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Discover the oldest poem in English, Beowulf, and its enduring themes that still resonate in literature today. Study the provenance, setting, poetic devices, and important aspects of this ancient masterpiece. Learn how studying Beowulf enhances your understanding of Old and Modern English.
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Beowulf • Why Beowulf? • Provenance • Setting • Poetic devices • Terms • Themes
Why Study Beowulf? 1. Beowulf is the oldest poem in the English language, so everything written since Beowulf stems from it in some way 2. The story of Beowulf encompasses common themes that we still see in English literature today 3. Beowulf is simply good writing
Why Study Beowulf? 4. In some ways, it doesn’t matter what you read, but how you read it, so…since Beowulf came first, you might as well start there. 5. Studying Old English improves your understanding of modern English 6. It’s a great story
Beowulf’s Provenance What we don’t know: • who wrote it • when exactly it was written • how much, exactly, is based on historical truth
Beowulf’s Provenance What we do know: • Beowulf is the oldest surviving English poem. It’s written in Old English (or Anglo-Saxon), which is the basis for the language we speak today. • Some of the characters in the poem actually existed. • The only copy of the manuscript was written sometime around the 11th century A.D. (1000’s), however…
The actual poem probably dates from the 8th century (700’s) or so, and… • The story may be set even earlier, around 500 A.D. • There are a lot of Christian references in the poem, but the characters and setting are Pagan…this means a monk probably translated it.
Beowulf’s Provenance So why wasn’t it written down in the first place? This story was probably passed down orally for centuries before it was first written down. It wasn’t until after the Norman Invasion (1066) that writing stories down became common in this part of the world.
Beowulf’s Provenance So what’s happened to the manuscript since the 11th century? Eventually, it ended up in the library of this guy. Robert Cotton (1571-1631)
Beowulf’s Provenance Unfortunately, Cotton’s library burned in 1731. Many manuscripts were entirely destroyed. Beowulf was partially damaged. The manuscript is now preserved and carefully cared for in the British Museum.
Setting: Beowulf’s time andplace Although Beowulf was written in English, it is set in what is now Sweden, where a tribe called the Geats lived. The story may take place as early as 400 or 500 A.D.
Setting: Beowulf’s time and place Insert: Time of Beowulf Europe today
How we date Beowulf Some Important Dates: 521 A.D. – death of Hygelac, who is mentioned in the poem 680 A.D. – appearance of alliterative verse 835 A.D. – the Danish started raiding other areas; after this, few poets would consider them heroes SO: This version was likely composed between 680 and 835, though it may be set earlier
The Poetry in Beowulf A few things to watch out for 1. Alliterative verse • Repetition of initial sounds of words (occurs in every line) b. Generally, four feet/beats per line c. A caesura, or pause, between beats two and four d. No rhyme
The Poetry in Beowulf A few things to watch out for Alliterative verse – an example from Beowulf: Oft ScyldScefingsceapenapraetum, Monegummaegpummeodo-setlaofteah; EgsodeEorle, syddanaerestweard.
The Poetry in Beowulf A few things to watch out for 2. Kennings a. Compound metaphor (usually two words) b. Most were probably used over and over For instance: hronade literally means “whale-road,” but can be translated as “sea”
The Poetry in Beowulf A few things to watch out for Other kennings from Beowulf: banhus = “bone-house” = body goldwine gumena = “gold-friend of men” = generous prince beaga brytta = “ring-giver” = lord beadoleoma = “flashing light” = sword
Some terms you’ll want to know scop A bard or story-teller. The scop was responsible for praising deeds of past heroes, for recording history, and for providing entertainment
Some terms you’ll want to know comitatus Literally, this means “escort” or “comrade” This term identifies the concept of warriors and lords mutually pledging their loyalty to one another
In return for comitatusthe king was expected to be generous with gifts of treasure and land • The king also protected the Thanes • In return the warriors were expected to be courageous and loyal to their king
Some terms you’ll want to know thane A warrior mead-hall The large hall where the lord and his warriors slept, ate, held ceremonies, etc.
Some terms you’ll want to know wyrd Fate. This idea crops up a lot in the poem, while at the same time there are Christian references to God’s will.
Some terms you’ll want to know Wergild Man-payment This is the practice of paying a slain man’s family to atone for the deed and to prevent them from taking revenge
Wergild in Beowulf Before the events of the poem, Beowulf’s father murdered a man and Hrothgar paid the wergild. Hence, Beowulf feels compelled to help Hrothgar in his time of need.
Themes and Important Aspects • Good vs. Evil • Religion: Christian and Pagan influences • The importance of wealth and treasure • The importance of the sea and sailing • The sanctity of the home • Fate • Loyalty and allegiance • Heroism and heroic deeds
Keep in Mind • Beowulf represents the Geats • Hrothgarrepresents the Danes
