Reinterpretation on Beowulf - A Homosexual Translation

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Bryan J. Tanner

December 11, 2002

Reinterpretation on Beowulf

A Homosexual Translation

        In Beowulf you have several different characters portraying several different roles in their society.  These roles can be translated into our society as well.  However, the way the characters are portrayed can be taken in several different manners.  An interpretation that is not usually or probably ever reached about Beowulf, is the analysis of Grendel homosexually.  

        Many would ask how this could be done, but I think that it is quite possible.  Take, for instance, the fact that Grendel is portrayed as an evil beast that is cast away from civilization and is forced from Christian views.  This very thing is done with homosexuals in our present day world.  Do you think that Grendel would have been accepted to marry another evil beast in their society, just as it is illegal in forty-eight states for homosexuals to marry?  Additionally, the way that homosexuals are talked about in such a harsh and inhumane bashing, is much like the treatment of Grendel by society in Beowulf’s time.  Grendel is also cast away by God, just as Cain was cast away from every one he ever knew, which is not very coincidental considering it was believed that all monsters and evil beasts were direct descendants of Cain.  Compare that to how homosexuality is frowned upon by so many religions in today’s age.  They are exceptionally much alike.

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        There are also some allusions from Beowulf that can be taken in a homogenous or a homosexual translation.  Some of these instances consist of Grendel taking fifteen of Hrothgar’s warriors back to his lair, rather than kill them at the mead hall along with the other fifteen men, his hand to hand struggle with Beowulf himself, and the reason for the killing to ever take place, because their heterosexual music was not pleasing to his ears.  

        The allusions from above that can be taken homosexually may appear to be quite a stretch, but allow me to analyze these situations ...

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