Beowulf and its relationship to Norse and Finno-Ugric beliefs and narratives

Abstract

The objective of the dissertation is to study Beowulf in the light of those narratives, customs, and beliefs of Norse Age Scandinavia and the Baltic region which occur in stories related to Beowulf. Though Beowulf is the oldest surviving member of this group of stories, the fact does not diminish its grandeur; the poem has greatness as an expression in heroic poetry of popular beliefs and customs. The dissertation undertakes a review of Finno-Ugric agricultural customs and beliefs in order to enlarge the recognized parallels of Sampsa and Peko with Scyld Scefing. By studying Finno-Ugric customs within the full agricultural cycle from spring to winter, one realizes that many more of the Finno-Ugric beliefs and customs are applicable to Beowulf. In particular the violence and blood in the Peko ceremony and the attack of monsters at Yule provide analogues to Beowulf and related stories. [TRUNCATED]