Though it’s earliest known record dates back thousands of years, possibly from the late eighth century (Damrosch and Dettmar 27), Beowulf is still studied by high school and college students across the world. Most likely, many of those students do not read Beowulf during their leisure time for enjoyment; they are forced to read it in order to graduate. Why do many students abhor reading Beowulf? In all probability, they dislike reading Beowulf simply because they live in the 21st century. An average, modern student has a difficult time relating to the lifestyles and cultures of Beowulf’s historical period. While many factors, such as the stereotypes presented in the poem and customs that are no longer practiced, reinforce the idea that students cannot relate to Beowulf, there are modern means through which students can better understand the Old English epic, Beowulf.

While stereotypes of current cultures are usually false, the stereotypes of Old English society have some validity. These different stereotypes of Old England’s people include savagery, chivalry, and close-mindedness. All of these stereotypes can be found in Beowulf. Lines 663-665 describe Grendel’s attack on the mead-hall, “[he] slashed at the flesh, bit through bones, and lapped up the blood that gushed from veins as he gorged on gobbets.” Then, in lines 725-727, Beowulf’s ripping off of Grendel’s arm is described “but the murderous man-bane got a great wound as tendons were torn, shoulder torn open, and bone-locks broken.” While savagery is described in gory detail, there are still some chivalrous stereotypes presented in Beowulf. Wiglaf displays chivalry in lines 2315-2320, “He came to his kinsman, the prince of the Geats, and passed on his heirlooms, hoping Wiglaf would wear them with honor. Old then, and wise, he went from the world. This was the first young Wiglaf would fight helping the king.” Wiglaf carries on for the rest of the poem after Beowulf dies. A final stereotype is the close-mindedness of the Old English people. Due to

constant warfare, people during that time were not open to other nationalities entering their land. When Beowulf initially comes to help Hrothgar defeat Grendel, he is met with hostility from Hrothgar’s soldiers. The soldiers brandish spears and other weapons and demand that Beowulf explain who is he and why he needs entrance to the kingdom. These stereotypes strengthen many students’ thoughts that they cannot relate to Old English literature.

Another facet of Old English literature and society that students cannot identify with is the customs that were practiced in the day. Old English society believed heavily in the supernatural forces. Today, the supernatural, including Christianity and God, is being removed from daily life. A further custom that is no longer regarded is the importance placed on being a mighty warrior. Physical strength provides a contemporary person with nothing of importance; modern strength is acquired through wealth. Old English society did highly value monetary wealth, but it was achieved through brute strength, fighting, and pillaging. In present-day society, anyone can achieve monetary strength. From figures like Bill Gates to Oprah Winfrey, today’s everyday man can gain wealth and influence.

With these factors arguing why students cannot relate to Beowulf, many people would think that there are not any relatable qualities to the epic; however, recent blockbuster movies have allowed a younger audience to enjoy the characteristics of Old English society. The recently adapted films of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, by J.R.R. Tolkien, have brilliantly displayed and made characteristics of a culture that was similar to the Old English culture understandable. These films have a high amount of action in them, and center on characters like King Théoden, Gandalf the Wizard, and Aragorn, whose character is parallel to a knight. Tolkien was an avid admirer of Beowulf during his life. He understood the Old

English society and its beliefs and translated many aspects of it into his writings. The film adaptations, directed by Peter Jackson, gained fans all over the globe, making traits about the

Old English society clear to young people. Therefore, modern students, through contemporary works, can better relate to an epic poem such as Beowulf.

Even though contemporary students have many problems relating to Beowulf and its culture, there are still ways for students to understand that society more accurately. Students in the 21st century are well equipped with a variety of ways to learn more about Old English society. Recent films have made access to a better understanding of the culture of Old England. In years past, information about traditions and customs of Old English society were harder to attain. Fortunately, through the conveniences of modern technology, people of all ages can more easily relate to the characteristics of Beowulf’s Old English society.