Beowulf Essay, Tim Szu, Period 4

Beowulf Essay

In a carefully organized essay explain why the epic Beowulf is considered the quintessential piece of Anglo-Saxon literature. Be sure to support all points with examples from this epic and other Anglo-Saxon poems explicated in class.

The essence of Anglo-Saxon literature was encapsulated by the epic Beowulf. This epic is the epitome of the quintessential piece of Anglo-Saxon literature because it showcases the significant aspects of Anglo-Saxon works; the heroic code and Pagan and Christian influences. Although other Anglo-Saxon poems and works contain these aspects, Beowulf exemplifies the code and religious influences in a distinct manner, win which other works of literature cannot compare.

Anglo-Saxon literature encompasses the idea of the heroic code. Many Anglo-Saxon works contain this code, so what separates Beowulf from the others? In the poem, Deor, the hero is robbed of joys, he suffers, and he loses his life of high status. The hero demonstrates the heroic code by showcasing wisdom because he consoles himself by considering past misfortunes. He does not give up hope and he knows that adversity will not keep him down . This attitude exemplifies wisdom, but it does not reveal strength. In another poem, The Battle of Brunanbush, King Aesthelsten was a leader who led his men to victory. This presents strength, but it does not portray wisdom. Beowulf separates itself from other works of literature because it captures all aspects of the heroic code; both strength and wisdom. Beowulf depicts strength through his bravery in killing Grendel and Grendel’s mother, and he also represents wisdom in refusing a throne that was not rightfully his to take.

Beowulf also incorporates both Pagan and Christian influences. At the time Beowulf was being written, religious ideals were changing from Pagan dominance to Christian ideals. Beowulf does an excellent job in fusing both beliefs. Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and dragon all represent Pagan personifications, while Beowulf embodies the Christian hero. The epic mixed these two ideas well and strayed away from depicting a dominant idea. Although Beowulf kills Grendel and Grendel’s mother, he is murdered by the dragon. Beowulf also used the sword of a giant, which is also Pagan-influenced. Other poems also entail both influences of Paganism and Christianity, but Beowulf fuses the two influences in an extraordinary way with a seamless way. Other works do not blend these influences together in a seamless manner. In the poem, The seafarer, it starts out with the ocean that is Pagan-influenced, but it ends with a praise for God which is Christian-influenced. The poem does not transition these ideas well, a Pagan is sailing on the ocean and says, “But none on earth may be so proud… that he embark with unconcern what end for him the Master may intend.” The shift is abrupt and awkward, and the poem ends with a definite Christian feel, while Beowulf ends with both beliefs.

Beowulf is the perfect example of Anglo-Saxon literature because of its mixture of both Pagan and Christian ideals. It also incorporates all traits of the heroic code; including wisdom and strength. Other works may contain these aspects, but Beowulf distinguishes itself from all other pieces of literature.