Embracing Tradition and Epic Tales – Beowulf Night at Cicero Prep

The annual Beowulf Night at Cicero Prep is an event that brings together students and faculty in a celebration of medieval culture and the enduring power of storytelling. Featuring a range of activities, from lively Viking games to a bonfire-lit reading of key parts of the epic poem, Beowulf Night is a unique occasion that fosters community and a deep appreciation for literary heritage, while donning costumes that transport them back in time.

For Dominic Martel, a science teacher at Cicero Prep, Beowulf Night holds a special place in his heart. He describes it as his favorite event of the year, emphasizing its role in building a strong sense of community within the school. “As our high school is so community focused, this is the first time for our eighth graders to join our high schoolers in reading the entire text of Beowulf, dressing up in costume, getting to have something of a fall festival, and just enjoy each other ‘s company, throw axes, play Viking Chess, and just become part of our school community joined with the faculty,” he said.

If the thought of teenagers throwing axes in a crowded school courtyard worries you, have no fear. They were plastic axes. But the fun they had throwing them at targets was real.

“When our students first read Beowulf, they initially think it was kind of cliche because it’s the story of the man against the dragon. But this is the story that inspired all of the imitators.” said Martel. The text that has inspired this annual event is an Old English epic poem in the tradition of Germanic heroic legend. It is one of the most important and most often translated works of Old English literature and arguably the oldest English text of its kind.”

“Beowulf is a story about courage, but it’s also a story about humility. Does a man know his own strength? Does he know when to rely on his own strength versus to rely on his own friends?” said Martel.

Beowulf Night not only immerses participants into medieval legend, but also invites them to explore the culture of the Vikings. The allure of dragons, the mystique of Viking culture, and the darker, more mysterious, and even spooky aspects of Western heritage are all woven into the event. Through this celebration, students and attendees gain a heightened appreciation for the epic poem and its impact on modern storytelling.

“I think there’s something lost in modern civilization that we don’t tell stories to each other,” said Martel. “We let other people tell stories, we passively participate in stories, but to have students and teachers, even parents sometimes, tell a story around a campfire – there’s something so human about that. It allows us to slow down and just be present.”

Beowulf Night at Cicero Prep stands as a testament to the enduring power of tradition, the magic of storytelling, and the unifying force of shared experiences. Through this annual celebration, students and faculty alike are transported to a world of ancient legend and heroic valor. With each passing year, Beowulf Night continues to inspire a sense of community, fostering connections that extend far beyond the confines of the school’s courtyard.

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