The Anglo-Saxon Dark Age Epic English 257 Beowulf The Anglo-Saxon Dark Age Epic

The Völkerwanderung After the “Fall of Rome”, about 410, Germanic and other tribes migrate across Europe. In about 450, three tribes migrate to Britain—the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes. Through conquest and immigration, they push back Romano-Britons and take over the island.

Anglo-Saxon England Anglo-Saxons converted to Christianity after St. Augustine’s mission in 597 A.D. Viking invasions begin about 793; Alfred the Great fights Vikings to standstill in late 9th century. In 1066, three kings—Harald Hardradi of Denmark, Harold Godwinson of England, and William of Normandy all fight for crown. William wins at Hastings, ending the Anglo-Saxon period.

Anglo-Saxon Poetry Anglo-Saxon poetry is made up of four stresses per line, and bound together by alliteration. Typical mode of Anglo-Saxon poetry is what Tolkien calls the “heroic-elegiac.” Other Anglo-Saxon poetry includes riddles and saint’s lives. Beowulf is a unique manuscript, probably dating for 8th century. There is nothing else quite like it anywhere.

Hrothgar and Heorot Poem begins with history of Scyldings, the royal Danish house. Eventually, Hrothgar builds Heorot, the best of halls. Hrothgar is “ring-giver”--an example of a kenning--and also an example of good kingship to Anglo-Saxons. Poet often refers to extra-textual events from Danish history; here, the future destruction of Heorot due to feud between Ingeld and the Danes.

Grendel After construction of Heorot, Grendel appears. He’s a combination of Christian and Germanic notions of the monstrous. Grendel is drawn to Heorot by a celebration in the hall. Kills 30 men and flees; continues to haunt Heorot until no man will stay there.

Arrival in Denmark Beowulf arrives in Denmark with his comitatus in order to slay Grendel. He is met by coastguard, who demands his name and ancestry. Beowulf is allowed to pass on to Heorot, where he goes through much the same procedure. Scene emphasizes the fear of the other, the guarded and suspicious nature of the tribes in this work.

Unferth and Breca After arriving in Heorot and announcing his intention, Beowulf is taunted by Unferth about his swimming match with Breca. Unferth means “strife” in Anglo-Saxon, and his insults part of a convention known as “flyting”. Beowulf retells the story of his swimming match, and insults Unferth as a kinslayer.

Beowulf vs. Grendel Beowulf and his men await Grendel in the hall. Grendel approaches, busts open doors, and eats one of Beowulf’s companions, “even the hands and feet.” Beowulf watches this, and waits until Grendel grabs him to fight. Grendel is terrified to by Beowulf’s strength, and tries to escape. Beowulf rips off Grendel’s arm; Grendel flees, mortally wounded.

The Feast After Grendel is slain, the Danes throw a feast for Beowulf and shower him with gifts. There are, however, intimations of brewing trouble. The scop’s Fight at Finnsburg song and references to Fitela evoke unsettling aspects of Anglo-Saxon society. Wealtheow, Hrothgar’s queen, subtly tries to enlist Beowulf in a looming family feud with Hrothulf. Though the monster may be slain, there is still something rotten in Denmark. .

Grendel’s Mother After the feast, Grendel’s mother attacks Heorot, killing Aeschere and taking his body. Since she is not as strong as Grendel, she flees from the assembled soldiers. Next morning, Beowulf and his companions make their way to Grendel’s mere. Beowulf dives into mere alone, is taken by Grendel’s mother at bottom of pool. Only after stumbling across a magic weapon is he able to defeat her. .

Beowulf the King Beowulf returns to Geatland, where he reports to his king, Hygelac, that he expects trouble in Denmark. After Hygelac’s death his son takes the throne. After his death, Beowulf becomes king. Events of dragon episode take place after fifty years of rule by Beowulf.

The Dragon After fifty years of Beowulf’s rule of the Geats, a dragon awakens when a thief steals a cup from its treasure. Beowulf goes forth to meet the dragon with thirteen retainers. All run away but Wiglaf, who helps Beowulf slay the dragon. Beowulf is killed in mortally wounded in the dragon fight.

The Elegiac Ending After Beowulf’s death, the Geats resign themselves to their doom. It is suggested that the Franks and Swedes will destroy them. The Geats refuse to use the gold, but instead burn it and bury it with Beowulf. At the end of the poem, a memorial is built to Beowulf. We never hear of the Geats again.