Sunday, March 26, 2017

What qualities of the epic do you find in Beowulf?

In addition to the qualities mentioned in the citation linked below, we can find other typical qualities of epic poetry in Beowulf.
We expect an epic to begin in media res, in the middle, and for the most part we can see that this poem offers first a prologue on Shield Sheafson but then jumps into the tale of Hrothgar. We don't start with Beowulf's history, which is somewhat shrouded, nor do we learn much about Hrothgar other than that his meadhall is under siege. We get flashbacks on culture-defining moments and the backstory of Grendel as we go. In this epic, the value of looking back to Shield is important as he is an exemplar of a good king, the theme of the poem. The focus on the epic theme of what a good king must do is important in epic poetry and this poem offers Shield, Hrothgar, and Beowulf as examples of those who are admirable but not perfect in their execution of political leadership.
The elevated language of alliterative verse, kennings, use of epithets, and statements defining cultural values are also important qualities in an epic. This poem seems to have been part of the oral tradition and we see the way its majestic poetry would enhance conversations about what the Anglo-Saxon tribes valued. In particular, the ideal of the comitatus, or the duties of bravery, loyalty and generosity or hospitality, runs throughout the poem. The culture is strong when all do their part, with the king and the thane each performing an appropriate role in keeping the land safe. Beowulf's tragedy in the end seems to emerge from his willingness to fight the dragon—a thane's battle, not an aged king's—thus leaving the Geats unprotected once Beowulf dies.


Beowulf is an epic because the hero of the story is exceptional. Beowulf is seen battling and slaying great monsters. He also demonstrates outstanding physical abilities such as staying underwater for hours, wielding a heavy sword forged by giants, and tearing Grendel’s arm from his body.
The setting of the poem is considerably vast. It covers different countries, and Beowulf is seen traveling to the Danes across a great sea to fight Grendel.
Beowulf demonstrates supernatural power and significant courage because he reaches out to the Danes and offers his assistance at a time when no other warriors were forthcoming. He not only fights Grendel, he also faces off with the mother.
The story features supernatural beings in the form of monsters and dragons. Beowulf fights sea monsters, Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and a dragon that fatally wounds him.
https://www.britannica.com/art/epic

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