Beowulf Character in Historical and Cultural Contexts Essay

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Beowulf is an epic poem written by an unknown poet between 700 C.E. and 1000 C.E. The story follows the legend of a pagan Scandinavian hero and his battles. After reading the poem, a lot can be learned about Beowulf as a warrior and his challenges, as well as the historical and cultural context of the literature of that period.

The poem depicts Beowulf as an ideal Scandinavian warrior. He is strong and able to defeat many great opponents, such as demons and dragons. He boasts about his victories, power, and courage, fully embodying the values of a heroic code. As time passes, Beowulf becomes a great king, adding the wisdom of a reliable ruler to the list of his qualities (Beowulf, 2012). He meets his end as befits a warrior in a fight with a dragon, defending his land (Beowulf, 2012).

The historical context and pretext are noticeably depicted in the poem; when it was written, England was converted to Christianity. It can be seen through the tension between Christian beliefs and pagan values in the poem. Although the plot is full of mythical creatures like dragons and demons, some of the characters can also be associated with historical figures alive at the time depicted in Beowulf, for example, Hrothgar.

Even though the author of Beowulf is supposedly Anglo-Saxon, the story is based in Scandinavia. Not only the names can be evidence of that, but also the character’s behavior. Boasting about battles is a part of Viking traditions that is present in Beowulf’s attitude. Mead-halls and feasts described in the poem also resemble Scandinavian warrior culture.

Beowulf is a renowned piece of literature that depicts the historical and cultural context of that period. The poem shelters both pagan and Christian values, demonstrating the religious tension of converted England. The attitude and values of the main character perfectly describe the spirit of Scandinavian warriors. The plot encompasses both mythical creatures and historical figures.

Reference

Beowulf. (2012). (R.K. Gordon, Trans.). Dover Publications.

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IvyPanda. 2023. "Beowulf Character in Historical and Cultural Contexts." April 8, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/beowulf-character-in-historical-and-cultural-contexts/.

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IvyPanda. "Beowulf Character in Historical and Cultural Contexts." April 8, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/beowulf-character-in-historical-and-cultural-contexts/.

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