by Risa Wolf

Created on: January 05, 2011   Last Updated: June 24, 2011

An epic is a long narrative poem, written in an elevated style, that relates the deeds of a hero, real or fabled. Beowulf, as in any epic, contains deeds in plenty; but Beowulf is more than the oldest English narrative poem written in alliterative verse. The story of Beowulf moves from impetuous youth to wise old age and an honorable death defending his people. Beowulf is also the story of how, if you were an Anglo-Saxon listening to the poem, to be a good king. Interspersed throughout the poem are episodes from the past that tell of the various wrong paths that a ruler can take. Beowulf is an evening's entertainment in the mead hall, but it is also lessons in kingship. The poem is divided into three main parts: the prologue, young Beowulf, and old King Beowulf. Young Beowulf is the most action packed part of the poem.

 The Prologue: 

Ancient epics and histories begin with a prologue, which may vary substantially in length. The prologue tells the listeners which story they will be hearing. The prologue to Beowulf tells the story of Scyld Scefing, the mythical founder of the Scylding clan of Denmark. Scyld was a foundling who rose to glory. He waxed mightily and so did the Scyldings, for “that was a good king.” When he dies, he is sent to sea in a magnificently adorned ship, the ship going “where, no man knows.”

The audience now knows the general outline of the story to come. It will be about a young man who is tested, proves himself, and becomes a good king. The story will also end with his death..

Young Beowulf

Set in Denmark, the poem itself begins when King Hrothgar, descendant of Scyld, builds himself a new Royal mead hall, called Heorot, where his people meet, sing, celebrate, get drunk, and sleep. Unfortunately, Hrothgar did not choose his site well. Now enters the first monster: Grendel. Grendel, who descends from Cain, lives in a nearby marshy mere and he hates the singing and happy sounds. Grendel proceeds to attack, and eat, Hrothgar's men. The clan can not safely sleep in the hall. This goes on nightly for 12 years.

At the same time, back in Sweden, there are the Geats. Hygelac is king of the Geats; Beowulf is his nephew. Beowulf has the strength of thirty men in his grip and has numerous foolish youthful exploits among the young men. Beowulf hears of the torments of Hrothgar and decides to go to the rescue. He then chooses 14 companions, and off they sail to Denmark. With their arrival in Denmark, the testing begins:

• 1
• 2
• 3
• Next Page >>