BEOWULF

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 (American Poet)

I. Historical background400-600 A.D. -- Angles, Saxons, and Jutes invade (Beowulf time setting)410 A.D. Rome renounces control of Britain521 A.D. Hygelac invades the Netherlands597 A.D. St. Augustine625 A.D. Sutton Hoo 700-950 A.D. -- Christian monk composed the poem

I. Historical background400-600 A.D. -- Angles, Saxons, and Jutes invade (Beowulf is set here)410 A.D. Rome renounces control of Britain521 A.D. Hygelac invades the Netherlands597 A.D. St. Augustine625 A.D. Sutton Hoo 700-950 A.D. -- Christian poet composed the poem

I. Historical background400-600 A.D. -- Angles, Saxons, and Jutes invade (Beowulf is set here)410 A.D. Rome renounces control of Britain521 A.D. Hygelac invades the Netherlands597 A.D. St. Augustine625 A.D. Sutton Hoo 700-950 A.D. -- Christian poet composed the poem

English Literature?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 EnglandThey brought the story of Beowulf with them.The text of Beowulf shows both Norse pagan belief and Christianity, often in the same line.

English Literature?Pagan Concepts elaborate Germanic sea-burials, grand feasts in the mead-halls, belief in fate, material rewards. Christian Concepts reference to Cain (used in connection to Grendel), reference to the Flood, Gods will be done

Wyrd Fate or acceptance of the inevitableWyrd Fate or acceptance of the inevitableComitatus Loyalty or responsibility to the group/communityWyrd Fate or acceptance of the inevitableComitatus Loyalty or responsibility to the group/communityWergild Man-gold. A murderer would be required to pay money to the family, or face retribution.. Beowulf:Background InformationThe oldest surviving piece of Anglo-Saxon literatureAuthor unknownExisted through oral tradition for an estimated 300 years passed on from one scop (shop) to anotherWritten in what is now called Old EnglishOnly one complete original manuscript remains

II. The manuscript Obtained by Sir Robert CottonBound in Cotton Vitellius.Damaged in fire in 1731Currently at British MuseumWhat did it sound like?

IV. Anglo-Saxon valuesLoyaltyFighting for ones kingAvenging ones kinsmenKeeping ones wordGenerosity -- gifts symbolize bondsBrotherly love -- not romantic love

IV. Anglo-Saxon valuesHeroismPhysical strengthSkill and resourcefulness in battleCouragePublic reputation, not private conscience

Literary DevicesAnglo-Saxon scops relied on certain poetic devices to aid their memory and give their poems structure and impact. Three of these devices can be found in Beowulf:AlliterationKenningsCaesura

AlliterationAlliteration is the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words that are close together in a poem. Hrothgars men lived happy in his hall.miserable, mighty men tormented

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

Compound WordsPrepositional PhrasesPossessives

"hell-forged" "banquet-rich"ring-giver" "mead-cup" "she-wolf""Shelter of warriors" "shapes of darkness" "shepherd of evil" "tormentor of their days" "journey into darkness" "ocean's/Furrows" "God's bright beacon" "Heaven's high arch" "Geats'/Brave prince" "hell's captive" Kenning: a metaphorical phrase or compound word used to name a person, place, thing, or event indirectly.

A kenning enhances the literal meaning of the words. A kenning gives the listener an idea of how the words connect to an idea or concept that is richer and more emotionally complex.

Kenning

You can Create modern-day kennings for things you see around you. giver of wordsword-wand

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18Kitten: purr-full delight, mew-madnessSinger: siren of song, melody-museRacing car: road-shark, roar-racerAirplane: soar-silver streak, skys arrowCaesuraAn obvious pause in a line of poetry. In Old English poetry, it usually comes near the middle of a line, with two stressed syllables before and two after, often allowing little or no run-on of meaning from the first half line to the second.A prince of the Geats / had killed Grendel.

Beowulf : The Epic PoemBeowulf is an early Anglo-Saxon epic.An epic is a long narrative poem that recounts, in formal language, the exploits of a larger-than-life hero.The epic hero is usually a man of high social status and is often important in the history of his people.

Beowulf : The Epic PoemEpic plots usually involve:Supernatural eventsLong time periodsLife and death strugglesIn epics, the hero always represents good and the forces that threaten people represent evil.To overcome the peoples enemies, the hero requires great physical strength.

Epic HeroesCharacteristics of an Epic Hero:Is significant and glorifiedIs on a questHas supernatural strength, intelligence, and courage

Is EthicalRisks death for the good of societyPerforms brave deedsIs a strong and responsible leaderReflects the ideas and values of his society

EpicsEpics were originally sung 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 Anglo-Saxons, in their primitive and harsh environment, demanded of their heroes . . .courage, physical strengthloyalty to a tribal king wisdom in guiding otherssupreme self-confidenceThe heroes in Beowulf meet these qualifications.

Other EpicsGilgamesh (Babylonian, unknown)The Odyssey (Greek, Homer)The Iliad (Greek, Homer)The Aeneid (Roman, Virgil)

24Who was Beowulf?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.

Grendel

An enormous ogre or demon-like creatureA descendent of the biblical CainAdam and Eve had two sons, Cain and Abel. Cain killed Abel out of jealousy.Despises mankinds joyMenaces Hrothgar and the Danes for twelve years before facing Beowulf in battle

HrothgarThe aging king of the DanesWelcomes Beowulfs assistance in facing GrendelBuilt Herot (his giant mead-hall) to symbolize the kingdoms success, civilization, and joy

HerotHrothgars mead-hallSocial, governmental, and emotional center of the villageGrendel delights in raiding and capturing it nightlyMead honey-based wine

Grendels MotherNot as powerful as her son, but still a formidable foeLives with her son Grendel in a cave beneath a swampy lake (or mere)In her cave is a magical, giant sword

Harpist-bards told the familiar story for audiences in the communal halls at night. Reconstructed Anglo-Saxon village in West Stow, England, with communal hall on the left.

BeowulfBackground

Reconstructed Anglo-Saxon village in West Stow, England, with communal hall on the left.

Sutton Hoo

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Helmet from sutton hoo dig

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sutton_Hoo