Poem Review: Beowulf

In my quest to be smarter (or at least not dumber), I decided to read 'Beowulf.' As it's the oldest complete manuscript in the English language (dated about 850 A.D.), I figured it would make me cultured. (Also, it was one of Tolkien's all-time favorite writings.) I'm glad I read it.

For the most part it's about battles; first against a monster, second against a dragon. It is extremely boy. There is nothing about saving a damsel in distress - it's all just battle (except for the few religious comments thrown in). In about 5th grade we read part of it. All I remembered was Beowulf fighting a monster named Grendel and ripping his arm off. (That is something that kind of sticks with you.) So when I got to that part of the poem, I figured I would remember something from it. Instead all I could think was, 'I read part of this in 5th grade?!' Here's a sample: "The horrible monster suffered grievous pain; a gaping wound opened on his shoulder; the sinews sprang apart, the muscles were bursting." Hello! Eew! (Not nearly the worst part of the poem, though. Like I said, I was reading for the cultural aspect. I don't know that I would normally choose to read something so gory.)

But then there are little things like: "Indeed, it was a miracle to see [the monster's sword] thaw entirely, as does ice when the Father (He who ordains all times and seasons) breaks the bonds of frost, unwinds the flood fetters; He is the true Lord." It almost seems like the author (who is anonymous) was using a style of writing of the time to try to reach unbelievers in a pagan world. (The blood and gore were not looked upon like they are today; it was a reality of life that people were not afraid to talk about.)

So yes, I'm glad I read it. It gets a little long, but I would recommend it to all who have the stomach for it. It makes you feel smart and cultured.