The role of Supernatural in ​Beowulf

Abstract

This article explores the supernatural in the epic poem ​Beowulf​, which lies in a manuscript dated between the 8th and 12th century. It talks about Beowulf, son of Hygelac, king of the Jutes. From a young age, he showed great courage and heroism, as when he fought against one of the nobles of his father's court, under the sea and for five days. Later, Beowulf is called to kill Grendel, a fearsome monster that aims to kill the bravest men of the Danish kingdom. ​Beowulf is the oldest epic poem in medieval European literature, and its author is unknown. Written in Anglo-Saxon, it is believed to date from the fifth century, although the only surviving manuscript is from the 9th or 10th century. Firstly, this paper will focus on the epic genre, providing ​examples of why this work belongs to the said style. Secondly, a background of the subject of supernatural will be provided, and an analysis of the role it holds in the work will be carried out. With the help of the translation published by the Irish writer Seamus Heaney, an analysis of the hero, the monsters and the magical objects that characterize this story will be provided. In doing so, a better understanding of the supernatural features of the work, why they are used and what they represent will be presented.