Beowulf Society
The earliest known manuscript of Beowulf is thought to have been written in thetenth century, however, the poem had most likely been told as an oral tradition forcenturies before that. In fact, the poem's events date back to the sixth century. However,because there is only one manuscript of Beowulf still in tact very little is known about thepoem or its author. The poem does, however, give us great insight into the culture of thepeople who composed and told this epic tale. Because the poem was performed orally mainly between the eighth and tenth centuries, but dealt with subject matter of centuries earlier, it is difficult to decipher andseparate the cultural context involved in the poem from one century to the next. Thepoem was probably unrecognizable from its original state after two hundred years of oraltradition that would have changed its content drastically. The storyline of the poem, thebattles and significant events, probably maintained most of their identity while thecultural context took on another form more suited to the current culture of the people. Bythe time it was written, in 1000, the poem was probably most representative of the tenth
This particular passage displays the importance of rituals andrights that individuals were required to undergo. Beowulf's first attack on the monster Grendel displayed manyqualities that were significant in a hero of that time. Many of theprinciples and ideals of the two were combined to create a more familiar understandingview of Christianity for the predominantly pagan population. Beowulf continues his speech to the king by stating "Hrothgar, the wiseking, gave me these trappings and purposely asked me to tell you their history" (74). Beowulf, then, gives us a significant insight into the cultural views of the tenthcentury Anglo-Saxons including their political, social and moral views. Beowulf confronts this evil figure withoutany fear and without the aid of any manmade weapons of war. Beowulf is almost a Christ figure, not to the extentthat he is Christ like, merely that he overcomes, literally kills, wickedness. This battle demonstrated the final and greatest sacrifice he couldmake. He took responsibility upon himself in a situation that required none. It containsall of the elements of a modern Hollywood film. Instead, he came on his own accord, out of dutyand principle. Theindividualistic society was just beginning to replace the tribal system in which noindividual had been seen as more important to the success of the tribe than any other. Beowulf is different at the timeof this battle, however. The hero, Beowulf, is glorified more for his virtue than for his strength indefeating the monster. He went into battle facing not only the dragon but also thedestiny of his own death.
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