Oral Traditions In Beowulf

Beowulf is the oldest epic poem ever written in the English language; it is also known as one of the most important pieces of Old English literature. Most of this poem has been known to exist since the middle of the fifth century; however, the poem was composed in the late tenth century in a dialect that is known today as the Midlands of England. As the majority of all old epics with an Anglo-Saxon origin, both the authors name and its real title are unknown due to the fact that most of these poems were passed from generation to generation through oral tradition before they are actually written down. Beowulf is a poem enriched with a lot of historical and social content, which comprehends the religion and warrior culture of the period among other things.
Even though Beowulf is an English epic, the poem is actually about their Germanic ancestors of the Dane and Geat tribes. The poem depicts Christian beliefs, and some think that is originated in the theory that the real author of Beowulf might have been a Christian himself. Christianity is very present in this epic poem, and this is evident in the Christian references found within it when for example Beowulf and the king of Danes are frequently seen speaking about God in the poem. Another good example of how Christianity is presented in the poem can be seen in …show more content…
This speech captures the tension between destiny and death, on one hand, and the necessity of being brave and honorable as a mere warrior, on the other. The warrior culture is much more complicated than to be someone who fights monsters. The warrior culture covers the commitment of giving your life to defend others and being honorable and bold at the moment of fighting. Not to mention, that a warrior has to be an example to follow for his people, just like the great Beowulf