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Old Engli
sh Poet
ry
Mostly anonymousExceptions: Caedmon &
CynewulfOral TraditionScops and Gleemen: traveling poets/
minstrelsTwo types of Poetry:1. Heroic Epics
Definition: a long, narrative poem about the exploits of a hero who embodies the values of the cultureExample: Beowulf
2. Elegiac lyricsDefinition: a poem that reflects the poet’s thoughts & feelings, and that laments the loss of somethingExample: “The Seafarer”
Unique Devices
COLE WAS THE KING; HE WAS KEEN AND MERRY;MIRTHFUL HE WAS; WITH MINSTRELS IN MEAD
HALL.HE CALLED FOR HIS CUP; HE CALLED FOR HIS PIPE.HIS FIDDLERS WERE THREE, AND FINE WAS THEIR
TRILLING.
CaesuraA pause in the
middle of a line of poetry
KenningA compound noun that
is colorful & descriptive
“whale road” = the sea
The Mystery, Puzzles, & Contradictions of Beowulf
The Mystery
Only one manuscript survives: the Cotton
Manuscript
Almost destroyed by fire
Discovered in the 16th century but not published
until 1815
A Puzzle:Beowulf is the definitive English epic and the
beginning of English literature,
BUT
The hero is a Geat (Yea-ot) or Swede, and none of the action takes place in England.
Why?
In 449 AD Germanic tribes (Angles, Saxons & Jutes) invaded the British Isles; they
brought this story with them.
AND
Beowulf embodies Anglo-Saxon values and celebrates the essence of a warrior society.
BraveryLoyaltyDevotion to the community
The challeng
es of Existenc
e
Weapons
used
Festive Celebrati
ons
It is difficult to convey just how challenging the lives of the earliest Anglo-Saxons were. Every day was a battle to survive. The Anglo-Saxons
lived in huts and dressed in animal skins to protect themselves against the miserable,
bone-chilling dampness of the weather. They eked out an existence by farming the land, hunting, and venturing forth on dangerous,
turbulent seas to fish. Whenthey weren't scraping together a skimpy
existence, they were fighting neighboring tribes and clans. These tough conditions
created strong ties within tribes andencouraged intense loyalty to clan leaders. The
environment also contributed to the high esteem in which the inhabitants held individual
bravery, a quality they honored above all others.
A Contradiction:
Beowulf represents a
violent warrior culture;
Beowulf also shows the influence of Christian
culture.
Belief in Wyrd
Trolls, monsters, & elves
from Norse mythology
Old Testament Elements
(Ex.: Cain)
Belief in a higher power who
rewards virtue, forgiveness,
honesty
300
AD
449
AD
900
AD
1000
AD
597
AD
C
hri
stia
n
Con
vers
ion
800
AD
700
AD
Oral Tradition: Beowulf-
type stories are told.
“The Bear Story”
Anglo-Saxon
Invasion
Beowulf sung by
scops
Christian monks write down the spoken epic.editor not`
authorwell-read
conscious role of poet
Viking Invasions