A new school year is upon us. I am directing Challenge 2 for Classical Conversations this year. I am terrified of some parts of it and really, really excited about others. Dissections in biology: Not excited. British Literature: HAPPY DANCE!
We start off the year with Beowulf, a story I have had to read several times over the course of my life. But until this time, I never learned to LOVE it. I wish my high school or college teacher could have inspired me to appreciate it, but it felt like a burden. Over the summer, I decided to tackle Beowulf with a new attitude and find a way to enjoy it so I could pass that on to my own students.
One thing I’ve learned to do with stories that don’t intrigue me is to read a children’s version if I can find one. Luckily, for Beowulf, I found many options. I really, REALLY liked this version, which has beautiful illustrations. The language is simplified but it keeps the beauty found in the translations, such as the alliteration and use of kennings.
I also made an accidental discovery of the Classical Stuff You Should Know podcast. I am not big on podcasts, I just don’t often feel like I have time to pay attention to them. This one is worth my time, though. They talk about all kinds of things within classical education–new and old. I stumbled upon their podcast on Beowulf and then I could not wait to read the story! If you always hated Beowulf as a kid, I suggest giving this podcast a shot. It might help.
One of the interesting things discussed in the podcast was that there is only one surviving copy of Beowulf in the Old or Middle English (I can’t remember which). It was an oral story so it was passed that way for a long time until someone finally wrote it down. All of our current versions of the tale are actually translations. That’s something I had never thought about–we would not have a very good time trying to read the original, modern English looks nothing like it. It had never occurred to me that Beowulf has multiple translations. Classical Conversations uses this version, but Seamus Heaney has another well-loved version and J.R.R. Tolkien has his own translation as well! And, to be thorough I read all three.
All three tell the same tale but tell it slightly differently. One of the really cool things you can do is compare the versions with your students (whether that is your CC class, a traditional classroom, or your children at home). I took a quote right from page one and put all three versions on the board:
“In every tribe, a man shall prosper by deeds of love.” (Dover Edition)
“By worthy deeds in every folk is a man ennobled.” (Tolkien)
“Behavior that’s admired is the path to power among people everywhere.” (Heaney)
Which do you like best? Why? Which one most clearly gets the point across? So much can be said in a group discussion!
Five Common Topics Questions for Beowulf
Definition: What is a hero? What is epic poetry? What is alliteration? What is a kenning?
Comparison: Which version of the quote (above) do you prefer? Why?
Circumstance: Why is Beowulf available in so many translations? Would Beowulf have been a Christian? Why is there so much Christian religion sprinkled into it? Can you think of any reasons that would happen?
Relationship: What caused Beowulf to go fight Grendel? Were his reasons good? Was he motivated by pride or by love for others? How about when he fought the dragon?
Authority/Testimony: Is Beowulf a hero? Use quotes from the story to back up your stance. Where do you see truth, goodness, or beauty in this story? What was your favorite use of alliteration? What was your favorite kenning? (Mine was when the king stood up to speak and instead of saying he opened his mouth, the translation said, “The King unlocked his word-hoard.” LOVE IT. So beautiful).
Fun with Beowulf
If you have younger kids joining in on the enjoyment of Beowulf, crafts are a great way to get them involved. You could try a paper mache Grendel arm to decorate the classroom.
You could buy an iron on decal and make a shirt to make your students laugh!
Buy it here (disclosure–this is my Etsy Shop): https://www.etsy.com/listing/839393014/not-today-grendel-diy-iron-on-vinyl?ref=listings_manager_table
Have a banquet while you listen to an audio edition of the story, just as would’ve been done when the story was first told! And of course, include root bear as your “mead”!
Beowulf is worthy of love and appreciation and the right approach with your students can make them let go of the idea that it is dull or “too difficult” so that they can enjoy the experience.