Journal 10: Literary Devices in Caedmon's Hymn and Beowulf

“Caedmon’s Hymn” and “Beowulf” have very similar literary qualities. Both texts use alliterative phrases extensively. In “Caedmon’s Hymn”, Caedmon sings praises to God, and this song is where he uses the majority of the literary elements. Some of the alliterations include “The majesty of his might and his mind’s wisdom”, and also “Work of the world-warden, worker of all wonders”. Some alliterations in “Beowulf” include “smear torn scraps of our skin on the walls”, and “Brecca’s battles were never so bold”. Another literary device that both texts use is the kenning. “Caedmon’s Hymn” uses far less kennings than “Beowulf”. “Beowulf” uses kennings such as a “battle-flasher” for a sword or a “ring-giver” for a king. Many things are described in this fashion. In “Caedmon’s Hymn”, the only kenning really used describes God. There are other descriptive phrases, but the only kenning described God as a “world-warden”.