Anglo-Saxon poems and heroic narratives like Beowulf are quite similar. Most frequently, their similarities include literary terms, themes that align with the ancient lifestyles, imagery, and views of God. For instance, Anglo-Saxon poems “The Seafarer” and “The Wanderer” and Beowulf all contain alliterations in each of the lines. Also, in all three poems, there are four stressed syllables and a caesura in each line. One of the more obvious similarities (connecting to literary conventions) between the poems is the imagery of the sea. In the beginning of Beowulf, there is a lavish description of King Shield Sheafson being buried at sea. As for “The Seafarer”, the main character of the poem is isolated on the sea and the author of “The Wanderer” raised physical aspects of isolation partly with imagery of the sea.
To address themes that align with the ancient lifestyles, we see that in each of the poems loyalty to a lord is highly valued and often presents a theme. Another similarity, perhaps more easily overlooked, is that in one way or another, each of the poems discuss being alone. In Beowulf, although the hero is not exiled, he feels that he is able to be alone in his endeavors, as he is brave and brawny enough. To add, he is deserted by most of his men before his final battle with the dragon. In “The Seafarer” and “The Wanderer”, one hero has chosen to be alone and the other is exiled but it is true that both are alone in their endeavors, and feel loneliness at times. Another strong likeness between all three poems is a view of or feeling for God. Beowulf’s opening lines allude to the bible quite often and Beowulf, as a hero, repeatedly refers to God as his protector. “The Seafarer” depicts the main character as longing for heaven, and believing that the hope of heaven is a consolation after life on Earth. In like manner, “The Wanderer” stresses the importance of faith and calls readers to honor the spirit of God.
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