary work and as a cornerstone of modern literature, Beowulf has a peculiar history that complicates its historical position in English literature. The single existing copy of the manuscript dates from the late tenth century, although some scholars believe it dates from the first part of the eleventh century. The story is found in a large volume that features stories involving mythical creatures and people. Two different scribes copied the poem, most likely from an existing copy. Between 1066 and the Reformation the whole volume remained in a monastic library until Sir Robert Cotton gained possession of it for his own extensive library. A fire consumed much of his library, and the volume containing Beowulf became badly charred. The actual manuscript can still be found today in the London library, but it continues to deteriorate due to the charring of the fire.The actual story of Beowulf is believed to be composed within the time period of about 1650 and 1800 A.D., however, many of the actions and material of this epic can be traced as far back as 500 A.D. Many of the characters
Despite his borrowing from other sources, perhaps in large quantities, the Beowulf poet nonetheless manages to add his own specialized view of his character’s world. Originally pagan warriors, the Anglo-Saxon and Scandinavian invaders experienced a large-scale conversion to Christianity at the end of the sixth century. Though still an old pagan story, Beowulf thus came to be narrated by a Christian, and he makes the Christian world extremely visible. He alludes to Cain and the Flood, and he shows the Christian God’s influence upon the pagan world of the Danes. Yet he is obviously aware of his culture’s pagan past and attempts to describe it in great detail through rituals, such as the elaborate Germanic sea-burials and the grand feasts in the mead-halls, and the ever-present belief in fate. By incorporating Christian beliefs into this epic poem, the unknown author is able to capture his audience’s attention and it helps to make Beowulf an even greater epic. After reading this poem, the reader can glance back and recognize some examples of foreshadowing present throughout the story. One such example includes the funeral of Shield Sheafson, with which the poem opens. This event foreshadows Beowulf’s funeral at the poem’s end. Another such example can be seen from the story of Sigemund told by the bard, which foreshadows Beowulf’s fight with the dragon. Finally, the story of King Heremod foreshadows Beowulf’s eventual ascendancy to kingship. By further analyzing the literal structure of this poem, the reader can acquire an in-depth understanding of what makes this epic so great.
Some topics in this essay:
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Denmark Geatland,
Christian God’s,
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Shield Sheafson,
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Approximate Word count = 1089
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)
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