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Sep93:02PM

Monday,Sept.27*"Beowulf"Notes*Timetoworkonreadinglogs

Putyour"Beowulf"packetsinthebasketbeforethebell!

Sep94:01PM

The oldest surviving piece of AngloSaxon literature Only manuscript we have is from the year 1000 & is stored at the British Library

composed btwn. years A.D. 700750, but the story takes place much earlier (around 520) written in what is now called Old English

it somehow survived Henry VIII's burning of the monasteries he parted with the church b/c the Pope wouldn't give him dispensation to divorce and marry Anne Bolin

first translated from Old English (AngloSaxon) in 1815

BEOWULFPlea

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Sep94:01PM

BEOWULF Even though Beowulf is the oldest surviving English epic, it is not set in England and its characters are not English.

In the 400s, Germanic peoples known as Anglo Saxons invaded the territory that would become known as England They brought the story of Beowulf with them.

The text of Beowulf shows both Norse pagan belief and Christianity, often in the same line.

Sep94:01PM

AngloSaxon Storyteller = SCOP (pronounced "shop") HISTORIAN OF A CULTURE PASSED DOWN HISTORY THROUGH RECITING POEMS

BEOWULF - tHE pOET

Author unknown Probably written by one man Lived in what is now England Probably Christian Was highly skilled in poetic technique Was thoroughly familiar with the traditions and legends of early Germanic culture

Beowulf existed through oral tradition for an estimated 300 years passed on from one scop (shop) to another

BEOWULF's Scop

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Sep94:01PM

BEOWULF - lANGUAGEAngloSaxon scops relied on certain poetic devices to aid their memory and give their poems structure and impact. These devices can be found in Beowulf:

Alliteration repetition of similiar sounds at the beggining of words

Kennings a metaphorical phrase or compound word used to name something indirectly

"WHALE-ROAD" = SEA"sHEPHERD OF EVIL" = gRENDEL

Caesura forced pause in the MIDDLE of a line of poetry

Sep94:01PM

BEOWULF - lANGUAGEOld English/AngloSaxon Poetry

original lines were divided in half with white space = CAESURA (forced pause in the middle of a line of poetry)

2 stressed syllables in the first half of the line with 2 ALLITERATIONS

2 stressed syllables in the second half of the line with 1 ALLITERATION

Old English

Translation

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Sep94:01PM

BEOWULF - lANGUAGEAlliteration repetition of sounds at the beginning of words

Old English

Translation

Sep94:01PM

BEOWULF - lANGUAGEKennings special kinds of metaphors that use compound words, prepositional phrases, or possessives to name a person, place, thing, or event indirectly.

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Sep94:01PM

BEOWULF - an epic Epics were originally sang or recited orally with musical accompaniment. At that time, very few people could read. Audiences were enthralled by monsters, perilous journeys, and fierce battles.

The AngloSaxons, in their primitive and harsh environment, demanded of their heroes:

*largerthanlife*elevate social status*courage*physical strength*loyalty to a tribal king* wisdom in guiding others*supreme selfconfidence

The heroes in Beowulf meet these qualifications

Sep94:01PM

BEOWULF - an epicCharacteristics of an Epic Hero: Embodies the goals & values of a culture Is on a quest Supernatural integrity, strength, intelligence, and courage Actions are of interest to the gods & they interfere Has flaws & faces challenges because of his flaws Is honored after death

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Sep94:01PM

is to England what The Iliad & The Odyssey are to GreeceBEOWULF - an epic

TheseareLITERARYEPICS

Beowulf is an early AngloSaxon FOLK EPIC. *a long narrative poem that recounts, in formal language, the exploits

of a largerthanlife hero *the epic hero is usually a man of high social status and is often

important in the history of his people

Epic Poem Characteristics:*Long goal or journey*Superhuman deeds*Many obstacles that test bravery*Interference of the gods or supernatural*Huge setting

*Purpose to teach & inspire*Main character is a hero (or capable of being a hero)*Long narrative poem

Sep94:01PM

BEOWULF - the Details Setting

When?The 6th Century

Where?Scandinavia

CharactersThe people are the Geats from southern Sweden and the Danes from Denmark

TheGeats

TheDanes

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Sep104:49AM

Sep71:27PM

BEOWULFWho's Who?

Beowulf was a brave warrior who vanquished evil monsters.

He embodies courage, loyalty, and generosity.

He traveled to Denmark from his home in Geatland (now southern Sweden) to slay Grendel.

Haven'tweseenthis

imagealot?

WhyamInotitalicizedorunderlined?

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Sep71:27PM

GrendelWho's Who?

An enormous ogre or demonlike creatureA descendent of the biblical Cain

Adam and Eve had two sons, Cain and Abel. Cain killed Abel out of jealousy.

Despises mankinds joy Menaces Hrothgar and the Danes for twelve years before facing Beowulf in battle

Sep71:27PM

HrothgarWho's Who?

The aging king of the Danes

Welcomes Beowulfs assistance in facing Grendel

Built Herot (his giant meadhall) to symbolize the kingdoms success, civilization, and joy

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Sep71:27PM

Grendel'sMother

Who's Who?

Not as powerful as her son, but still a formidable foe

Lives with her son Grendel in a cave beneath a swampy lake

In her cave is a magical, giant sword

Notlikethis.

Morelikethis.

Important!

Sep71:27PM

Herot

Hrothgars meadhallMore like a palaceSymbolizes the Scyldings (Danish people) success and mankinds joySocial, governmental, and emotional center of the villageGrendel delights in raiding and capturing it nightly

Mead honeybased wine

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Sep71:27PM

Beowulf (Well, the part in our text at least)

For twelve years, Grendel has raided Herot nightly, killing King Hrothgars Danish warriors.

Beowulf, who has heard of Grendels evil deeds, decides to come to the aid of the Danes.

Hrothgar had once sheltered Beowulfs father during a deadly feud, and Beowulf wants to return the favor.Beowulf also hopes to enhance his own reputation and gain treasure for his king, Higlac.

Beowulf brings with him fourteen of his finest men... here's where our adventure with Beowulf begins!

Thestorybeginsinmediasres

Sep94:01PM

Historical value Inspiration for writers like Tolkein, etc.

THEMES SPEAK TO US TODAYGood vs. Evil (victory at what cost?)What does it mean to be a hero?War vs. ReligionWhat does it mean to be a good king (leader)?Results of exclusionLoyaltySelfsacrifice

BEOWULF - wHY uS?

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