* Oral Tradition: Alliterative verse is characteristic of Anglo-Saxon poetry and was specifically designed for oral performance. It helps to remember lines, emphasize key words, and create a rhythmic flow. This suggests that Beowulf was likely passed down through generations of storytellers before being written down.
* Emphasis on Sound: The use of alliteration, along with kennings (metaphorical phrases) and other poetic devices, creates a vivid and memorable auditory experience. It highlights the importance of sound and rhythm in the storytelling process.
* Importance of Heroic Values: The alliterative verse, with its focus on strong, memorable lines, perfectly complements the epic nature of the poem. It helps to elevate the heroic deeds of Beowulf and the other characters, making them larger-than-life.
* Connections to Germanic Culture: The alliterative verse style was common throughout Germanic cultures, and its presence in Beowulf further connects the poem to a wider cultural context.
In summary, the use of alliterative verse in Beowulf tells us that the poem was likely composed in an oral culture, where sound and rhythm were crucial for engaging the audience. It also reflects the importance of heroic values and the connection to Germanic cultural traditions.
It's important to remember that we don't know for sure who the author of Beowulf was, or if they even existed in the way we think of authorship today. Instead, the poem should be viewed as a product of its time, shaped by the cultural practices and beliefs of Anglo-Saxon society.