Answer:
Raffel's Introduction of Beowulf
The aspects of the poem that led to Raffel's lifelong interest in Beowulf include the following:
1) The story was legendary, and in the words of Raffel: "larger than life."
2) Beowulf exercised magical qualities, which were also exemplified in his name, which means a combination of Bear and Wolf.
3) Beowulf exercised heroic and social motives that tantamount to self-sacrifice for the other person. Like Jesus Christ, Beowulf died for others.
4) Beowulf exemplified the virtues of a warrior king or a servant-leader, unlike our modern experiences where leaders are lords who demand worship.
Explanation:
The above aspects of Beowulf caused Raffel to introduce this poem by entitling it "A legendary Tale, Larger than Life." Late Burton Nathan Raffel was an American writer and professor, and also a renowned translator and poet. He made the translation of Beowulf, the English epic poem, now widely used in universities, colleges, and high schools. Beowulf historically explored the characteristics of the Anglo-Saxons.
