Dear friends,
I know many of you enjoy a good story so I decided that you might like to
read the oldest mythological story in the English language. This is an Old English epic poem, a classic of European literature. It is medieval Germanic culture. It is very highly respected, and famous. What I will share with you will
not be the story as it was written in the ancient language. I can hardly understand that myself. It will be the story in modern English.
Beowulf is a story of terrible dragons, treasure, an inspirational hero and supernatural feats of heroism. It may seem childlike to you because it is told in such a straightforward and uncomplicated way, unlike today's novels and movies which have complex plots and themes. This story in its simplicity has lasted so
long because it successfully fulfilled its goals. It entertains as it teaches many moral lessons and gives us detailed insight into an ancient culture, and the
ancient writer's beliefs about morality and religion.
Beowulf isn't just a children's story. As you read it you may like to think about why adults find such stories so intriguing. Why is any myth significant?
Fate plays and important part in this story. The three killings by Beowulf, and
his own death later, are said to have been predestined. If predestination exists, then there must be something that determines destiny. We don't accept fate,
as ancient peoples did. This is one of the traits that is different between us
. Sometimes, however, we resign ourselves to what we might call fate, and allow
it to take its course. That means that in reality we aren't really as distant
from the ancients as we would like to believe.
In the first few lines of the Anglo-Saxon epic a mysterious foundling named Scyld establishes a nation in Denmark. His reign is glorious as fearful tribes
in all the surrounding areas pay him tribute. Then he's gone, his people lamenting as his funeral ship sails into the unknown. And so passes earthly glory.
The Norse could be brutal, but they were also craftsmen, explorers and believers
in democracy. Within Viking society women had a good deal of freedom -- to engage in trade and to become active participa;nts in the political lives of their
communities. One quotation from such Viking culture is "Cattle die, kinsmen die
, the self must also die. I know one thing which never dies: the reputation of
each dead man." Glory seeking, eagerness for fame, and acquisition of wealth were an essential part of Germanic culture. How much power do I have? How will
I be remembered? "Glory never dies, for the man who is able to achieve it."
Beowulf is not an uncritical take on Germanic culture. The anonymous poet, influenced by medieval Christianity has clear and decisive thoughts about the ultimate uselessness of earthly glory. It's a story about valor and courage even in the face of fading strength and daunting odds. Beowulf was a warrior of the Geats
(from what is now modern Sweden) who responds to a distress call from Denmark.
The mead-hall of King Hrothgar is being ravaged nightly by the depredations of
the monster Grendel. Beowulf defeats Grendel and kills the creature's vengeful
mother soon after. The hero's fading strength is a more significant part of Beowulf's story, though. Before Beowulf returns to Geatland, the Danes throw he a
going-away party. The aged king Hrothgar, thinking over his life, casts a shadow over the festivities with grim advice and warnings for the departing Beowulf.
First he reminds him of Heremod, an bloodthirsty Danish tyrant who killed his own people. Then he advises him of his priorities and responsibilities in a long
speech. (In our story it won't be so long. :-))
"Choose, dear Beowulf, the better part,
Eternal rewards. Do not give way to pride.
For a brief while your strength is in bloom
but it fades quickly' and soon there will
follow illness or the sword to lay you low,
or a sudden fire or surge of water or
jabbing blade or javelin from the air
or repellent age. Your piercing eye will
dim and darken; and death will arrive,
dear warrior, to sweep you away.
Fame, strengtrh, power, and money all fade, says old King Hrothgar -- and something, whether battle or old age will get you in the end. I guess that'show he feel about himself when he looks back upon his life.
The poem comes to the point when Beowulf is an old man and has ruled the Geatsfor 5j0 years. He had an uneventful reign. Beowulf "never cut down a comrade who was drunk." Wealth and greed, however, complicate his last years.
I hope you will enjoy the story that will begin in part 1 of Beowulf. It is much shorter and easier to understand than the ancient epic poem in old English.
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