Abstract The review explores the work of Seamus Heaney (1999) in translating the epic Anglo-Saxon document, "Beowulf." This translation is compared to the digital restoration work being done with the original documents found in the British Library. Both Heaney and the Beowulf restoration group (at the University of Kentucky) are working with identical documents; however, Heamus has translated the text into a more accessible story, and restoration experts such as Keirnan (1984) have worked to preserve the original document for study. This paper evaluates whether Beowulf is a "story" or an artifact of Anglo-Saxon history, and the significance of the difference between translation and restoration.
Abstract This paper identifies the heroic and elegiac elements in "Beowulf," and compares the two. The author gives many examples of the poem referring to "Beowulf" as a hero, and then shows several examples of the sad, elegiac mood of the story of "Beowulf."
From the Paper "With detailed celebrations of weaponry, the praising of heroism and prowess in battle, eloquent speech, and an emphasis on vengeance, "Beowulf" is an epic poem of clear heroic capacity. Considered the first post-classical English epic, "Beowulf" also has many elegiac elements, including imagery of suffering and a sense of sorrow for the passing of worldly things. These elements are developed in the characters' longing for a better past, the value ascribed to treasure, and the importance of fame as the only lasting thing in a decaying world."
Abstract This paper explains that "Beowul" tells, amongst other things, the story of three monsters and their battles. Grendel, Grendel's Mother, and the Dragon are the monsters who give Beowulf the opportunity to become the legendary hero he is, and they also came at important socio-political times. The paper tells us the monsters of "Beowulf" can, and should, be read as metaphors for greater meaning, not simply static characters who serve as punching bags for the hero. In addition, the authors of "Beowulf" constructed its monsters in such a way that the text could be used as a teaching tool, a piece of Anglo-Saxon propaganda to teach morals and explain defeat.
From the Paper "By abstaining from the use of conventional weaponry in his battle with Grendel, and only using a magical sword in his fight with Grendel's mother, Beowulf symbolically rejects the domestication of civilization that Hrothgar proffers and revels in his violent heritage. The intimate struggle with Grendel in Heorot where "hand met claw" exemplifies the meeting of two forms of violence: the repressed, tabooed and latent violence of Grendel, and the open, healthy and manifest violence of Beowulf. Because Grendel is presented as the negative manifestation of violence, Beowulf wins the fight and shows the reader how the respectful application of violence is always the strongest. This idea is presented in the gristly image of Beowulf holding "Grendel's claw" "from hand to shoulder" as his war souvenir, the prize of his battle and the death of his enemy (836, 835). That Grendel's arm is Beowulf's souvenir reminds the reader of Grendel's primitive, yet terrible, weapon."
Abstract The general idea of the paper is to compare Beowulf to Jesus. A fairly difficult topic, this paper does an excellent job at pointing out how Jesus and Beowulf have many parallels, evident because the narrator telling the story had recently converted from paganism to Christianity. Grendel, his mother, and other characters help form the body of this paper.
From the Paper "Existing as the oldest example of English literature in the form of an epic poem, Beowulf is an ancient pagan story involving two Scandinavian tribes, the Danes and the Geats. As the two tribes converted to Christianity, what was once an old pagan tale came to be greatly influenced by Christian morals, ideals, and traits. Since the Christian scop, or narrator of the story, tries to superimpose Christian beliefs onto a pagan story and as a result, the hero of Beowulf can be compared to Jesus Christ in a number of ways."
Abstract This essay analyzes many of the biblical references made in the epic poem of "Beowulf". These biblical references are then compared to the context of the Old Testament. The paper seeks to determine whether or not "Beowulf" was originally told with Christian tone or if Christian elements were added during the influential time period that the Danes were going through at the time it was written down.
From the Paper The latest version of Beowulf was translated from Old English and written by Seamus Heaney. It is the oldest known epic poem and takes place around 500CE in Denmark and Geatland, which is now southern Sweden. Beowulf is believed to have been first composed orally around 700CE and then written around 1000CE by monks of Anglo-Saxon decent. The British Isles were in rough shape after the conquests of the Romans, Germanic tribes, and the Vikings. The Anglo-Saxon's needed a heroic man of faith that represented strength, decency, and bravery and could also protect the Danes from evil. This man was known as Beowulf. Beowulf seemed to be the good, called upon by god to protect the Danes. There were frequent biblical references made throughout the context of Beowulf. Did these biblical references prove that the Anglo-Saxon's believed in a monotheistic god and had faith in Christianity or were these religious aspects added later in time?
Abstract This paper discusses Beowulf and Grendel. The paper notes the similarities between Beowulf and Grendel and explains that the main one was that they were both last of their line. The paper adds that they had interesting lineages and they were both champions for their people with similar fates.
From the Paper "Beowulf is the classic Scandinavian epic of the mighty Beowulf. Beowulf fights many monsters over his life-time but probably his most famous battle involves an anthropomorphic monster named Grendel. In many ways the characters of Beowulf and Grendel are complete opposites. Beowulf is the powerful, noble and charismatic warrior and Grendel is the ultimate predator seeming to lack even the most rudimentary social skills, courage or even a shred of human decency. Although these characters are extremely different they do share a number of similarities."
Abstract This paper looks at the stories of "Beowulf" as a parallel to the values and attitudes within Medieval society, namely, the penultimate values of martial prowess, heroic action, courage, material goods, religious devotion, and most of all, loyalty.
From the Paper "Medieval society was a violent one, necessitated by the constant warring between kingdoms. The nobility, created originally to defend those unable to defend themselves from the raiding tribes following the downfall of the Roman empire, prided themselves on their combat prowess and valued this above all else. We can find a parallel to the attitudes of Beowulf in the heroic age of Greece and the Homeric epics of the Iliad and the Odyssey in their emphasis on combat as proof of a man's worth and the preoccupation with violence in violent times. The Medieval period is one such era, characterized by the warfare and the heroes of the era, such as Beowulf. Beowulf would be the archetype, ideal warrior, especially in the exceptionally warlike Danish regions. These heroic tales give us a great deal of insight into the aspirations and ideas of those nobles and warriors, who would be the most likely readers of such tales."
Abstract A paper on the historical analysis of Beowulf. The paper discusses the concept of Wryd, good/evil and resolution in the light of the passages quoted and finally compares it to the mindset of the people in "Odyssey".
Abstract In this article, the writer compares Seamus Heaney's translation of 'Beowulf' to two other translations of the epic poem. The writer discusses what makes some translations unreadable. Further, the writer discusses the use of modern language to make sense of the poem to contemporary readers.
From the Paper "Michael Alexander has identified 'Beowulf' as the first substantial work in English and pointed out that it has both a severe artistic dignity and a penetrating understanding of human life. This long poem has been translated by any number of individuals beginning with Alfred Lord Tennyson and continuing through the translation by Seamus Heaney. Heaney was initially commissioned by the W. W. Norton Publishing Company to represent this famous Old English poem to undergraduates in a free standing and relatively faithful translation that would also appear in an ... "
Abstract This paper discusses how, in the ancient epic poem "Beowulf", we find a character named Beowulf, who, at first glance, appears to be very Christian. The paper relates that the character of Beowulf frequently praises God and gives thanks to Him, yet the reader gets the feeling that something is not quite right. It seems that Beowulf's Christianity runs only skin deep, because he is very violent and boastful. The paper then examines how the debate over this subject, as well as the identity of the author of Beowulf, has raged for countless years. The paper asserts that, though Beowulf was almost undoubtedly not a Christian, there is indisputable evidence that proves that the author of "Beowulf" was.
From the Paper "Though the author does not mention Jesus Christ by name a single time throughout the entire poem, he clearly compares Beowulf to him indirectly in multiple instances during the tale. For starters, just as Jesus descends into hell to battle Satan, Beowulf descends into a sort of Hell lair to fight Grendel's Mother. Just as Beowulf was beaten by other Hell dwelling monsters during his fight with Grendel's mother, Jesus was spat upon and laughed at by crowds at his crucifiction. Jesus was sent to earth to complete a task that no one else could complete: To save humanity through his own sacrifice. Similarly, Beowulf comes to Heorot to complete a task which no one else could, namely defeating Grendel. "Now Holy God has, in His goodness, guided him here to the West-Danes, to defend us from Grendel" (Beowulf 382-4) This quote even alludes to Beowulf being some sort of God commisioned savior for Hrothgar, just as Jesus was for mankind. "
Abstract This paper studies the heroes of Odysseus in "The Odyssey" by Homer and Beowulf in "Beowulf", which are two of the greatest epics in Western literature. The similarities discussed by the paper include: both heroes undertake a great journey across water; both heroes descend into the underworld; both undergo trials and tribulations and must depend on the companionship of others; and both are uniquely grand men in their times. On the other hand, the paper demonstrates how despite these similarities, Beowulf and Odysseus are drastically different characters. Beowulf comes across as a noble and self-sacrificing knight, explains the paper, while Odysseus seems prone to adventuring for the sake of spoils, women and fame. Other differences include that Beowulf is literally seen as the hand of God in stamping out evil; Odysseus, on the other hand, struggles in opposition to the gods. The paper also demonstrates how Odysseus struggles against nature and his fellow man, while Beowulf struggles against demons.
From the Paper "Beowulf and Odysseus have quite different approaches to heroism and its purposes. Beowulf is driven to act as he does based on the guidance of his wise men and religious leaders, who urge him to go "help the king who needed help."(1) At its core, Beowulf's purpose is to bring "relief from this evil." (1) Though eventually he will be rewarded by the Queen for his good deeds and his promise of friendship to her sons and given by her "the largest neck ring I have heard tell of on the earth," (6) still he does not respond either with pride or with hubris, but remains a "gentle, joyful one... mild in spirit, and faithful to his king." (6) Odysseus, on the other hand, does not approach adventures through some sort of over-weening altruism. When he battles monsters, it is because they stand between him and his goals (usually his way home). When he acts heroically, he generally does so in hope of gaining the monetary pleasure of kings. For example, Odysseus usually closely follows up his accounts of his own heroic adventures with a blatant request for tribute, as when -in the middle of accounting his trip to the Underworld, he says: "King Alcinous, if you were to bid me to stay here for a whole twelve months, and then speed me on my way, loaded with your noble gifts, I should obey you gladly..." (Book XI) This is quite different from Beowulf, who offers his loyalty and friendship without price."
A comparison of the translations of lines 2799 and 2820 in "Beowulf: A New Prose Translation" by E. Talbot Donaldson, "Beowulf: A New Verse Translation" by R.M. Liuzza, and "Beowulf: A Verse Translation" by Seamus Heavey.
Abstract This paper examines and compares three translations and interpretations of the passage between lines 2799 and 2820 - Beowulf's last scene and final words to the young warrior, Wiglaf. It analyzes "Beowulf: A New Prose Translation" by E. Talbot Donaldson, "Beowulf: A New Verse Translation" by R.M. Liuzza and "Beowulf: A Verse Translation" by Seamus Heavey.
From the Paper "Given that the translations of Liuzza and Heaney take the most substantial risks and embrace their stylistic decisions, it is understandable that the tensions between individual agency and historical determinism, between pagan and Christian, and between wyrd and divine predestination are thus considerably muted in Donaldson's interpretation of the passage between lines 2799 and 2820. In contrast, the translations of Liuzza and Heaney offer a significant interpretive contribution to our understanding of Beowulf's final words and death, and by extension to the birth of a new worldview that was emerging at that time. Nevertheless, each of these three translations offers both a reading and to a certain extent a resolution of the complexities between pagan notions of heroism and fate and the otherworldly implications of Christian doctrine. Having grasped the implications of each of these readings, we may follow them through to their logical conclusion to find that they each represent a certain position within this spectrum of tension between the worldviews of paganism and Christianity, and ultimately on the precarious position of personal choice and self-determination that permeate these tensions."
Abstract The following paper critically analyzes 'Beowulf', a collection of heathen tales of the early Northland, put together and shaped by a Christian Anglo-Saxon poet in the era of Bede who was influenced by both Greek/Roman and Church sources. This paper examines the significant parallels apparent between Beowulf's adventure and Christ's death, decent into hell and resurrection. However heathen the original story was, the writer argues that it is reasonable to suppose that the account of Beowulf's decent into the grim fen, his encounter with the demon-brood staining the water with blood and his triumphant emergence from it into joyous springtime is at least an allegory of baptism. The following paper gives ?Beowulf and the "Historic Age" a far fuller historical meaning and even greater artistic value than the writer would have if it were only interpreted on a story level. The writer contends that if one were to start from scratch and invent a story whose every detail was to allegorize the story of salvation (which C.S. Lewis did in his "Narnia" series, for example), one could not do much better than was done in Beowulf by using plot inherent in the ancient tales.
From the Paper ?A classic work of literature is one that endures past its own generation. One reason a work endures is because it can be read, enjoyed and promote thought not only for the author's contemporaries, but for people who read it for years to come. In order to do that, it must contain universal themes that remain true across times and cultures.One thing that successive generations of readers do with a classic is relate its themes to their own lives and times. A classic may mean one thing to one person who reads it and another thing to another person. Quite often readers recognize a simple story as an allegory for something else. A recent example of this is how the "Star Wars" saga has come to be "adopted" by Christian readers because Christians realized that many of the main concepts could be metaphors for Christian ideals. "The force" can be God or the Holy Spirit who helps the Jedi (those chosen to lead and defend the common people, or in the Christian tradition, the clergy or ministers or even "everyman" Christians) to fight "the dark side".?
Abstract This paper explains that "Beowulf", composed circa 800A.D. and written circa 1000 A.D., is a classic epic depicting kings, queens, knights, blood feuds, monsters and dragons. The author points out that, because Beowulf, the main character, has brain and brawn, which are highlighted throughout the tale, and is dignified, brave, wise and a superior warrior; only a commendable challenger is capable of defeating him. The paper relates that there are many monstrous beasts that Beowulf encounters and defeats; however, the dragon is not a monster but rather the most worthy adversary of any beast Beowulf encounters, whose death glorifies both the dragon himself and Beowulf. The paper includes several quotations as examples.
From the Paper "Although the dragon was not trying to get his treasure back in a civilized manor, he can't be asked to; he is in-fact an animal. It is hard to imagine now, but in the time the poem was composed, a dragon was considered to be an animal. Similar to how people may view Lochness or Bigfoot today, an animal that may or may not exist. It is important to understand that people of the time thought of a dragon as an animal because by accepting he is one, in-turn accepts that he does not have a conscience of right and wrong. Animals may have emotions, such as happiness, fear, or rage, but they do not have a concept of good or evil."
