Beowulf

= = BEOWULF The Author of Beowulf is unknown. The story survives in as two manuscripts known as the Southwick Codex (dated approximately in the 10th century) and Nowell Codex (dated between the 8th and 11th centuries).



History:
The origin of the actual story is up for debate. //Beowulf// is written in English, based on Germanic heroic poetry, set in Scandinavian countries, and filled with Irish parallels. There are also a handful of scholars who draw comparisons between //Beowulf// and the works of Homer and Virgil; thereby, suggesting the original author was influenced by works from the Mediterranean region of Europe. Further complicating tracing the origin of the story are the strong christian overtones in the surviving copies of the story. //Beowulf// is the oldest surviving story written in English. //Beowulf// is the 4th of 5 works in the Nowell codex. Many scholars agree that the version of //Beowulf// in this codex is a 10th or 11th century version of an 8th century poem. The codex was written by English Monks by two scribes (the handwriting changes at line 1939).

Passages:

 * Grendel was the name of this grim demon **
 * haunting the marches, marauding round the heath **
 * and the desolate fens; he had dwelt for a time **
 * in misery among the banished monsters, **
 * Cain's clan, whom the Creator had outlawed **
 * and condemned as outcasts. For the killing of Abel **
 * the Eternal Lord had exacted a price: **
 * Cain got no good from committing that murder **
 * because the Almighty made him anathema **
 * and out of the curse of his exile there sprang **
 * ogres and elves and evil phantoms **
 * and the giants too who strove with God **
 * time and again until he gave them their reward. (ll 102-114) **

This is the first example in the text where the author blends pagan lore with Judeo-Christian stories. It is clear that the author wishes to equate Grendel to Cain, who is one of the greatest reviled characters in the Bible. Grendel and Cain are both characters who receive little or no sympathy from the audience of the texts. Instead of trying to outright dismiss the creatures of Pagan lore, the author draws parallels and relationships between the mythical evils in Norse culture and evils in Christian culture.


 * The Halfdane's son presented Beowulf **
 * with a gold standard as a victory gift, **
 * an embroidered banner; also breast-mail **
 * and a helmet; and a sword carried high, **
 * that was both precious object and token of honor. (ll 1019-1023) **

This passage draws Beowulf's motivation into question. Up until this point in the text, Beowulf had proclaimed his actions were for the will of the Lord. It is apparent in the story that Beowulf gladly accepts his prize, and he is further glorified in song for his deeds. This is not congruent with the Christian message of humility; in fact, it is a polar opposite. This is a continuation of Western pre-Christian thought, where the hero wishes to glorify the god(s) and himself in one action. The author leaves this passage in, declaring that it is okay to glorify God and receive immediate personal benefits as well. This passage makes Christianity more appealing to converts because it is not portrayed as a religion of just sacrifice.


 * ... he had been poorly regarded **
 * for a long time, was taken by the Geats **
 * for less time than he was worth: and their lord too **
 * had never such esteemed in the mead-hall **
 * they firmly believed that he lacked force, **
 * that the prince was a weakling; but presently **
 * every affront to his deserving was reversed. (ll 2183-2189) **

It is an integral part of our society to root for the underdog. This is an early manifestation of the Western thought process. Beowulf receives little respect or acclaim and is thought to be foolish for wanting to fight Grendel; yet he is greatly revered by many far and wide after his accomplishment in battle. Two Western thought processes develop in this passage; never underestimate anyone because people will surprise you, and everyone loves it when an underdog wins.

**Secondary Sources:**

 * **Goldgyfan or Goldwlance: A Christian Apology for Beowulf and Treasure**


 * Summary:** The author poses the argument about the epic poem "Beowulf" that the author tries to conceal pagan aspects with a religious attitude. Doing this the role that treasure plays in the poem comes to light. Some critics of the poem see Beowulf as a sort of "money-monger"; however, the author argues that it is a Christian attitude that comes forth when Beowulf seeks treasure for dolling out as gifts to his retainers.


 * **Speaking of Nostalgia in Beowulf**


 * Summary:** The author of this article fixates on the masculinist influence of the poem. The article maintains that while the epic is very much representative of the warrior culture, the interpretive character of the epic minimally questions its cultural principle.


 * **Blood and Deeds: The Inheritance Systems**


 * Summary:** As the title suggests, this author delves into political systems of inheritance and monarchical succession. The political system and monarchical succession in this article refer to medieval Scandinavian and Germanic cultures portrayed in the epic poem. Furthermore the author pinpoints inherent problems is passing of civil authority.


 * **The Provenance of the Beowulf Manuscript**


 * Summary:** This article looks at the history of the Beowulf manuscript after is was procured and placed in the library belonging to Sir Robert Bruce Cotton. The article pays close attention to the etymology of the text during the sixteen century.



**Questions:**

 * Is it important to place a point of origin on the story? Why or why not?
 * Is the tracing of Hrothgar's lineage at the beginning of the text comparable to the tracing of Jesus Christ's lineage at the beginning of the Book of Matthew?
 * Beowulf cuts off Grendel's hand, but the attacks on Heorot do not end until Beowulf removes the head of Grendel's mother. What does this suggest about the mother/son (male/female) dynamic?
 * Beowulf comes from another kingdom to save the Danes. Does this help in lending itself to evangelizing the text?
 * Beowulf constantly refers to the will of God being the great decider in the outcome of the battles in which he takes part. How does this compare to Achilles and the pantheon of gods in //The Iliad//?
 * Beowulf rises to power and becomes king after his battle with Grendel's mother, and before the battle with the dragon. However, this rise to power is not a focal point of the text. What is the author suggesting about Beowulf's power?
 * What are the motivations for Beowulf's fellow Geats to join him on his adventures: Gold, God, or Glory?