Beówulf, One Poem or Two?

Jan 23

Who started writing on line 1935b?

Beowulf is one of those texts that seems to generate more questions than answers, even a millennium after its creation. Was it one poem or two? Was it truly written in Old English, or was it first crafted in Scandinavia and later translated? Let’s dive into the mysteries of Beowulf, starting with the scribes who brought it to life.

Two Scribes, Two Worlds

The manuscript of Beowulf, known as Cotton Vitellius A XV, resides in the British Library, and it’s one of the oldest surviving Old English texts. Scholars date it to approximately 975–1025 CE, and the physical evidence points to two different scribes being involved. Scribe one wrote from lines 1 to 1935a, and then scribe two took over.

The handwriting isn’t the only thing that changes. The written form of the language shifts, suggesting that one style of writing was falling out of use while another was just gaining traction. This detail gives us more than just a timeline—it offers a glimpse into the evolution of language during that era.

A Scandinavian Import?

There’s an ongoing argument that Beowulf isn’t an Old English poem at all. Some believe it originated in Scandinavia, written in Old Danish, Norse, Frisian, or even Geatish, before being translated into Old English. The legends referenced in the text, such as the Lejre Legend, tie back to Scandinavian history. (We’ll dig into that legend another day—remind me!)

This idea might explain the uniquely Northern tone of the story, as well as its kenning-rich language—compound expressions with metaphorical meanings. Take Beowulf itself: it literally translates to Bee-Wolf, a poetic way of saying Bear. This interpretation likely influenced Tolkien’s shape-shifting bear character, Beorn, in The Hobbit.

First Translations: A Treasure Hunt

The first known translation of Beowulf was by Danish scholar Grímur Jónsson Thorkelin in 1815. This was the first printed edition, but finding a copy—whether first edition or reprint—feels like chasing a dragon. The British Library might have one, but it remains elusive.

The first English translation came in 1837, courtesy of John Mitchell Kemble, under the title The Anglo-Saxon Poems of Beowulf, the Traveller’s Song, and the Battle of Finnesburh. Again, locating a copy of this text has proven equally difficult. Maybe I’m just not trying hard enough, or maybe these works are as elusive as Grendel’s lair.

Tolkien’s Love Affair with Beowulf

Few people have championed Beowulf quite like J.R.R. Tolkien. In his famous 1936 lecture, “Beowulf: The Monsters and the Critics,” Tolkien argued that the poem should be appreciated as a work of fantasy, not just a historical artifact. But Tolkien may have had personal reasons for downplaying its historical significance.

According to Humphrey Carpenter’s 1977 biography of Tolkien, the author had submitted the first draft of The Hobbit to Allen & Unwin just two months before his lecture. Tolkien’s fascination with heroes fighting dragons, a theme central to both Beowulf and his own stories, is evident.

What’s Next?

Beowulf continues to inspire, perplex, and intrigue us. From the mystery of its origins to its cultural impact, there’s always more to explore. On my to-do list: snagging a copy of Klaeber’s fourth edition. It’s a must-have for anyone diving deep into this epic tale.

And if you find a lead on Thorkelin or Kemble’s translations, let me know—I’d love to track them down. Until next time, keep reading, questioning, and marveling at the heroes and monsters of the past.

Would you like me to expand on any specific part of this, or is there another aspect of Beowulf you’d like me to explore?ndinavia and later translated? Let’s dive into the mysteries of Beowulf, starting with the scribes who brought it to life.

Video available 15:00 (GMT) 24th January