Interpolated Tales in Beowulf as Reflection of Anglo-Saxon Perception of World
Classical pieces of literature evoked and continue to create fierce discussions and debates about their various aspects. However, the most valuable and enigmatic literature works belong to Anglo-Saxon period. Thus, the most mysterious and bewitching in its way of narration representative of that period is epic poem Beowulf composed by the Anonymous. It is the most controversial and debatable epic poem in terms of all aspects starting from its characters and ending by interpolated form of composing text. It should be mentioned that there is no information at all about creation of this poem, except approximate date and its further destiny directly after fire in Ashburnham House where it was kept. There is no clear and accurate explanation of Beowulf concept in modern literature studies. Thus, textual structure of Beowulf created a lot of polemics among researchers. Some created an interesting way of interpretation of Beowulf structure claiming that poem emerged after connecting and blending various songs together. Moreover, this epic poem can be divided into four main parts that partially can prove this theory. However, it is more interesting how these interpolated tales create basis not only for epic atmosphere of Beowulf but also how they illuminate Anglo-Saxon experience and interpretation of world along with theme of good and evil. With further analysis one may see that these interpolated stories not only paint epic and phantasmagoric history but also reflect Anglo-Saxon reality in the form of world perception and interpretation.
Storyline of Beowulf, the biggest Anglo-Saxon epic poem, is quite simple. Young hero of Geats, Beowulf “The man whose name was known for courage,the Geat leader” finds out about horrible and disastrous situation in Heorot that is caused by terrible creature who “recked no whit, firm in his guilt, of the feud and crime.” (Hall) Thus, with his best intentions Beowulf decides to go overseas and deliver great king of Danes from blood lusting Grendel who plagued “halls the noblest: Heorot.” (Hall) After winning in blood-shedding fight Beowulf kills another monster, Grendel`s mother, who craves to avenge but fails. Beowulf conquers all devil incarnates therefore acquiring glory and freeing city from horrific monsters. Then he returns to his homeland where he continues his heroic deeds. He becomes king of Geats and after noble reign he again decides to fight monster in this case it is a dragon. However, dragon is not the only one who dies after the battle Beowulf also perishes as the honored warrior and great king.
As can be seen all revolves around and tells story of Beowulf; however, lots of additional information that sheds light on the great king of Geats comes from interpolated stories that interlace with protagonist. For instance, information about Hrothgar along with references on his past as well as on future destiny of Heorot prepare background for Beowulf`s deed and illuminate characters` world perception that is reflected in a way of narration as well as in description of main heroes and monsters. All interlaced stories not only reveal new details about Beowulf but also they broaden reader`s understanding of his world, as well as, reflect customs, warrior code, word perception and different yet similar traditions within different tribes.
Stereotypical and heroic portray of warriors, kings and villains is present in this epic poem. Regardless of their tribe origin all great kings like Hrothgar, Wiglaf or other warriors have the same set of outstanding and heroic features that can be compared with mythological heroes; however, in this poem all great characters are human beings who are great from their birth. For instance, Beowulf`s appearance in the eyes of a watchman is a bit grotesque and pretentious because other warriors have similar features which reflects Anglo-Saxon perception and interpretation of a male:
“Nor have I seena mightier man-at-arms on this earththan the one standing here: unless I am mistaken,he is truly noble. This is no mere hanger-on in a hero's armour” (Hall)
“The monster's
Thoughts were as quick as his greed or his claws:
He slipped through the door and there in the silence
Snatched up thirty men, smashed them
Unknowing in their beds and ran out with their bodies,” (Hall)
Character representation remains fables and fairytales with old battle of good vs. evil conception and interpolation of other stories only empowers this feeling. However, in Beowulf evil acquires biblical shades that interfere with folklore and legends, thus reflecting Anglo-Saxon perception of word which was dominant but changeable during implementation of Christianity. Moreover, monsters themselves are representatives of legends and folklore that were widely spread in Anglo-Saxon culture. This blend of folklore and biblical motifs illuminates alteration that Anglo-Saxon society underwent at the beginning of Christianity, thus the image of a great warrior who knows no mercy in his fierce battles is interlaced with notions from Old Testament that forbid and condemn any kind of manslaughter. For instance,
“Woe for that man
who in harm and hatred hales his soul
awaits he ever. But well for him
that after death-day may draw to his Lord,
and friendship find in the Father’s arms!” (Hall)
Also, there is evident reconsideration of notion of enemy which mixes and slowly transforms into hell creatures, rather than incarnates people. For example,
“So times were pleasant for the people there until finally one,
a fiend out of hell, began to work his evil in the world.” (Hall)
and
“But the evil one ambushed old and young
death-shadow dark, and dogged them still,
lured, or lurked in the livelong night
of misty moorlands: men may say not
where the haunts of these Hell-Runes be.” (Hall)
Taking into consideration these quotes one can see an evident connection with biblical features and representation of evil. Moreover there is a thought among researchers that Beowulf was rewritten after implementation of Christianity by the unknown author that adjusted and altered some aspects according to Old Testament. (Hall) However, it is only theory with no clear evidence of it.
It should be mentioned that all incredible and fantastic battles along with unreal creatures are depicted on real historical background involving real nations of old Northern Europe like Danes, Swedes and Geats. Moreover, there is an interesting fact that Anglo-Saxon epic poem ignores England and Anglo-Saxons themselves, thus evoking fierce debates regarding its origin. However, this tendency can be seen in other poems where other tribes and nations are mixed together like in Poetic Edda. This division of nations in Beowulf is evident through interpolated stories that represent particular king or nation. Moreover, taking into consideration that all these nations should have different world perception and position due to their geographical position and historical evolvement but in text one may see completely the opposite. All tribes and nations are ruled by code of an honorable warrior and practice of battles, cult of physical power, competitions, avenging and sea voyages should be considered as norm. Again, about this barbarically honorable and glorious practice one finds out through interpolated tales that depict this practice within different tribes and kings. Interesting thing is that among this horrible slaughter there is a clear division between good heroes and evil creatures which in one case justifies murder and avenge but in other condemns.
Moreover, as it was mentioned before, there is a thought that Beowulf was created by blending and interlacing several songs, thus, it can be divided into four parts. The first part is Beowulf`s battle with Grendel, the second is battle with Grendel`s mother, the third is his return to his motherland and final part is his battle with dragon. All these parts form solid structure of the epic poem. Interpolated tales give a suggestion of depicting and seeing events from different perspectives. Thus, new characters that reveal some past events or features of Beowulf help reader more deeply dive into the world of great kings and horrible monsters as well as into Anglo-Saxon perception of world.
All things considered epic poem Beowulf remains an open question. However, interpolated tales in it not only broaden reader`s acquaintance with Beowulf, thus revealing new details from his heroic past but also illuminates Anglo-Saxon world perception in the form of never ending battle and glorious deeds.
References
Hall, Lesslie. "Beowulf An Anglo-Saxon Epic Poem, Translated From The Heyne-Socin Text By Lesslie Hall". N.p., 2005. Web. 3 Mar. 2016.
