Beowulf

The ancient text Beowulf is a classic medieval text that tells the tale of a great hero. Set in Scandinavia and written in Old English, it was composed sometime between the 600s and the 900s. It's a hero's tale, a poem, and it takes place among the peoples of the Danes, the Geats, and the Swedes. It is more than three thousand lines long, and it recounts the heroic deeds of the main character, Beowulf.

As is the case for most hero tales, in addition to a hero there is a villain—but Beowulf actually has three villains. The first villain is Grendel, and Beowulf eventually dispatches him. However, Grendel's mother is also a villain. She is an issue no less than Grendel, but Beowulf comes to dispatch her as well. A third villain appears at the end of the book—a dragon. Beowulf takes out the dragon, but not before he receives a fatal blow.

Beowulf is a great medieval tale. Interestingly, it was a favorite of J.R.R. Tolkien's. In fact, a translation by Tolkien of this classic text was recently published. Tolkien claimed it as the basis for all English literature.

Beyond its role in history and its role in literature, Beowulf also has a role in church history, even as a Christian text. Obviously, Beowulf is a Christ figure. In fact, the book begins with everything being well with the land—all is well, all is at peace. Suddenly, something goes wrong. The author discloses that one from the clan of Cain has come onto the scene—Grendel. This monster wreaks havoc—he is the curse coming to earth, upsetting and disturbing all things, and turning that which is good from the created order into that which is sinful. Clearly, a hero is needed, one who can come and conquer this foe who has brought disruption to paradise. Beowulf is the hero. When Beowulf achieves victory over Grendel, he bestows gifts; not only gifts to the Geats, but also gifts to his fellow warriors.

Interestingly, this is what is said after Beowulf's victory over Grendel: "But the Lord was weaving a victory on his war loom." The text proceeds: "The truth is clear. Almighty God rules over mankind and always has." Thus, the true main character of Beowulf is not Beowulf—it's actually God. This is also clear in the scenes with the dragon.

Beowulf defeats the dragon; however, the dragon leaves his mark on Beowulf, a fatal wound. At the end of the text, Beowulf is joined by Wiglaf, one of his younger warriors. Wiglaf comes to Beowulf's aid, but too late, and Beowulf dies. The worn-out Wiglaf sits shoulder to shoulder with his master, trying in vain to bring him back with water. Despite his efforts, Wiglaf cannot preserve his master's life on earth, nor can he alter in the least the Almighty's will.

That which God has judged as right rules what happens to every man, even today. This great medieval text is a reminder that the Almighty God is behind all affairs of men. It was true in medieval times and it is true in the twenty-first century—God rules over all.