Review: Beowulf (Spoilers)

Finally, over a year after I read this epic, I’m talking about it on the blog. Let’s give three cheers for procrastination! But, on a more serious note, Beowulf is the most important work of literature in the English language. Written by an unknown author around 700-750 A.D., Beowulf is relevant for its cultural framework, literary and linguistic significance, it’s glimpses into history, and its lasting impact on literature.

#1: Cultural and Historical Framework

Though Beowulf is obviously a work of fiction, it gives us glimpses into the cultural framework of the Scandinavians, revealing their traditions, and even including characters that were real people, and whose deeds were referenced by contemporary historians as well as the Beowulf poet. In my paper about similarities between Tolkien’s The Silmarillion and Beowulf, I quote Wikipedia saying that, “[…] Roy Liuzza argues that the poem is “frustratingly ambivalent”, neither myth nor folktale, but is set “against a complex background of legendary history… on a roughly recognizable map of Scandanavia,” and comments that the Geats of the poem may correspond with the Gautur (of modern Götaland); or perhaps the legendary Getae.” 

Further, parts of the poem show the Christian influence on storytelling midst the pagan themes present in the book. Beowulf is a pagan hero in many ways, however throughout the story, there are places where themes and plot points are taken from the Bible. The most obvious example is Grendel, the son of Cain, who, in the Bible was the son of Adam and was cursed by God for murdering his brother, Abel. It’s an interesting and unique mix of Germanic and Christian beliefs and ideals.

#2: Literary and Linguistic Importance

Beowulf is the oldest surviving epic poem written in Old English and continues to affect Western literary tradition with its themes of bravery, honor, and good and evil. It uses various literary devices like kennings and alliteration, which are characteristic of Anglo-Saxon literature. Studying this can then give one a better sense of the heritage of English literature. Further, if you happen to have a copy of Beowulf written in Old and Modern English, you can also see how the English language has evolved over the past thousand years.

#3: Beowulf’s Effect on Modern Literature

Beowulf‘s impact has been far-reaching, especially in the fantasy genre, with the most prominent examples being the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, George R.R. Martin’s Game of Thrones series and spinoff books, and Andrzej Sapkowski’s The Witcher books. Its themes of heroism, honor, pride, and good and evil still resonate deeply with us today and can be identified in many stories today.

Until next time,

M.J.