Why Is Beowulf Important: The Major Reasons To Read the Epic Poem
Why is Beowulf important in the study of English Literature?
Reading Beowulf opens your eyes to the Anglo-Saxon culture of old while intriguing you with fine details of wars between beasts and men.
The epic poem also gives insight into how literature evolved from the Middle Ages to the modern world. This article will discuss five important reasons to read the Old English classic.
Why Is Beowulf Important in the Study of Literature?
The Epic Poem Gives A Glimpse of Old English Literature
Beowulf is the oldest surviving literature of Old English and it gives a glimpse of the art of storytelling in eighth Century Anglo-Saxon society.
Beowulf helps students to appreciate the various elements of Old British Literature that have influenced literature today. The poem also helps scholars to study the vernacular of Old English and serves as a reference for translating other literature from the Anglo-Saxons.
Furthermore, Beowulf gives an insight into the evolution of the English language. One can learn how certain words were pronounced in the past, which words are still in use today and which ones are long-forgotten. The epic poem has also influenced certain literary devices that are still in use today such as in media res and flashback. Therefore, if one wants to study the evolution of the English language and history of England, the best resource is Beowulf.
Beowulf Highlights Historical Anglo-Saxon Traditions
The epic poem also captures the ancient history of England and helps us to understand the culture back then. The poem has oral traditions that were transmitted centuries before it was finally composed between 700 and 750 BC.
The Anglo-Saxons conquered Britain and influenced their new colony with its literature and language which later evolved into English. Several characteristics of the epic poem can be traced to the time of the invasion of the Anglo-Saxons.
For example, the poem is set in around 500 BC which indicates the period in which the Anglo-Saxons invaded England. Also, several members of the Danish and Swedish royal members mentioned in Beowulf actually existed.
The code of honor among warriors in the poem features strongly in Anglo-Saxon tradition and is believed to have influenced other cultures of the time and over centuries. The epic poem also helps us understand Saxon civilization which centered around small tribes swearing allegiance to strong kings in return for protection.
Beowulf Teaches Moral Lessons
The poem teaches lots of moral lessons that can inspire people to live honorable lives.
It covers themes such as bravery, selflessness, loyalty, honor and the desire to be great.
In the poem, the titular character represents all these values and more as he uses his natural talents to make the kingdom a better place. Beowulf risks his life for others as he battles monster after monster sometimes single-handedly.
The poem also teaches the harsh effects of moral vices on individuals and societies. For instance, Beowulf is accused of being greedy and a glory hunter which ultimately caused his death in the end. The poem illustrates how the greed for wealth develops until it engulfs the whole being. The epic poem, through the life of Beowulf, warns of the dangers of glory-hunting and greed.
The Poem Relates to Our Modern Day Society
Many features of the poem are relatable to modern society and one can confidently say that those features were handed down from that generation. For example, kings built large entertainment halls where drinks were served and people reveled into the night.
Today, there are bars where people go to relax and unwind with drinks and revelry. Some bards entertained the guests with stories and poems; the modern world has theaters and concerts for entertainment.
Small tribes banded around a strong king for protective and economic reasons and the same can be said of our world today where several countries come together for both military and economic reasons. When Hrogthar and his people were plagued by the monster, Grendel and later his mother, Beowulf came to their help which is a common phenomenon in our modern world.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Scop in Beowulf?
The scop in Beowulf is a bard who goes around the countryside telling stories of great heroes and entertaining guests in a mead hall. In the poem, the scop plays a significant role by opening the poem and giving the reason for Grendel’s anger. According to the scop, Grendel was angered by his (scop’s) loud singing and playing on the harp and the racket from the mead hall. The scop also recorded the events that took place taking note of commemorative phases in the narrative.
Who Wrote Beowulf?
The author of the Old English poem is believed to be an Anglo-Saxon poet whose identity is not known. The poem is believed to have passed through centuries of oral tradition and may have been written by several poets before it was finally compiled between the 8th and 11th centuries.
What Is the Significance of Beowulf?
Beowulf helps scholars trace the evolution of the English language as well as study the norms and traditions of the Anglo-Saxons in the medieval period. Beowulf gives a glimpse of England’s history and the earliest forms of literature of the people of England. Beowulf’s record as the oldest English poem gives an insight into how literature and literary devices were used in the days past.
What Does Beowulf Teach Us?
Beowulf teaches moral lessons of self-sacrifice for the good of mankind as well as being courageous enough to face our fears. Beowulf exhibited these characteristics as he faced some of the most fearsome monsters known in his era.
Through strength and sheer will the titular character battled monsters and sacrificed his life for the good of his people. Beowulf also teaches us to be loyal to our family, friends, work, bosses, etc as he displayed towards his own king and the king of the Danes.
Also, due to an allegiance of friendship sworn to King Hrothgar by Beowulf’s father, Ecgtheow, Beowulf became loyal to King Hrothgar and helped protect his kingdom. However, we learn to avoid moral vices such as greed and jealousy as they are capable of destroying us and society.
What Can Be Problematic About Translating A Poem Like Beowulf?
One problem the writers faced when translating Beowulf from archaic to modern English was whether to render it as verse or prose. Another problem was the plethora of characters and small stories which could be confusing and make Beowulf understanding difficult.
Also, some words are difficult to translate into modern English with others having several meanings. Thus, there are many translations of Beowulf in existence today, though the plot and storyline are the same.
Conclusion
The poem Beowulf is a significant work of Old British literature that not only entertains its reader but gives a peep of life in medieval Europe. Here is a summary of the reasons you need to study the Old British classic, Beowulf:
- Beowulf acquaints readers with Old English grammar and literature and helps them understand how the language has evolved over the centuries.
- Through the lenses of Beowulf, we see the traditions, culture and norms of medieval England.
- The poem also is replete with moral lessons like bravery, loyalty and love that help to bind and shape society.
- Written between the seventh and eleventh Centuries, Beowulf contains numerous elements that are relatable to today’s society.
- Initially, the poem was transmitted orally and was quite popular in the Scandinavian region until an anonymous writer penned it down.
Beowulf will forever remain a classic for contemporary English students due to its status and its role. Therefore, go ahead and enjoy tales of men and monsters, victory and defeat as portrayed in the epic poem Beowulf.
