Week 3: Kat Sung

Beowulf is an Old English epic poem written in England, consisting of 3,182 lines. The translator’s introduction included in the text suggests that it was written, “some time between the middle of the seventh and the end of the tenth century of the first millennium.” During this time, Anglo-Saxon England was slowing beginning to convert their religion from Paganism to Christianity due to the efforts of Pope Gregory I.

This conversion to Christianity, is shown throughout the text through the actions of the characters (specifically the reason behind their actions). But, although they believe they are Christian (thank the Lord, bless each other, and relate biblical stories in their lives), it could be argued that they are not truly Christian due to their Germanic warrior-culture.

Lines 26-50 describe the extravagant funeral of Beow’s father, who died a Christian. The warriors

“stretched their beloved lord in his boat,

laid out by the mast, amidships,

the great ring-giver. Far-fetched treasures

were piled upon him, and precious gear.” (Lines 34-37)

The narrator does not describe this as the warriors’ intention for the burial. It was done this way because this is what the deceased,

“bade them

when he laid down the law among the Danes” (Lines 28-29)

The narrator goes on to say that he or she has

“never heard before of a ship so well furbished

with battle-tackle, bladed weapons

and coats of mail.” (Lines 38-40)

Although it may be normal for warriors to bury their leaders in this way, commanding your army to bury you in this fashion seems kind of ironic for a Christian. Ships and gold and treasures are all worldly possessions that are unable to accompany you into the afterlife. You would not need them in heaven. As part of the funeral, the warriors also “bewail[ed] him and mourn[ed] their loss.” Although it may be hard for them to not feel sad after a death, they should also feel happy for him because he is able to go to heaven and meet God.

One thing I found interesting was the way the narrator, who is supposedly Christian, described the Pagans in lines 175-180. The narrator described the Pagan hopes as “heathenish” and kind of looked down on their ways of “vow[ing] offerings to idols, swear[ing] oaths that the killer of souls might come to their aid and save their people.” (Lines 175-178) He or she also goes on to say, “Oh, cursed is he who in time of trouble has to thrust his soul in the fires embrace, forfeiting help; he has nowhere to turn. But blessed is he who after death can approach the Lord and find friendship in the Father’s embrace.” (Lines 183-188) implying that Pagans will not enter heaven as the Christians will.

Similar to The Odyssey, another theme in this story, is identity. The characters of this story (Beow) identify themselves by stating who their ancestors were and their acts of courage and heroism.

“We belong by birth to the Geat people

and owe allegiance to Lord Hygelac.

In his day, my father was a famous man,

a noble warrior-lord named Ecgtheow.

… All over the world

men wise in counsel continue to remember him.” (lines 260-266)

This type of identification was important because it helped them define their own character. Their ancestors were their idols, and they strove to become as heroic as they were as well as declare a name for themselves and create their own reputation.