You don't need to speak Old English to understand why the epic poem "Beowulf" has endured for centuries. Here's a primer with everything you need to know before seeing Robert Zemeckis' film adaptation:
Why is "Beowulf" important?
It's often regarded as the first important English work of literature, and is a major surviving work of Anglo-Saxon heroic poetry.
When was it written?
It was composed by an unknown Anglo-Saxon poet about 700 AD, although it existed as an oral narrative previously. It was written in England, although its plot takes place in Scandinavian culture. The manuscript came to scholars' attention in the 19th century. J.R.R. Tolkien wrote a paper on "Beowulf" that helped recognize it as a major work.
What language is it written in?
Old English, which is derived from Germanic languages. Old English eventually became the modern language we speak. Old English poetry uses a device called kenning, or short metaphorical descriptions. For instance, "sea-rider" might be a substitute for "ship."
The demon-monster Grendel is terrorizing the lands of King Hrothgar of Denmark. A young warrior, Beowulf, arrives determined to slay Grendel. Beowulf fights the demon unarmed and tears off its arm; Grendel retreats to die. Grendel's mother, a swamp hag, seeks revenge. Beowulf dives into the hag's lake and kills her. Beowulf is hailed as a hero, and returns to his homeland, where he takes over the throne. Years later, an elderly Beowulf battles a dragon that is destroying his kingdom. The dragon kills Beowulf with its poisonous bite. Beowulf is buried with great ceremony.
The importance of ancestry and reputation to identity, the heroic code that values courage, hospitality and generosity; Beowulf's maturity from warrior to wise king.
- "Beowulf and Grendel," 2005, with Gerard Butler and Stellan Skarsgard.
- "Beowulf," 1999, starring Christopher Lambert and Oliver Cotton.
- "Grendel," 2007, Sci Fi Channel movie starring Chris Bruno and Ben Cross.
"Just don't take any course where they make you read 'Beowulf'." -- Alvy (Woody Allen) in "Annie Hall," 1977.