Final answer:
Poetry was not recorded before Beowulf due to the oral tradition of the Germanic peoples and the pre-Islamic culture's emphasis on memorization and recitation. There were also societal attitudes towards poetry that questioned its purpose and value.
Step-by-step explanation:
Poetry was not recorded before Beowulf because of the oral tradition of the Germanic peoples. They did not read or write, and instead transmitted information and traditions orally. Famous tales like the Song of Hildebrand and the Song of the Nibelungs were originally spoken epics. The composition of poetry was also a major part of pre-Islamic culture, with performers memorizing lengthy poems for recitation. Additionally, there were societal attitudes towards poetry, with some people in the past questioning the purpose and value of poetry.