The Dynastic Drama of ‘Beowulf’ by Francis Leneghan
Erica Steiner
Reviewed by: The Dynastic Drama of ‘Beowulf’ by Francis Leneghan Erica Steiner Leneghan, Francis, (Anglo-Saxon Studies, 39), Woodbridge, D. S. Brewer, 2020; hardback; pp. xxii, 302; 1 b/w illustration; R.R.P. £60.00, ISBN 9781843845515. Beowulf, the longest extant poem within Old English corpus, has been subject countless books and articles which seek to understand nuances, authorship, cultural context this single poem. Entire careers have both launched sustained on back such work, with ‘Beowulf’, builds his previous years scholarship. Fundamentally, book seeks argue that ‘the dynastic material does not merely serve as ‘background’ but provides essential for monster-fights, while monster-fights themselves dramatize legend’ (p. 6). opens a brief account poem’s historiography, importance kings, qualities an ideal king. Chapter analyses progression events applying tripartite division human lifespan used classical medieval Christian authors whole dynasty. Thus: period pueritia is reflect ‘birth dynasty’, iuuentus describes ‘dynasties in crisis’, senectus concludes ‘death dynasty’. 2 examines evolution origins character Beowulf argues very persuasively he was amalgam folkloric hero ‘fictionalization, or poetic double, legendary uncle, King Hygelac’ 120). 3 discusses Grendel, Grendel’s mother, dragon poem, manuscript early ‘as portents national crises 155). 4 influence different models kingship—from Testament, Merovingians, Carolingians, earlier centuries (southern) dynasties. To conclude, presents how views reception worked three periods: seventh-century Mercia Northumbria, Alfredian Wessex, turn millennium. Those parts feature literary analysis shine rare depth understanding. By highlighting language youth versus old age, Leneghan’s approach fruitful number levels: personal, temporal, prefigurative. source conflict between Grendel Hrothgar [End Page 252] presented through lens illegitimacy usurpation centred gif-stol. And closing description manna mildust lof-geornost shown being textually indebted Bede’s interpretation biblical kingship. Very often it only body measured thorough show, footnotes, must be singled out their detailed important extensions argument. However, generally excellent book, there are two related areas where falls flat. Firstly, persistent thread commentary casts Beowulf’s lineage—being grandson Hrethel daughter—as somehow lesser than those peers who were descended paternal line. refers weaker, maternal line’ (pp. 15, 57), privileged male 19), ‘[Beowulf’s] relatively weak claim [to Geatish throne] via mother’ 86), ‘Beowulf’s descent from comes thereby weakening claim’ 88). Indeed, buries clearest statement footnote front matter, stating ‘[t]he absence these [royal women’s] names may fact power passes line world depicted poem’ xxi, n. 1). entirely neglects role played English—and indeed medieval—society according foster-kin relationships uncle–nephew relationship mediated specifically female relative. It remind oneself cast roles (to Hygelac Hrothgar) sister’s son Hygelac), thus...
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