Historical Context

The epic of Beowulf is one of the most prominent works of Old English literature. The epic revives heroic language and pagan principles of medieval Scandinavian culture. Beowulf reflects various cultural values, such as courage and bravery, loyalty, selflessness, and generosity. Initially, this epic was only passed on verbally, becoming composed around 700 C.E.. However, it only became recognized as a contribution to English literature and culture until 1936, when J.R.R. Tolkien wrote a paper about its cultural significance, bringing great popularity to the artistic literary work. 

 

The poetic literary work of Beowulf , reflects influence from Anglo-Saxon cultural values. At the time the epic was written, Christianity was already expanding rapidly, converging with the pagan culture of the region. This is evident through the numerous allusions to the Old testament, for example Grendel ascendance, "He was spawned in that slime of Cain, murderous creatures banished by God, punished forever for the crime of Abel's death" And also the presence of Christian values in the poem, "how the mighty God, through magnanimous spirit, gives out as gifts to the kin of men their wisdom, lands and rulership. He is lord of all things." In addition, there is some historical truth in Beowulf, for instance, some sites, events, and characters mentioned in the poem. The royal family members mentioned throughout the epic were real historical figures, from the 5-6th century. 

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