Elements of Epic Poetry, according to Aristotle, applied in the text "Beowulf"

In order for any text to be defined or considered as an epic, it should follow a set of specific rules stated by the Greek philosopher, Aristotle. Throughout the chapters 23 and 24 of his book, Poetics, Aristotle notes the differences of a tragedy and an epic poem; since both of these artistic genres share some specific elements and have a transcendental factor of greatness, they could often be confused as the same thing. In the beginning of the 23^rd chapter, he turns his attention to the discussion of the narrative style of each genre, specifically stating that a tragedy should be told and limited to a dramatic form; contrary to the epic poem, which is usually dictated in verses under a narrative tone; extending the capability of the epic to be told in different tones. The text, Beowulf follows this first imperative rule due to the fact that the tone is not limited to the theater (unlike the dramatic tragedy); the plot of the epic could be as extensive as it is desired; just liked Beowulf is divided in three acts. The oral tradition of storytelling made it possible for the epic to be portrayed in various tones; the happiness of Hrothgar and his founding of Heorot; the fear and terror brought upon Grendel; the epic arrival of the young promise; the suspense and dramatic battle of the two forces of nature; the joyous atmosphere after the monster has been slain.

 These and many more events show the complexity of the power of narration; everything is possible, no matter how absurd and incredible the action of the story may be. Which is another difference amongst the genres; a tragedy should only follow a credible continuation of events. Unlike the epic that thrives on magnificent, exaggerated and improbable actions and events of the hero. The hero, Beowulf is not the exception. He encounters and defeats the abomination born out Cain’s sin. He also destroys a far more gruesome yet human like monster, Grendel’s mother, with an enchanted weapon by God. Finally, an encounter with a bloodthirsty and magnificent dragon further propels the fascination of the listener when the tale is being told; cementing the epic aspect of the story. Improbable events that makes the epic poetry so unique. Yet these events cannot be told in a very elaborate and overenthusiastic diction; it might be pleasing to hear, but it might mask or obscure the most important elements of the story.

 Another fundamental element that the epic should follow is the unity of plot, in which one particular story should remain organic as whole. For example, Beowulf, the title itself already grants us the entry of what is the discussion of the story, the life, behaviors and characteristics that defines Beowulf; not any other person or event. Even if the poem is divided in three separate actions, it still follows the events that transpire around Beowulf and how these alters his life. The first being his defining moment as a hero after defeating Grendel. The solidifying battle against Grendel’s mother that further defines his stature as the warrior to be and to beat. Finally, his underdog seal is broken after proving that he can still be a formidable opponent even at his advanced age, after defeating a dragon, at the cost of his own life.  

Finally, the epic must also have some elements of tragedy; it should be either complex or simple, with the discussion of only one character and his possible suffering. It can also feature some elements of peripetia (change of destiny) and or anagnorisis (discovery). Beowulf is a very straightforward narrative, with a simple progression of events, yet due to its old English dialect, it may difficult to understand. But the epic remains true to its purpose in glorifying the legend of Beowulf. Peripetia (acknowledgement of danger) is observed in two instances; the first happens when Beowulf is forced to fight barehanded against Grendel’s mother (after he lost his weapon) and secondly when he is chewed up by the dragon; which at the same time brought a moment of anagnorisis, due to his old age and pride, Beowulf is being manhandled by the dragon.

In the end, Beowulf follows many of Aristotle’s principles of Epic poetry and henceforth, it should be considered as one.