BEOWULF Beowulf is the longest and greatest surviving Anglo-Saxon poem.

Beowulf is an epic poem which is a long narrative poem, dealing with the trials and achievements of a great hero or heroes. The word “epic” is from the Greek “epos” meaning “word” but later “oration or song.”

The epic celebrates; -national - military - religious -cultural -political -or historical significance

Beowulf is believed to be composed in England sometime in the 5-6th century and recorded in 1000 AD by a bard also known as a scop.

The bard or scop would sing or chant the poem, rather than recite it, usually to the accompaniment of a harp.

Beowulf represents the values of the heroic age in Scandinavian countries in the 5th and 6th centuries. Thanes swore devotion to their leader and would fight to the death. For this loyalty, the thanes would be rewarded with treasure, protection and land.

Themes in the poem include; Courage Loyalty Reputation

Beowulf’s world is one of imagination where he can hold his breath all day, swim five nights without rest and slay dragons.

Beowulf is a young warrior in Geatland (southwest Sweden) and he comes to Hrothgar’s aid with 14 men. In the past, Hrothgar sheltered Beowulf’s father during a deadly feud and Beowulf wants to return the favor. They celebrate that night by drinking mead. Grendel, the ogre, is annoyed by their celebration and comes to visit the mead hall with the intention of killing all.

Beowulf battles Grendel and defeats him by ripping off the ogre’s claw from his shoulder socket, resulting in Grendel returning to his pool. Grendel’s angry mother returns to the hall and retrieves her son’s claw and abducts one of the men. Beowulf goes to the cave and confronts the mother.

Beowulf dives into the pool to seek the mother. The mother moves to kill Beowulf with her knife but his leathery armor saves him. Beowulf spots a magical, giant sword and uses it to cut through the mother’s spine at the neck, killing her.

A blessed light unexplainably illuminates the cavern, disclosing Grendel’s corpse and a greal deal of treasure. Beowulf and his men return to Geatland. He serves the king until his death and then Beowulf is named King. He rules for 50 years until an unexpected event happens.

A fiery dragon is enraged that Beowulf has taken his treasure and the dragon terrorizes the town. Beowulf and his loyal thane take on the dragon and together they kill the dragon. Beowulf is mortally wounded and dies. His last request is that his is buried high on the seaside where passing sailors will see his grave. The dragon’s treasure is buried with Beowulf where he still lies today. Baldwin, Stanley. Beowulf. Wiley Publishing Inc. 2000