Monsters In Beowulf

“It is just because the main foes in Beowulf are inhuman that the story is larger and more significant than this imaginary poem of a great king's fall.” This quote was taken from J.R.R Tolkien’s Beowulf: The Monsters and the Critics, where Tolkien expressed his views on the importance of the monsters in Beowulf. He believes that without supernatural monsters, Beowulf is no more than a lively poem, as supported by the quote above. He also states that it “glimpses the cosmic” and “surpasses the dates and limits of historical periods”. By saying this, Tolkien means that although it has historical significance, Beowulf should be seen less as a piece of history and rather as a piece of art.

I believe the main theme in Beowulf is being a hero. The characters identify themselves according to their family

The fact that there are monsters does not hinder the timelessness of the story which makes it easier for the reader to imagine the world of Middle-earth. Although, Tolkien does include kennings, riddles, songs, and alliteration, "You may indeed! I come from under the hill, and under hills and over the hills my paths led. And through the air, I am he that walks unseen. I am the clue-finder, the web-cutter, the stinging fly”, which was commonly used in Old English. I don’t think this has a huge impact on the story, because many people don’t pick up on these devices or don’t understand the reference. Tolkien also didn’t worry about including historical value, as he stated that it is not necessary in the making of a good story. His theory about monsters also applies, “Somehow the killing of this giant spider, all alone by himself in the dark . . . made a great difference to Mr. Baggins. He felt a different person, and much fiercer and bolder in spite of an empty stomach.” Bilbo hadn’t started to feel like a hero until he defeated a