ANGLO-SAXON PERIOD Beowulf… blood, gore, dragons,

immortality, a missing arm?

Anglo-Saxon History 410-1066AD 449 AD Angles, Saxons, and other

Germanic peoples left northern Europe (Denmark & Germany) to settle on Britain’s eastern & southern shores

The Britons fought several battles to stop the invasion Britons eventually moved to western fringes of

island Modern day Scotland & Brittany

History Cont. Germanic tribes organized themselves into a

confederation of seven kingdoms called the Heptarchy. Kent Sussex Essex Wessex East Anglia (Norfolk and Suffolk) Mercia (the Midlands) Northumbria (Bernicia & Deira)

Germanic tribes settled & it became known as “Angle-land” or….?

Anglo-Saxon describes people & culture

A, S, & J invaded because the Romans abandoned Britain to protect Rome.

•Early invaders were seafaring wanderers whose lives were bleak, short, & violent•Pagan religion wyrd

• fate• Admiration for

warriors whose wyrd it was to prevail in battle.

•As they settled, turned to agriculture & became less violent.•Began accepting Christianity in late 6th century

• St. Augustine est. monastery at Canterbury

• 690 all of Britain was nominally Christian

A-S Culture Drank mead & hung out in mead halls

Alcoholic drink made from honey Listened to a scop

Word shaper; Old English poet/bard Traveled around to mead halls & delivered oral myths The writing style is reflective of oral tradition.

Pay attention to the way Beowulf is written and what elements are present to enhance oral storytelling.

Modern day scop What stands out to you about Benjamin Bagby’s interpretation of

Beowulf? Does the story come alive more in Old English or modern English?

Believed in wyrd Fate– “Whatever happens, happens.” Part of pagan beliefs

A-S Culture Wergild

Man-price Value placed on every human being & piece of

property Paid as compensation to the kindred or lord of

a slain person to avoid vengenance Hubris

Warriors full of this Too much pride/arrogance

A-S Professions Craftsmen

Functional occupations to increase living

Visit this website & search around http://www.regia.org/village/village.htm

Beowulf Background “One of the most important remains of Anglo-Saxon

literature is the epic poem Beowulf. Its age is unknown; but it comes from a very distant and hoar antiquity… It is like a piece of ancient armor; rusty and battered, and yet strong.” –Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Composed in early 8th century by anonymous Christian author Written down at some point and then copied in 10th century

by Christian scribes Copy was damaged in a fire (17th century?) Surviving manuscript is 3,200 lines OR 80-90 pages OUR VERSION IS HEAVILY EDITED!

Background Cont. Author unknown

Highly skilled in poetic technique Infused with traditional themes & legends of

early Germanic culture, legends, mythology, & Christian faith and ideals

Pagan story retold by Christian monk Beowulf embodies many of the

characteristics we still cherish Heroic qualities

Epic poem that follows the hero archetype

Beowulf Setting•Poem is set mainly in Denmark and Geatland

• Modern day Southern Sweden

•With such a close proximity to each other, clashes and fighting were bound to occur.

Kingship & Warriors Anglo-Saxon kingship ideals

To offer continued protection to their warriors in the event t hat the leader died in battle

Being very generous with gifts to loyal warriors Anglo-Saxon warrior ideals

Loyalty to their kings Boasting was a hero’s dare to destiny & a commitment

to courageous action Much like an announcement or vow

Desire for fame through courageous battle exploits FAME = IMMORTALITY

Beowulf reinforces the values present in A-S community

Things to Remember Story of Geats & Danes

Higlac = king of Geats Hrothgar = king of Danes

Beowulf = “bear” (bear like hero); Geat Herot = Hall of the Hart; colossal mead

hall Symbol of Hrothgar & the nation’s power Meant to be a wonder of the world forever

Grendel = monster who terrorizes Herot

Beowulf’s Style Alliteration

Sally sells sea shells by the seashore. Kennings

Two-word metaphorical name for something “sea road” = ocean

Comitatus Germanic code of loyalty Warriors swore loyalty to king, protected king, & received

treasure in return. Caesura

Poetic device Pause or break in poetry in the middle of each line

No end rhyme 4 hard beats per line

Qualities of an Epic Poem Epic

An extended narrative poem recounting actions, travels, adventures, and heroic episodes in elevated or dignified language celebrating the feats of a legendary or traditional hero.

In your group, list 5-6 characteristics of a hero. Please have a justification/example for each characteristic.

The Hero Archetype Archetype

Recurring character type or plot pattern

Universal to all people Elicits emotional

responses from people

Epic Hero Cycle Hero has obscure/mysterious background. Hero is not invincible, not a fool. Hero is charged with a quest. Hero is tested, often to prove his worthiness. Presence of numerous mythical beings,

animals, human helpers. Hero’s travels take him to supernatural world. Hero nearly gives up or appears defeated. A resurrection. Restitution.