Beowulf Intro Notes

• It is difficult to know much about how Beowulf was written because it was written in 1000 A.D.
• We don’t know who the author is or the authors exact actual thoughts.
• It is strange and familiar due to connections with ancient classical literature such as Homer.
• There have been many reworks of it over time, so it is not the exact same.
• The Old English used in Beowulf presents a difficult translation to modern English.
• Old English is similar to Latin or Russian where grammar is expressed by inflection.
• Learning to translate the Old English takes a lot of experience and work.
• The story use to be told through oral tradition
• The fact that it was mainly used through oral delivery makes it harder to translate.
• The historical accuracy of Beowulf is unknown.  No one knows if it is true or just a story or mixed.
• Beowulf is an icon of their historical culture.