CP English IV

Beowulf is an Epic Poem that was written between the 8th and 11th century by an unknown Anglo-Saxon.

Set in Scandinavia, but was written in England.

Written in Old English language. Involved a Germanic Tribe called the Geats.

What Makes and Epic?

Epic Heroes in History

•Ancient Greek

Myths (the Odes')

•Roman Myths

(Aeneid)

•Anglo-Saxon

(Beowulf)

•Indian mythology

(the Ramayana )

•Modern

Superheroes/epic

s (Superman)

I. Beowulf: Protagonist/ Hero of the Story

II. Grendal: Antagonist/ Monster/ Seed of Cain (evil).

III. Hrothgar: Older Leader of the Danes/ Beowulf’s teacher.

IV. Wiglaf: Kinsman of Beowulf/ only brave warrior that helps fight the dragon.

I. Denmark and Geatland (now Southern Sweden): Land of the Danes.

II. Heorot Hall (Mead hall): Battle between Grendal and Beowulf takes place here.

Plot1. King Hrothgar and the Danes build a

Mead hall called Heorot.

2. Grendal becomes angry and terrorizes

the Danes.

3. Beowulf hears of the monster and

travels to go save the Danes.

4. Three battles take place: First against

Grendal, Second against Grendal’s

mother, and Third against a dragon.

5. Beowulf dies a hero.

Beowulf arrives to Hrothgar’s kingdom and they gather at Heorot Mean hall to celebrate.

Beowulf is taunted by a member of the crowd and begins to boast on all of his accomplishments.

Grendal arrives and begins to fight Beowulf who is un-armed.

Beowulf proves his strength and rips off Grendal’s arm.

Grendal goes off to the swap and dies in failure.The Danes take the severed arm and hang it up in

Heorot as a trophy.

Grendal’s mother kills one of Hrothgar’s men for revenge.

They go off to find her in the swamp.

Beowulf kills her with a giant’s sword.

He brings back the head of Grendal and gives it to Hrothgar as a gift.

After Beowulf returns to Geatland to take over for Hygelac and rules for 50 years.

A dragon is disturbed and Beowulf kills it in a final battle.

He is bitten and dies from the poison.

Final Battle

I. The Golden Torque: The necklace that Wealhtheow gave Beowulf symbolizes the bond between Beowulf and the Geats.

II. The Banquet: The Banquet was a symbol of restoration of order and harmony for the Danes and Beowulf.

III. Hero becomes King: Beowulf is the hero of this Epic. He shows all the qualities of an Epic Hero and ends up becoming king because of his victorious battles and wisdom.

IV. Heroic Identity: Beowulf must retain heritage as well as well as his heroic identity to keep his kinship bonds.

Symbols and Themes

It symbolizes the end of the Geatish people

Shows the glory that the Geats won from Beowulf.

Made Beowulf an Epic Hero (dies for people/ god(s)/etc).

Ended as a confirmation to Beowulf and his virtue.

The End!