THE ROLE OF FATE ('WYRD') IN OLD ENGLISH POETRY

This study examines the role of fate in Old English poetry, focusing on how the concept of wyrd shapes characters, themes, and worldview in early medieval literature. In works such as Beowulf, The Wanderer, and The Seafarer, fate is portrayed as a powerful and inevitable force that governs human life, often existing beyond the control of both heroes and kings. Old English poets depict wyrd as both a source of struggle and a framework through which individuals interpret suffering, loss, and heroic action. At the same time, Christian influences introduce ideas of divine will and moral responsibility, creating a complex interaction between predestination and faith. This study argues that the coexistence of pagan fatalism and Christian providence reflects the transitional culture of Anglo-Saxon England, offering deeper insight into the spiritual and philosophical concerns of the period.

Keywords: Old English poetry, wyrd, fate, Anglo-Saxon literature, pagan fatalism, Christian providence.