myriamlenys

Who composed "Beowulf", who transmitted it during generations and who wrote it down in a book ? The documentary tries to answer these questions by looking closely at Anglo-Saxon culture, complete with geographical roots and territorial expansion. This involves visiting places like the area where the "Sutton Hoo" ship burial took place.

Meanwhile the poem itself is not neglected, since the viewers are treated to an engrossing rendition in a fine modern-day translation. The rendition takes place in a lovingly constructed replica of an Anglo-Saxon royal hall. One understands why halls such as these were seen as islands of companionship and good cheer. One also understands why any attack by an outside force, such as the ravenous Grendel, would be considered an attack on humanity itself. Inside the circle of light songs were sung, warriors were fêted and heroes were remembered ; outside loomed the threatening vastness of nature, full of furtive noises and slippery shapes.

One of the subjects being discussed is the interaction between Paganism and Christianity. I was delighted to see a majestic object I had never seen before, to wit a great stone preaching cross kept in a church in Ruthwell, Scotland. To think that a masterwork such as this was deliberately broken into pieces - and by persons calling themselves Christian !

The documentary will be sure to please anyone interested in the age and culture that gave birth to "Beowulf".