Beowa

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Beowa, Beaw, Beo or Bedwig is a figure in Anglo-Saxon paganism associated with barley and agriculture. Connections have been made between the figure of Beowa and the more well-known Beowulf.

Contents 1 Etymology 2 Beowa and Beowulf 3 References 4 See also

[edit] Etymology

Beow is the Anglo-Saxon word for barley. Amongst others, Beowa descends from Sceaf, the Anglo-Saxon word for Sheaf. It parallels with the Old Norse word for grain, which is Bygg. In relation, comparisons between the figure of Beow and Byggvir have been made.^[1]

[edit] Beowa and Beowulf

A consensus among scholars is that there is a distinct connection between the mythical figure of Beowa and the legendary Beowulf. As both characters possess many of the same attributes, it has been suggested that: "a god Beowa, whose existence in myth is certain, became confused or blended with Beowulf."^[2]

[edit] References

[edit] See also

• Beyla
• John Barleycorn
• Sif

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v • d • e Anglo-Saxon paganism and mythology Gods Ēostre • Frigga • Hretha • Ing • Saxnot • Þunor • Tiw • Wōden • Cofgodas Divine figures Ægil • Beowa • Godwulf • Hengest • Horsa • Sceaf • Wælcyrige • Wayland Smith Other races Elf • Dweorh • Eoten/Thurs • Wight Locations Middangeard • Neorxnawang Sources Anglo-Saxon Chronicle • Anglo-Saxon Rune Poem • Beowulf • De temporum ratione • Deor • Finnesburg Fragment • Franks Casket • Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum • Nine Herbs Charm • Old English language • Spong Hill • Sutton Hoo • Wið færstice • Æcerbot Origins Germanic paganism Society Anglo-Saxon law • Anglo-Saxon runes • Calendar • Blōtan • Folkmoot • Maypole • Moot hill • Scop • Symbel • Thegn • Thing • Thyle • Weregild • Wicce • Yule • Wyrd See also: Norse paganism • Anglo-Saxon Christianity • Fyrnsidu • Theodism