Literature, as with other types of art, seeks to reflect the workings of communities. Accordingly, literary artists should draw stories, characters and locations from observations about society. These characteristics are then highlighted in the creative writing style by the artist, who uses the various stylistics available. These concepts are accurately conveyed by the unknown author of Beowulf through the epic poem’s setting, characters, themes and storyline.
Any literary work’s setting describes where and when the story takes place. Although the author may create new names in order to express literary originality and be more creative, they will still place the story at a geographic location that is similar to their own. Given that the story is set in Europe and takes place in Greek areas such as Geatland, the unidentified author of Beowulf could be European. Further, the author tells us that the tale was written during an era when Europeans and Geats and the wider European and Scandinavian population maintained close links. These connections extended to commerce and inter-kingdom warfare. The poet describes how Geats and Danes helped one another in times of need. The Geatish hero Beowulf rescues the Danes when the demons attack the Danish troops. The setting is dated between the 8th and 11th centuries when the poem was first written.
An author’s selection of characters has a direct impact on the comprehension and appreciation of his/her works by the audience. Beowulf’s author knew this and considered it before deciding to feature characters with different identities such as leaders, soldiers, or non-humans. Beowulf’s leaders were King Hrothgar, King Hygelac and Queen Hygd. It is possible King Hygelac or Queen Hygd may have been fictitious, even though King Hrothgar was the Danish king of Denmark during the sixth century. These Geatish leaders were created to show King Hrothgar as an exemplary leader who had strong relationships with those in the surrounding areas. Beowulf, a Geatland war hero who protected the Danes in Grendel’s ferocious onslaught was one of the soldiers. Grendel, Grendel’s mother, was also mentioned by the author. The Dragon and Grendel are non-human characters with human characteristics such as emotion and a need for revenge. Grendel’s mother and Grendel are both water-demons that continue attacking Danish soldiers to commemorate their victories. Beowulf fights the demons in a swamp to defend his Danish soldiers. Contrary to this, the Dragon is a fictional beast that disturbs Beowulf’s rule as the king of Geats.
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