Who Is Beowulf?

Beowulf is the hero of the ancient epic poem by the same name. The poem is considered one of the most important pieces in Anglo-Saxon literature. It is the oldest surviving epic poem in the English language. Written in England but set in Scandinavia, the story told in "Beowulf" is thought by some scholars to be the recording of an oral tradition that could contain some historical facts. The narrator, a Christian, recites the deeds of Beowulf in the third person and often infuses the tale with a sense of doom.

Poem

"Beowulf" is an English epic poem, written in Old English, 3,182 lines in length. The work of an unknown author, the poem was composed between the 8th and 11th centuries. The story centers on Beowulf's encounters with three antagonists. In the accounts of these battles, Beowulf is described as having superhuman strength, unassailable courage and impeccable leadership skills.

Setting

The story takes place between the 5th and 7th centuries in Denmark and what is now Sweden. This is about the time Anglo-Saxon tribes had begun to settle in England. Some of the events and people that are recorded in the poem can be verified from other sources.

Grendell

In his first battle, the young warrior is successful in defeating Grendel, a monster that had been tormenting and killing the men of King Hrothgar. In the second battle, Grendel's mother attacks and Beowulf beheads the monster. The king gives Beowulf many gifts and he is celebrated for his victories.

Dragon

When Beowulf faces his final antagonist, a dragon, he is an older man and king of his people. Beowulf is successful in killing the dragon that has been burning everything in the hero's kingdom. However, Beowulf dies from wounds that were inflicted in the fight.

Manuscript

The manuscript in which the poem survived is believed to date to about 1000 A.D., and is kept in the British Library in London. In the 16th century, the manuscript was acquired by Lawrence Nowell and was donated to Britain at the end of the 17th century. The first transcription of the manuscript was made in 1818. This transcription is valuable because the original manuscript continues to decay; it had been damaged by fire even before the 1818 transcription.

References

• Beowulf --- The Poem
• The Adventures of Beowulf
• Beowulf Translation