Journal 6

“The Seafarer,” “The Wanderer,” and Beowulf: Anglo-Saxon Ideals Reflected in Literature

                Burton Raffel’s translation of “The Seafarer” tells the story of a man who isolates himself from his friends and family to travel to the sea. Although the narrator reflects back on his life and remembers all of the temporal pleasures on Earth, the narrator is willing to give all of those things up and endure loneliness, in order to experience everlasting pleasures in heaven.  The narrator goes to sea by choice, where he feels closest to God, and suffers for salvation.

                Burton Raffel’s translation of “The Wanderer” tells the story of a lonely traveler who longs for peace and for the mercy of God.  However, unlike “The Seafarer,” the narrator is not as accepting to the sound of winter, proclaiming, “I’ve drunk too many lonely dawns, / Grey with mourning …” (8-9). “The Wanderer” is an elegy that is a serious reflection of the narrator’s past and how he wishes not to suffer from his cruel, lonesome journey to salvation anymore. 

                “The Seafarer” and “The Wanderer” are similar to Beowulf because they reflect Anglo-Saxon values and ideals.  One of the most important values to the Anglo-Saxons is loyalty, whether it is to their king or to their god or gods. In Beowulf, Beowulf is loyal to his king, Hygelac, and he receives wealth and fame among the land. In comparison, in “The Seafarer” and “The Wanderer,” the narrators of the two stories believe that if they are loyal to God and isolate themselves from earthly pleasures, then they will acquire peace and have a much better life in heaven.