Beowulf

What examples of foreshadowing can be found in the story?

Was foreshadowing used as a literry device frequently in Anglo-saxon literature?

Asked by
Last updated by Aslan
Answers 1
Add Yours

There is the funeral of Shield Sheafson. This is when the poem opens. This foreshadows Beowulf’s funeral at the poem’s end.

-The story of Sigemund told by the scop, or bard, foreshadows Beowulf’s fight with the dragon.

-The story of King Heremod foreshadows Beowulf’s eventual ascendancy to kingship.

I think foreshadowing was used in Anglo-Saxon literature except, from what I can think of right now, it was more subtle and open ended than it is in more contemporary literature.