Introduction to Beowulf as an Epic
Generally, an epic is a long narrative poem, a la Beowulf as an epic, written about the journey or adventures of a hero, in dactylic hexameter and spanned over twelve or more books. The hero is often a larger-than-life figure who comes out victorious in every sort of expedition, more than often aided by gods and fate but has human qualities. The events relate to the history and society in which they are set. If judged on these yards sticks, it seems that at least in some respects, Beowulf comes up to the standard of an epic. As it is one of the oldest surviving pieces in English Literature, it seems that it has some of the basic qualities that an epic should have in English according to the yardsticks of definition, conventions, qualities of a hero, and social climate that an epic should have.
Oral Traditions in the Making of Beowulf as an Epic
As far as Beowulf as an epic is concerned, it has come to us in oral traditions with having the hands of several writers in writing it. The objective of these oral traditions jotted down together into a story is to narrate and record the events, exploits, and adventures of the old Anglo-Saxon heroes specifically Beowulf and others who joined the national ideals through several strains used in it. It is a long narrative poem having 3,182 lines with several portions missing which shows that it must have been long enough to be called an epic. It has a grand style and extended similes that an epic should have such as the comparison of the feelings of King Hrethel with a father whose son is about to be hanged and melting of the way like that of ice. The other Aristotelian requirements of unity and the entirety of action and its grandeur are also present in it but not as Aristotle demands. For example, there is a unity of action but somewhere the action goes in some other direction with two separate narratives such as that of King Horathghar’s and Beowulf’s who is a young prince of Geats. The second is entirety which means that this Beowulf as an epic does not start from the in medias res as other epics do and also that the story does not have a proper beginning, a middle, and an end like other epics as Odyssey and Aeneid have. It is also that although the action is somewhat grand but not like that of Paradise Lost and Odyssey, for the hero loses his life at the end.
Hero in Beowulf as an Epic
The second point is the qualities of a hero and in this respect, this comes up to the standard of an epic hero. The hero of an epic is a larger than life figure or a great legend when reading Beowulf as an epic. He shows unusual courage and power and Beowulf fits into this category. A hero must be aided by deus ex machina and it is also that Beowulf is helped in several ways at several places. His physical courage, strength, and far superior acumen make him a perfect hero but not that of the category of Odysseus and Aeneas. It is also that he dies at the end in his fight against a dragon after living and ruling for several years. This makes him a lesser than a hero, but still, he retains some of the qualities of legends.
Epic Conventions in Beowulf as an Epic
The claim of Beowulf as an epic is not short of examples in several other ways such as epic conventions. Epics display a good use of war vocabulary and Beowulf is rich in it. Its best instance is when Beowulf fights against Grendel and his mother. His sabers, armor, and helmets have specific names. His sword Hrunting does well in his fight against Grendal’s mother and their fight in the boiling lake water and then in the swampy jungle is also a reminder of the great fights of great epics. The journey that the prince takes from Geats to Denmark is a long one and then his fights over there to assist King Horathghar are also legendary.
Conclusion
As far as the culture and social context of Beowulf as an Epic are concerned, Beowulf is full of themes regarding Anglo-Saxon culture, beliefs, and codes. It was a traditional theme to help good versus evil and Beowulf commits himself to help good and fight evil such as demons, dragons, and monsters. Other important themes are reputation and heroism. Beowulf commits himself to fight the monster Grendel and he does so at every peril even to his own life. The second one is that he fights like a hero with passion and courage even at the risk of death. Other such themes as loyalty and the elegiac nature of human beings are also tied to Anglo-Saxon period. Other female characters such as Wealhtheow and Hildeburgh also demonstrate that hospitality, honor, and importance of female figures in society were given much importance.
Works Cited
Relevant Questions about Beowulf as an Epic
- How does Beowulf as an epic reflect the values and heroic code of its time?
- In what ways do the supernatural battles in Beowulf contribute to its epic quality?
- How does the unique poetic structure of Beowulf as an epic enhance its literary significance?