Reading Beowulf (Cultural Proof #5)

Location: --

Date: October 29th-November 16th

"Read a work of literature (book or collection of poems/stories) recommended to you by someone who grew up in that country.  Or, read 7-10 children’s books recommended to you by someone who grew up in that country, if possible in the native language.  Discuss the impact or cultural meaning of the works with the person who recommended them to you.  For your written proof, explain how this literature affects your understanding of the culture, politics, or history of the country. "

Beowulf defeating Grendel's mother ("Grendel's Mother")

          One of the most renowned epics of the Anglo-Saxon world is Beowulf. Considered equivalent to an 'epic', the piece focuses on the tale of its titular character and his adventures in defeating the monsters Grendel, Grendel's mother, and finally, a dragon. Despite being written as late as the eleventh century, its contents provide a mirror as to the modern day social-political hierarchy and how they are shaped in the United Kingdom. 

          Beowulf's narrative follows a very traditional style of Old English writing. The actual encounters faced by the hero and his battles are not drawn out narratives like those that authors use today. Each fight typically lasts between a page and two pages at the very most. Modern readers and those that have heard of the book would think that the three foes he encounters and the uphill battle Beowulf takes to defeat them would take up most of the three thousand lines that construct the epic. Quite surprisingly, most of these are focused on Beowulf's boyhood deeds, the political struggles outlined through the piece, and the fragile alliances that are constantly being built and torn down. While this may seems quite uninteresting, it reflects an accurate picture as to the culture of the United Kingdom in the modern day as much of the politics are associated with deeds and familial connections more so than with money. One prime example of this is the present Order of the Bath, a prestigious and highly-regarded groups. While this was established towards the end of the eighteenth century, the present day Order is a group of gentlemen and women who have served their country through the military and achieved ranks such as Admiral, Air Chief Marshall or General, according to which branch they served. These positions in the armed forces are only achieved by showing great valor have accomplishing many notable deeds. Again, much of the politics and gain in the hierarchy come from feats that are notable enough to earn the title of a "lord" or "lady". 

          The crawl up the social and political ladder through championing armies and defeating beasts isn't the only part of the literature that has affected the understanding of the country's culture. Scotland and England are greatly influenced by the past and often erect memorials and hold celebrations of moments throughout their history. At the first arrival to the land, it can be quite confusing as to why this is, especially because the events of the past have become quite controversial in America. Beowulf's written structure provides some knowledge as to why this is important to the British. In the epic saga, the timeline is not straightforward. There are tales that are recounted that take up large portions of the novel, such as the recounting of Beowulf and Breca's swim across the sea and how the Geats came to an uneasy alliance with the Swedes. Each "digression" in the tale serves an important role by providing the reader with context as to the current actions of Beowulf and his eventual rise to kingship. Much like the statues and celebrations held in the UK, these serve to commemorate past cornerstone events that have shaped the present. In Aberdeen, a key example is a statue to Robert the Bruce, who led the Scots in the first war for independence, a battle that has once again become an issue at the forefront of Scottish politics. Robert's statue has served as a reminder of what he fought for and how it is still relevant today. 

          Beowulf's manuscript serves not only as a historical relic, but as a mirror to reflect how the politics and society of the UK continue to cling on to ancient traditions and features. The stories use of a non-linear timeline further exemplifies the reminiscent nature of society and explains its tenancies and uses for preserving and retelling the past. Overall, Beowulf is not only a piece of work that serves as a reference for university students, but is a worthwhile epic that improves a person's understanding of the modern day UK.

Bibliography:
Carole. “GRENDEL'S MOTHER.” AwesomeStories.com, www.awesomestories.com/asset/view/GRENDEL-S-MOTHER-Beowulf.

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