Beowulf and the Anglo-Saxons

“Beowulf” is the oldest known piece of English literature, written around 700 A.D. in Old English. It is an epic poem that is a tale of its namesake, Beowulf. We can date this poem easily, not only scientifically, but also culturally. There are certain characteristics in Old English (Anglo-Saxon) society that are evident throughout the poem. Among those traits are religion, the relationship between kin, thanes, and lords, and the way people dealt with their fate.

The Christian religion came to the English Isles as early as 314 A.D. and greatly influenced the literature there. The poet was believed to be a monk and a scop (bard) because of the prevalence of Christian allusions. One such allusion is from the first book of the Bible, Genesis. It is the story of how Cain “slew Abel.” It explains how Grendel is descended from Cain,

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When Grendel’s mother killed Aeschere, the noble friend of Hrothgar, Hrothgar was grief-stricken. ” They admired courage, loyalty, courtesy, generosity, and perseverance. Hrothgar is described as a “dispenser of treasure” and “ring giver”, and Beowulf is portrayed as a “protector of warriors. In the poem, Beowulf says, “Fate often saves an undoomed man when his courage is good.

The Anglo-Saxon civilization believed that fate determined life. That Beowulf is able to boast that he never had war with any tribes, just monsters (inhuman) indicates that peaceful attribute. If a kinsman or friend had been murdered, his friends (kin) had the privilege, nay, the duty to find his murderer and either kill them or take a payment of wergild (manprice). ” This basically says that since the throne was blessed, no “creature of darkness” or “thing of evil” could touch it, and its ruler. Hrothgar’s speech, from after Beowulf killed Grendel’s mother with the blessed sword, reflects the Christian doctrine’s emphasis on morality and conscience; the devil lies in wait for the unwary mind and heart. Fate (wyrd) is sometimes used as a substitute for “the will of God. “He might not approach the throne, [receive] treasure, because of the Lord; He had no love for him. Beowulf, himself, reflects the Christian appreciation for peace among men. ” The relationship between kin and friends also is of great importance to the poem and therefore Anglo-Saxon society. Beowulf said to him, “It is better for a man to avenge his friend than much morn.

Approximate Word count = 585
Approximate Pages = 2 (250 words per page double spaced)

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