When a student first encounters the language of Beowulf, they may be initially discouraged. However, the captivating setting of this epic tale, with its realm of kings, dragons, mead halls, and bog monsters, can draw them in. While the story may resonate with fantasy enthusiasts, it also feels distinctly removed from our modern era. To truly visualize the action and culture of Beowulf, exploring artifacts from the same historical period can provide valuable insights. One such source of inspiration is the archaeological site of Sutton Hoo.
Beowulf is set in the fifth and sixth centuries, while Sutton Hoo’s contents date back to the sixth and seventh centuries. Located in Suffolk, England, the site features a burial chamber within a ship, containing treasures from various regions of the world. Sue Brunning, a curator at the British Museum, provides insights into some of the remarkable Sutton Hoo artifacts in her Curator’s Corner videos.
One such artifact is a helmet and sword associated with King Raedwald of East Anglia. The intricate designs on these objects, similar to those found in eastern Sweden, suggest a connection between these regions in that era. It is believed that Beowulf may have been composed in East Anglia, further solidifying the link between the epic tale and the artifacts found at Sutton Hoo. Imagining these ancient artifacts in their original glory adds depth to the understanding of the historical context of Beowulf.
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Based in Seoul, Colin Marshall writes and broadcasts on cities, language, and culture. His projects include the Substack newsletter Books on Cities and the book The Stateless City: a Walk through 21st-Century Los Angeles. Follow him on Twitter at @colinmarshall or on Facebook.
