Beowulf
Beowulf is an Old English poem written in the 6th Century. It tells a story surrounding the prominent men of Scandinavia and ‘mythological’ monsters during the years 700 and 750. The poem showcases the importance of heroism within the Anglo-Saxon culture by focusing on Beowulf’s victorious battles. The poem also incorporates the use of metonymy to represent concepts important to the plot.
In Anglo-Saxon culture, weapons were seen of importance and heroes were warriors. Beowulf not only fought Grendel, but he did so “unweaponed, for war” (686). He shows his courage and fairness, traits that are important for well respected warriors, by fighting Grendel only by using his strength. Even without the use of armor or weapons, Beowulf succeeds in killing Grendel. In the Danes’s eyes, Beowulf was a hero who saved them from Grendel’s terror without the need of weapons — an item they viewed with value. As a reader during the Anglo-Saxon time period, Beowulf would have been seen as almost God. A warrior who saved many people from fear and terror without the need for traditional warrior weapons and armor. In the poem, the Danes had compared Beowulf to the Sigmund and Fitela, mythic heroes who killed many monsters. It is important to note that Beowulf was compared to have mythic and god-like traits for it is the reason he is viewed as a hero.
The poem continues to illustrate heroism and Anglo-Saxon culture through Beowulf’s series of victories after Grendel. After Beowulf defeats Grendel, he exhibits his power by the hanging Grendel’s claw that was “on high roof gazing” (984). A claw that was damaged (in a way no weapon could have) was put on display to exhibit Beowulf’s power. This strongly supports Anglo-Saxon value for warfare and warriors. Beowulf also defeats Grendel’s mother who had taken revenge. He did so by diving underwater that was “hot with blood” (1427) and filled with “water worm-like things” (1429). His victory once again showcases his bravery and god-like heroic abilities.
The unknown author of Beowulf uses metonymy to describe specific ideas or items in a concise way. For example, the author uses “ocean-kneel” (1912) and “wave-swimmer” (1916) to describe a ship on the ocean. Instead of using the word “ship”, the author utilizes metonymy to illustrate the function of the ship while also describing the setting. The author also uses metonymy to describe individuals. Beowulf is often referred to “the hero” (1600) and the Grendel as “monster” (434) throughout the poem. These terms are associated with evil and good which are all based on their time’s standards which may have been influenced by Christianity. Because of that, the poem may be biased as it only has one perspective and does not tell the story of these ‘monsters’.
The poem also incorporates parts of Christianity within the poem. After defeating Grendel’s mother, Beowulf claimed that his “strength [would have] been lost” if the “Lord had not shielded [him]” (1664). Because this story takes place after Christianity had taken over, the poem references ideas of Christianity. The poem’s figures praise God and rely on him for direction and strength. Furthermore, the ideas of good and evil are present. Their religion highly influenced what they saw as good and what they saw as evil. Although there are Anglo-Saxon cultural traits of warfare, the poem categorizes monsters like Grendel and his mother as evil because it goes against the idea of loving thy neighbor. Because they intentionally terrorized the people of Denmark, the Danes viewed them as evil.
In the last victory of his series of battles, Beowulf goes after an enraged dragon after fifty years of killing Grendel. Beowulf continues to illustrate bravery by going into battle despite his age. In the end, the dragon’s poison had killed him. Nevertheless, Beowulf died victoriously in battle. This strongly displays Anglo-Saxon culture of viewing heroes as warriors. Right before his death, Beowulf wanted to see “the gorgeous heirlooms” (2757) and “have joy in the jewels and gems” (2758) before his death. This also references to Anglo-Saxon culture as they put value in the treasure. His death strengthens the idea that Beowulf is a hero for the Danes as he continuously fights the evil that towers over them.
The poem, Beowulf, illustrates many ideas of Anglo-Saxon culture, specifically heroism. Throughout the poem, the unknown author uses metonymy to refer to ideas in the poem. Beowulf is seen as a hero through his series of victories and courageous acts against evil monsters like Grendel. The poem structures good and evil through their current societal and Christianity standards, so we may never know if these ‘monsters’ were evil as the poem described.
