Beowulf: An Old English Epic Poem Analysis

Beowulf: An Old English Epic Poem

Origins and Manuscript

Beowulf, the oldest surviving English epic poem, dates back to the first half of the eighth century. The sole surviving manuscript, from the late tenth century, originated in the West Saxon kingdom. Damage from a 1731 fire resulted in the loss of some text. While the poem is English, it focuses on the Germanic forebears of the English, specifically the Danes and Geats of Zealand and southern Sweden. The historical setting predates the poem by roughly two centuries, falling between the initial Germanic invasion of England in 449 and the completion of the Anglo-Saxon migration. The audience may have identified as Geats, like Beowulf himself. The poem references Hygelac's raid on the Franks in 520, a verifiable historical event.

A Unique Germanic Epic

Beowulf stands alone as an Old English epic and the greatest surviving epic from the Germanic peoples.

The Author, Christianity, and Paganism

Christian Elements

The poem's author was likely Christian, reflecting the growing Christian influence in England. Numerous Old Testament references appear:

1. God as Creator, His will linked to Fate.
2. Grendel's descent from Cain.
3. The engraved sword in Grendel's mother's lair, depicting the giants' destruction by flood.
4. The dead awaiting God's judgment.

Notably, there are no New Testament references.

Pagan Influences

Despite the Christian elements, the poem also reflects values of a pagan warrior society, similar to that described by Tacitus in Germania. While the poet and audience were Christian, the older pagan tradition clearly resonated deeply.