Final answer:
The author of Beowulf is unknown, and it was written in Old English between the 8th and 11th centuries. Parts of the poem are missing due to the oral tradition of storytelling and physical manuscript damage. The poem's archaic language, repetition, and alliteration contribute to its enduring mystic and historical quality.
Step-by-step explanation:
The poet who wrote Beowulf is unknown, and the poem itself was likely composed between the 8th and early 11th centuries. It was written in Old English, specifically during the time period recognized as 450 to 1066 A.D. Some parts of Beowulf are missing due to its age and the fact that it was originally passed down through an oral tradition.
The Germanic peoples, which included the Anglo-Saxons, traditionally did not read or write their epic tales and legends; instead, they recited them aloud, and it wasn't until much later that these stories were transcribed.
As with any work from the oral tradition, elements can be lost, changed, or forgotten over time, which could account for missing parts in the written version.
Additionally, physical degradation of the manuscript over the centuries has also led to sections being damaged or lost. Understanding Beowulf requires more than translating words; it involves absorbing the atmosphere and exploring the archaic language that adds to the tale's mystic quality.
When reading, one may note the use of repetition and alliteration, which are essential for the poem's rhythm and are best appreciated when the poem is read aloud. It's these storytelling techniques that contributed to the endurance of Beowulf across the centuries.