Beowulf Epic Poem Analysis

Beowulf and Epic Poetry: Does it make the cut?

Originally an oral poem composed around the eighth century in the Anglo-Saxon culture, but later written in Old English, the story of the heroic Beowulf has been analyzed and debated by people all over the world. Beowulf, the original work as well as Seamus Heaney’s translation, is considered by most scholars to be one of the greatest epic poems to have ever been recorded. Due to the many characteristics and specific guidelines that help to define an epic poem, some may argue that Beowulf does not fit the narrow criteria. While there are focused rules, conceptions, and values that decide whether a story is an epic poem, Beowulf is, and should be considered, an epic poem. Beowulf has most of what

The conventions are the qualities of epic poems that may not be necessary, but are more times than not included as the norm and habits of the genre. The three main traditions of epic poems include the narrator beginning the work by introducing the muse, the narrator starting in medias res, and the introduction of main characters in formal detail. Oftentimes in epic poetry, the narrator will begin by stating their theme and referring to a muse to inspire them. Furthermore, the narrator will preview the epic question to the muse, which, when answered, launches the poem. The next point, of starting the poem in medias res, or "in the midst of things," refers to the narrator beginning the plot at a critical point in action. This typically results in no introduction, but instead a direct point that will later be reflected upon. The final convention of the cataloged characters allows for each main role of the story to be analyzed separately and in great detail. While the poem did not commence with the mentioning of a muse or in medias res, it did introduce each character formally and thoroughly. When Grendel is first announced, Heaney translates, “Grendel was the name of the grim demon haunting the marches… he had dwelt for a time in misery among the banished monsters, Cain’s clan, whom the Creator had outlawed and condemned as outcasts” (9). Grendel’s background and foreshadowed role is analyzed and digested through Heaney’s words, diving deep into what makes the monster unique. This style of formal introductions is common throughout the poem, used over for each significant