As we have known about the different types of ‘Figure Of Speech’, Alliteration is one of them. Basically alliteration in English is described as a literary device in which a series of words would begin with the same word but which is a consonant.
“Beowulf” is an Old English epic poem written by an anonymous Anglo-Saxon poet, and it is often cited as one of the most important pieces of Old English literature. It contains 3,182 alliterative long lines. In the poem, Beowulf is a hero who slays a monster known as Grendel and becomes king.
10 Examples of Alliteration in Beowulf
Here are some classic examples of alliterations from Beowulf with starting words (sorted in A to Z order).
- “Bold Battle-Boasts: Refers to Beowulf’s courageous declarations or speeches about his battles.
- “Fearsome Foe: Describes formidable adversaries faced by the hero.
- “Fiery Flames: Often used to portray scenes of battle, destruction, or a fiery environment.
- “Glorious Geats: Refers to Beowulf’s noble people, the Geats, showcasing their honor.
- “Golden Goblets: Refers to valuable treasures or riches, often found in the mead hall.
- “Gory Gashes: Describes wounds or injuries inflicted in fierce combat.
- “Grendel’s Grasp: Depicts the monster Grendel’s powerful hold or grip in attacks.
- “Hall Heorot: Refers to the grand mead hall built by Hrothgar, the setting for many events in the poem.
- “Hrothgar’s Helm: Possibly refers to King Hrothgar’s symbolic headgear or protection.
- “Hrunting’s Hilt: Names a famous sword, Hrunting, used by Beowulf in battles.
- “Mournful Mood: Portrays a sorrowful or lamenting atmosphere after conflicts.
- “Monstrous Mere: Describes eerie or dangerous marshes inhabited by monsters.
- “Savage Seas: Depicts treacherous or tumultuous waters encountered in the narrative.
- “Sea-Streets: Commonly used to describe the sea, referring to its pathways or routes.
- “Shadowy Shores: Describes dark or mysterious coastal areas.
- “Thunderous Thane: Highlights the might or power of a warrior, possibly referring to a noble follower.
- “Treacherous Tides: Refers to dangerous and shifting currents in the sea.
- “Wicked Wight: Describes malevolent creatures or enemies encountered.
- “Wiglaf, Wexstan’s Son: Introduces the character Wiglaf, possibly referencing his lineage.
Following are some more instances:
- “of human shape the superhuman size” – The alliteration of word ‘s’.
- “Spoil of heroes in high-built hall…” – The alliteration of the word ‘h’.
- “And rushed in rage o’er the shining floor” – The alliteration of the word ‘r’.
- “To feast his fill of the flesh of men.” – The alliteration of the word ‘f’.
- “The demon delayed not, but quickly clutched.” – The alliteration of the word ‘d’.
- “A sleeping thane in his swift assault,” – The alliteration of word ‘s’.
- “Gulped the blood, and gobbled the flesh,”
- “But Beowulf grappled and gripped him hard,”
The alliteration of the word ‘g’.
- “The fellowship of devils. Far different his fate.”
- “To win his freedom and flee to the fens.”
The alliteration of the word ‘f’.
To be more specific, you can see the quote from Beowulf that contains alliteration. “I’ve never known fear, as a youth I fought in endless battles, I am old now, But I will fight again, seek fame still If the dragon hiding in his tower dares to face me.”
This specific verse is spoken by Beowulf.
Here you can observe the repeated use of the word ‘F’ which deliberately creates a forceful and aggressive tone.
Practice words related to Beowulf vocabulary with this worksheet.
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