Historical Context Beowulf is viewed as the archetypical Anglo-Saxon literary work and as the cornerstone of modern literature. Beowulf was composed by an unknown Anglo-Saxon poet around 700 A.D., but much of its material had been circulating for many years in oral narrative.

The Anglo-Saxons and Scandinavians invaded the island of Britain, bringing with them several closely related languages that would evolve into Old English. The action of the poem takes place around 500 A.D., and many of the characters in the poem correspond to actual historical figures from the Swedish and Danish royal family members.

Old English Poetry Beowulf is often referred to as the first important work of literature written in English. Old English is an ancient form that has slowly into the English now spoken. Compared to modern English, Old English is heavily Germanic, with little influence from Latin or French. Anglo-Saxon poetry existed in oral tradition long before it was written down, the verse contains complicated rules for alliteration.

The world that Beowulf depicts, and the heroic code of honor that defines much of the story is a relic of pre-Anglo-Saxon culture. The story is set in Scandinavia, and although born through German Oral tradition, it is believed to be the work of one poet.

The plot of the poem concerns Scandinavian culture, but the poem’s narrative reveals that the poet’s culture is different than his characters. In the Scandinavian world of the story, tiny tribes of people rally around strong kings who protect them from danger, especially other tribes.

The warrior culture that results from this early feudal arrangement is extremely important. These values, including the heroic code were still operating in the time this poem was written. Strong kings demand bravery and loyalty from their warriors, whom they repay with treasures won in war.

Mead-halls, like Heorot in Beowulf, were places warriors would gather in the presence of their lord to drink, boast, tell stories, and receive gifts. These mead-halls offered sanctuary in the dangerous times of the middle ages. A paranoid sense of foreboding and doom run throughout Beowulf, and is evidence of the constant fear of invasion that plagued Scandinavian society.

Themes, Motifs & Symbols

Themes Themes are the fundamental and often universal ideas explored in a literary work. The Importance of Establishing Identity Beowulf is essentially a record of heroic deeds. The concept of identity, as defined in this poem is composed of ancestral heritage and individual reputation is central to the poem. While Beowulf’s pagan warrior culture does not have a concept of an afterlife, it sees fame as a way of ensuring an individuals memory will continue after death.

Tensions Between The Heroic Code and Other Values Most of Beowulf is devoted to illustrating the Germanic heroic code, which values strength, courage, and loyalty in warriors: hospitality, generosity, and political skills in kings. Ceremoniousness in women, and good reputation in all people. This code was vital to warrior societies as a means of understanding their relationship to the world and the menaces lurking beyond their boundaries.

Motifs Motifs are recurring structures and literary devices that can help to develop the text’s major themes. Monsters In Christian medieval culture monster referred to birth defects, which were believed to be an ominous sign from God - a sign of transgression or bad things to come. The monsters in Beowulf shape the poems plot and seem to represent an inhuman presence in society that must be exorcised for society’s safety.

More Monsters

Symbols Symbols are objects, characters, figures and colors used to represent abstract ideas or concepts The Golden Torque The collar or necklace Wealhtheow gives Beowulf is a symbol of the bond of loyalty between her people and Beowulf.

This is how Beowulf looks when he is really hungry The Banquet The great banquet after the defeat of Grendel represents the restoration of order and harmony to the Danish people. The banquet itself symbolizes the rebirth of the community.