Beowulf
Beowulf is the first surviving epic poem written in the English language. The single existing copy of the manuscript dates from the late tenth century, although some scholars believe it dates back to the first part of the eleventh century. Beowulf found in a large volume, features stories involving mythical creatures and people. Two different scribes copied the poem, most likely using an existing copy. Between 1066 and the Reformation, the whole volume remained in a monastic library until Sir Robert Cotton gained position of it for his own extensive library. A fire consumed much of his library, and the volume containing Beowulf became badly charred. Today, the manuscript still exists, but the poem is falling apart rapidly due to the charring in the fire. Beowulf written with the traditional epic direction had whole phrases taken from the bards who sang many other legends. “ Beowulf is at least in part a study of kingship—of the attributes of a good king, of the difficulties he faces and how he overcomes them, of the problems of succession that arise upon his death.”Many historians and authors describe Anglo-Saxon England as a region dominated by warlike, belligerent tribes of Germanic descent. The kings and warrior
s in Beowulf constantly fight foe territories and treasures, which they could possess or wished to acquire. The duties of a king or lord required them to give treasure and provided armor for their people. In Beowulf, these traits of Anglo-Saxon culture are clearly defined. The character Beowulf, a true representative of the Anglo-Saxon culture, treated his people with respect and dignity. Beowulf performs his duties as kinsmen to his uncle, Hygelac, with loyalty and dedication. Kinship is one of the main aspects of Anglo-Saxon England; a lord leads his men in journeys or expeditions against enemies, acquires treasures for them, and protects his tribe. In return the lord’s kinsmen always acted loyal to him and followed their lord in battles. People did not get identified on a demographic basis, but by their belonging to a particular king or ring-giver. Hrothgar rewards his people whenever they win battles or accomplish a task correctly; he especially gave to Beowulf after Beowulf overcomes his battles with Grendel and Grendel’s mother: In lystes thries, and ay slayn his foo…. At mortal batailles hadde he been fiftene be brought in; no sword was so treasured in that country; but the more spacious kingdom After reading Beowulf I have realized how much kingship plays a part in this poem. The kings in the Anglo-Saxon culture really loved their warriors and their people and showed that by giving many beautiful treasures. By reading this poem I have come to the conclusion that Beowulf had many attributes of a good king and that Beowulf as a person gave his all to prove that he could be the ideal king. He overcame many of his battles. Beowulf’s accomplishments have given him eternal fame, and his name will be remembered and has been remembered throughout history.
Some topics in this essay:
Canterbury Tales,
Beowulf Wiglaf,
Beowulf Geats,
Anglo-Saxon England,
Cain Beowulf,
Robert Cotton,
Grendel Grendel’s,
,
Geoffrey Chaucer,
Tales Knight,
anglo-saxon culture,
beowulf overcomes,
canterbury tales,
dragon wiglaf,
attributes king,
anglo-saxon england,
king beowulf,
beowulf wiglaf,
genteel person,
grendel’s mother,
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Approximate Word count = 1637
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)
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