Study Guide: Beowulf

Introduction

• Beowulf is an Anglo-Saxon poem about a Scandinavian hero.
• The poem involves Beowulf defeating three monsters: Grendel, Grendel's mother, and a dragon.
• This guide will cover various aspects of Beowulf including setting, historical context, and literary analysis.

Setting

• Location: Takes place in Scandinavia, specifically southern Sweden and Denmark.
• Fictional Hero: Beowulf is likely a fictional hero from the Geats, a real people group from southern Sweden.
• Beowulf travels to Denmark to help King Hrothgar.

Historical Context

• Period: Story told by northern Germanic tribes like the Jutes, Angles, and Saxons.
• Migration: Around 400 AD, Roman Empire's fall led to these tribes moving to the British Isles.
• Christianization: Fusion of pagan and Christian elements in the poem, e.g., Grendel as a descendant of Cain.

Manuscript and Preservation

• Nowell Codex: The only surviving manuscript of Beowulf.
• Preservation Issues: Poorly preserved, with portions lost in a fire.
• Recorded by a Danish historian, now digitally scanned.

Influence of J.R.R. Tolkien

• Essay: "Beowulf: The Monsters and the Critics."
• Impact: Changed modern perception of Beowulf, emphasizing its literary rather than historical value.

Format of the Poem

• Structure: 3182 lines, no set rhyme or meter, relies on alliteration.
• Point of View: Distant third-person narrative.
• Epic Debate: Some debate if Beowulf qualifies as an epic poem.

Summary of the Poem

Introduction and Grendel's Defeat

• Beowulf's Journey: Sails from Sweden to Denmark to help King Hrothgar.
• Grendel's Terror: Grendel attacks the Danes for 12 years.
• Beowulf's Victory: Defeats Grendel in a nude battle, tearing off his arm.

Grendel's Mother

• Retaliation: Grendel’s mother attacks, taking revenge.
• Beowulf's Quest: Dives into her lake den, finds a giant-forged sword, and kills her.

Beowulf as King and the Dragon

• Return to Geats: Beowulf becomes King after King Hygelac's death.
• Dragon's Rage: Dragon attacks after a stolen cup incident.
• Final Battle: Beowulf, with help from Wiglaf, kills the dragon but is mortally wounded.

Themes and Analysis

• Heroism: Beowulf as an ideal hero with extraordinary strength and bravery.
• Cultural Insight: Offers glimpses into Norse mythology and politics.
• Blend of Cultures: Pagan and Christian influences are evident throughout the poem.

Conclusion

• Beowulf is a unique blend of myth and history, with significant cultural and literary value.
• Understanding its background provides deeper insights into its themes and characters.