On my first read of this book I could not see how this book was different from Homer's works. Homer addresses in the Odyssey the ideal man and woman. This book lists out a lot of those same ideas about the ideal man. So why do we need Beowulf also?
This book is listed as Christian literature but it didn't really appear to be very Christian other than some occasion references to Christian ideals. I read a summary by Jacob Allee on substack (Study the Great Books) that was very insightful. Beowulf was a hero and did rescue the people from monsters and feuding, but the moment he died they went back to the feuding so did they need Beowulf or something more? They had a Beowulf but they might have needed a Christ.
Oh now that is interesting. I had to read the book again. I can' see that idea better now. at line 1611 is states: "He is the true Lord'. So is Beowulf the true lord? Can we rely on him always? Unfortunately he is mortal and he dies in this book.
It was a very insightful idea to me so wanted to share this idea. To me it helps add to the great conversation about what an ideal person is.
This book is listed as Christian literature but it didn't really appear to be very Christian other than some occasion references to Christian ideals. I read a summary by Jacob Allee on substack (Study the Great Books) that was very insightful. Beowulf was a hero and did rescue the people from monsters and feuding, but the moment he died they went back to the feuding so did they need Beowulf or something more? They had a Beowulf but they might have needed a Christ.
Oh now that is interesting. I had to read the book again. I can' see that idea better now. at line 1611 is states: "He is the true Lord'. So is Beowulf the true lord? Can we rely on him always? Unfortunately he is mortal and he dies in this book.
It was a very insightful idea to me so wanted to share this idea. To me it helps add to the great conversation about what an ideal person is.
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