Journal 10

What literary elements do the lines of Caedmon’s Hymn have in common with the poetry of Beowulf? In your comparison, consider the use of alliteration – the repetition of consonant sounds in words that are close to one another – and the words or phrases the poet chooses to praise God. Cite passages from both works to support your response.


“Caedmon’s Hymn” contains many alliterations. The first alliteration is, “Praise we the Fashioner now of Heaven’s fabric,” this alliteration describes God who is described as the fabric of Heaven. “In Beowulf” there are many times god is given thanks and praised. The second alliteration which compares to Beowulf is, “The majesty of his might and his mind’s wisdom.” The third line, “Work of the world-warden, worker of all wonders,” is kenning for the word god. This is also used throughout the story of Beowulf. Beowulf and Caedmon use similar phrases to describe the earth. Beowulf uses, “The Almighty making, the earth, shaping these beautiful plains marked off by oceans, then proudly setting the sun and the moon to glow across the land and light it.” In each, you must read the text as more than just the words. Each line has a meaning deeper than the statement provided.