‘The Dream of the Rood’ and Beowulf: Questions for Discussion and Further Research

Beowulf is the longest epic poem in Old English, and certainly one of the most well-known. Yet its author is a mystery. Furthermore, none of the characters are English; instead, the poem tracks the exploits of a North Germanic tribal hero from Sweden who aids a Danish king in slaying monsters before returning home to become king of his own people.

“The Dream of the Rood” shares a similarly shrouded history. It has, at times, been attributed to the Northumbrian monk Cædmon before, as well as Cynewulf — which would place its authorship a little later, in the 9th century, if true. Scholars are unsure which person wrote the poem, or whether its author was another, unknown poet altogether.

Taken together, the two texts demonstrate an early British literary culture brimming with religious conviction and vivid imagination.

Discuss:

1. Take a moment to ponder the numerous religious references in the poem Beowulf. How, when, and where does the text mention God and/or biblical events mentioned? By contrast, where do you see pagan practices depicted? What does this jumble of religious elements suggest?
2. How does Beowulf treat the accumulation of riches? What role do gold and the bestowal of gifts play in the hero’s world? (Offer specific examples.)  How does this compare with our contemporary understandings of wealth, greed, governance, and financial management?
3. Do any similarities exist between the religious ideas in Beowulf and those in “The Dream of the Rood”? If so, explain where you see them. If not, then explain where and how you see the poems differing. Use specific quotations to support your conclusions.

Do further research:

1. Beowulf was likely written between the years 700 and 1000 C.E., but the story’s setting is in the sixth century (500-599 C.E.). Consult your college library resources to learn more about the history of England and Scandanavia during these periods. Why would an English author wish to revisit a Scandanavian tribal society — of the feats of its heroes — a century or more after the fact? Build support for your hypothesis, using the historical research you amass.