Beowulf: Old English Epic of Heroism and Dragons
Beowulf: An Ancient Epic
Beowulf, the oldest of the great long poems written in English, was likely composed more than twelve hundred years ago, in the first half of the eighth century. It is an epic of more than three thousand lines. This poem deals with the adventurous exploits of Beowulf, who kills three dragons and is ultimately killed. The scenes and people are Scandinavian, and the poem is full of descriptive passages. The English ideal of courage and nobility is introduced. The poem discusses the social life of the Anglo-Saxons, their love of adventure, the primitive courtly life, and so on. There are no stanzas and no rhyme, but regular alliteration is present in every line. Metaphysical phrases and compound words are presented in the work.
The Hero and His Values
The poem glorifies a hero and the values of bravery and generosity. The story is set in Scandinavia around 500-600 AD, a time of battles and conquests by Germanic Anglo-Saxon tribes in Denmark and southern Sweden. Its sources are old legends of these tribes, who had moved north from Germany through Scandinavia and into Britain. It also reflects the acceptance of Christianity by these new British settlers at the end of the sixth century.
Synopsis
The first part of the story takes place in Denmark. King Hrothgar is being pestered by a water monster, Grendel, who is killing his men. Beowulf comes to his aid and kills Grendel and, later, at the bottom of the lake, also Grendel’s mother, who comes to avenge her son. The second part happens in southern Sweden about fifty years later. Beowulf himself is a king and has to fight a fire-breathing dragon. Courage is the instrument by which the hero realizes himself.
Pagan and Christian Ideas
As with other Old English literature, this epic incorporates both pagan and Christian ideas. The poem is sometimes seen as a conflict between good and evil. From the Christian tradition, it incorporates morality, obedience to God, and avoidance of pride.
Contrasts and Themes
There are many contrasts, for example:
- water and fire
- youth and old age
- life and death
- rise and fall of nations and individuals
- friendship and desertion
- faithfulness and betrayal
- heroism and cowardice
- hope and resignation
- good and evil
as well as the past, present, and future.
Elegiac Tone
Elegy is apparent throughout because life is passing and is full of struggles and suffering. This is contrasted by the courage of the main hero, said to be the “kindest and noblest of earthly kings and the most desirous of praise and glory.” The poem begins and ends with the funeral of a king.
Old English Verse Style
The work, written in characteristic Old English verse style, has artistic maturity and unity. It uses alliteration, kennings, and internal rhyme. Each line has two beats or stressed syllables. The style of poetical descriptions and word pictures, with much repetition, makes the action move slowly. The tone and descriptions capture the rough, cold, and gloomy North Sea atmosphere, as well as life’s struggles of the people of that time, who had to deal with many trials and obstacles. The poem was originally recited by court singers and poets, who accompanied it with music and made occasional changes according to the moment.