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Eddbutt, Maud. Beowulf. Hero-Myths & Legends of the British Race. 1910.
An Early Example...
An Early Example...
Beowulf is one of the earliest examples of an epic in British literature. It was written around 1000 AD by an unknown author and has been translated numerous times. It is thought to have been a verbal folktale that was first inscribed in the south of England (Black 81). This long, narrative poem is comprised of over three thousand lines of verse divided into 43 sections (Black 81). This poem includes all common components of a traditional epic story: long narrative poem format, superhuman heroism, mythical and religious influences, and exaggerated language. Beowulf is an integral piece of British literature and exemplifies the genre of the epic.
The Narrative:
The Narrative:
The narrative of this text follows the traditional hero archetypes with a clear hero and villain. Beowulf, the hero of the story, battles with Grendel, the villain. Beowulf ultimately defeats Grendel following the traditional hero's journey-- the battle between the villain and the knight in shining armor, who ultimately wins. Beowulf is a prime example of a classical epic because it follows the pattern of a hero versus villain battle in which the hero wins in the end.
Other Components:
Other Components:
Aside from the narrative, “Beowulf” exemplifies the epic genre through the style and allusions. The format, a long narrative poem, is common in this genre of literature. Additionally, this story utilizes mythical and religious themes. Grendle, the villain, is described as a monstrous, inhuman being with unknown origins. This sets up a clear good versus evil trope, also common in epics. Religious elements are woven throughout the text as well. In The Broadview Anthology of British Literature, the introduction to “Beowulf” states, “Most critics agree that the heroic action of the poem is thoroughly accommodated to a Christian paradigm… it teaches secular readers how to be pious” (Black 83). The non-narrative elements of “Beowulf” more deeply connect this poem to the epic genre.
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