How to Read Beowulf

Beowulf is the oldest text written in English. It tells the story of a man, Beowulf, and his adventures in Denmark and Sweden sometime around the sixth century. It’s not necessary to know the history of the period to enjoy the poem; however, there are a few things you can do to help you appreciate the uniqueness and beauty of the work.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Copy of the poem

1. Understand how close Beowulf came to being forgotten. The poem exists only as a part of one manuscript, which dates from around 1000 C.E. This manuscript, Cotton Vitellius A.XV, was almost burned in a fire in 1731 C.E.
2. Think about the language of the poem. Beowulf was originally written in Old English. Old English poetry was alliterative; it relied on words that started with the same sound. In Old English, this produced a rhythmic quality that can still be seen in modern translations.
3. Recognize the roots of the poem. Before Beowulf was written down, it had been an oral legend passed down for generations. It’s a story that was originally meant to be told, not read.
4. Pull apart the different strands of the story. Beowulf is probably the amalgamation of several different legends into one interconnected work. Characters like Scyld Scefing, Hrothgar and Breca all had separate legends outside of the poem. In fact, Beowulf probably takes place within an established heroic landscape.
5. Read the poem aloud. Beowulf was meant to be recited and the words are supposed to be heard. While reading, allow the rhythm of your voice to be guided by the words and to build naturally. Try to imagine the way the words would have sounded in the midst of a great hall in East Anglia or Northumbria in the seventh or eighth century.
6. Choose a verse translation. It is very difficult to translate Old English into verse, but it is the only way to truly capture the feeling of the original poem.
7. Remember, Beowulf is a story. Above everything else, it is meant to entertain. As such, the story of a hero who battles monsters, creatures of the sea, human enemies and a dragon is an incredibly entertaining story. Enjoy.

Tips & Warnings

• Get the Seamus Heaney edition. It’s not the scholarly edition, but it makes an effort to recapture the feel of the original.
• Try to imagine yourself in Beowulf’s world. It’s strikingly different place from the modern world. It’s full of danger, death and destruction; however, it’s also a place of adventure and bravery.