Old English Alliterative Meter

Old English alliterative meter is a poetic style where each line is divided into two halves, called hemistiches. Instead of rhyming, the poetry relies on the repetition of initial consonant sounds within these halves to create a rhythmic pattern. Typically, each line has four strong stresses, with the first half connecting to the second through alliteration—repeating a consonant sound. This structure emphasizes sound patterns and musicality, shaping the poem’s flow. It was commonly used in Anglo-Saxon poetry, such as "Beowulf," serving both oral storytelling and artistic expression.