The origin and evolution of Beowulf The origin of Beowulf remains a mystery, as both the poet and the year of composition are eluded to scholars for centuries. Although "[i]t is now widely believed that Beowulf is the work of a single poet who was Christian..." (preface, Heaney 29), I see Beowulf as a mosaic of many poets. In this article I will argue that with each new translation of this Old English epic a new Beowulf author is born. Twenty-first century poet Seamus Heaney, who translated the Beowulf on which this article is based, inserts aspects of his world into this ancient poem. Published in the year 2000, the incoherence of this very modern text reveals the messy masterpiece that Beowulf is today. I believe that over the centuries Beowulf has been altered by each generation it touches. I will provide evidence that Anglo-Saxon speakers, archivist Christian monks, and modern translators have all contributed to both the preservation and change of Beowulf. Beowulf began as an oral history passed down by scops, wandering poets of the Anglo-Saxons. -Saxon period who recited the tales of the great warrior Geat by heart. This allowed for subtle or strong changes on the part of each speaker as he formed his ideal and unique Beowulf. An example of possible change can be found in the lines: For a long time he had been poorly regarded, he had been taken by the Geats for less than he was worth. . . (Heaney 79), which do not fit the protagonist who received only praise throughout the rest of the epic. A footnote in Heaney's translation highlights this idea of ​​"Cinderella's hero" [as an]... example of folklore material, probably circulating orally, finding its way into poetry" (edi... mid article ......Semus Heaney New York: W. W. Norton & Company, 2000. 29-99. "Beowulf and Other Old English Poems," Trans. Constance B. Hieatt 35. Excerpt Sometimes in pagan shrines they made vows to idols , they swore that the murderer of souls would come to their aid and save the people, the Lord God, Head of the Heavens and High King of the World, was unknown to them Oh, cursed is he who in times of trouble must push his soul in the embrace of the fire, giving up help; he has nowhere to turn But blessed is he who after death can draw near to the Lord and find friendship in the Father's embrace (Heaney 36)