Beowulf 13

Beowulf

The book, Beowulf has been debated among historians, archeologists, mythologists and many other critics in regard to its historical significance. At first glance, the book seems as if it is a mere fairytale, an interesting story, but still just a mythical tale. But with deeper research, the book obviously reflects upon the historical times of when it was written.
The author of Beowulf is anonymous and the year it was written in remains unknown. Historians believe the book was written sometime late during the 8th century. The setting takes place in England, among the Anglo-Saxons.
The poem opens with King Hrothgar of Denmark, in a hall, Heorot, with his warriors gathered around him at supper. The king is celebrating a successful reign and giving gifts to his best warriors. A monster becomes angry by all the joyful noise. This monster, Grendel, terrorizes the Danes by killing some of the people every night. Beowulf kills this monster. Later, Grendel’s mother comes to avenge her son’s death and is also killed by Beowulf. Time passes and Beowulf rules for fifty years as the king of the Geats. The country of Geatland seems to be peaceful until a thief sneaks into a dragon’s lair and steals a jewel-cup from the dragon’s hoard of treasure. The dragon begins to kill the people of Geatland. Once more Beowulf, although he is in his old age, rises to kill the dragon. With the aid of one faithful servant, Beowulf defeats the dragon. Although the dragon has been beaten, Beowulf dies from the wounds he has received from the battle.
Although most of the book is about the adventures of Beowulf, there are a few instances during peaceful times where the author gives insights as to what life may have been like. After each successful battle, the king and his warriors celebrate with music and supper eaten in a long hall. According to historians, this seems to be an accurate depiction of the after-math of a successful battle.
Another incident in the poem is a...