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Beowulf

Beowulf. Beowulf. Beowulf is the oldest written example of what eventually became the English language. But first, some history…. Mysterious People. Roman Invasion.

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Beowulf

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  1. Beowulf

  2. Beowulf • Beowulf is the oldest written example of what eventually became the English language.

  3. But first, some history…

  4. Mysterious People

  5. Roman Invasion • In the first century A.D. the Romans invaded the British Isles and stayed for centuries. Among other things, they build Hadrian’s wall either to keep out the “barbarians” (Scottish) from the north or show the might of the Roman Empire.

  6. A.D 410 • In A.D. 410 the Romans abandoned Britain. A number of theories about what happened next compete with each other. No one knows the truth: • Some say the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes invaded • Others claim that originally they were mercenaries, paid to protect the citizens from “barbarians” • Whichever is true, many came and greatly influenced Britain for centuries more…

  7. Anglo Saxons From bbc.co.uk

  8. Kingdoms Arose

  9. Anglo-Saxon Culture • Warfare was a lifestyle for the Anglo-Saxons and thus they values the qualities and characteristics of the warrior: strength, courage, loyalty. • Early on, the Anglo-Saxons were polytheistic—they worshipped many gods that we associate with Norse and even Germanic deities.

  10. Anglo-Saxon Culture • In 596 the pope sent missionaries to re-establish Christianity on the British Isles. They began the conversion from the south banks of England. • Meanwhile, monks from Ireland began spreading Christianity from the north. • It took decades, perhaps even more than a century, but eventually the Britons all converted. • Still, much of the pagan influence stayed for years.

  11. Items from Sutton Hoo and the Staffordshire Hoard

  12. Language • Old English is more Germanic than what we now view as “English.”

  13. Story Telling • Illiteracy may have been high during Anglo-Saxon times, but that did not prevent the people from creating epic songs and tales, known as ballads. • Scops (bards) would often perform these tales in public and private, it was some of the best entertainment of the day.

  14. Heroes • The hero, generally a male, is of noble birth or high position, and often of great historical or legendary importance. • The hero’s character traits reflect important ideals of his society. • The hero performs courageous--sometimes even superhuman--deeds that reflect the values of the era.

  15. Heroes • The actions of the hero often determine the fate of a nation or group of people. • The setting is vast in scope, often involving more than one nation. • The poet uses formal diction and serious tone. • Major characters often deliver long, formal speeches.

  16. Epic Poetry • Alliteration: repeated consonant sounds at the beginning of words—slimy, snake slithers slowly • Epithet: adjective or other term applied to a person or thing to express an attitude Example: Alexander the Great Richard the Lion-Hearted

  17. Epic Poetry • Caesura: a break in the middle of a line of verse Example: Cole was the king; he was human and merry. Mirthful he was, with minstrels in mead hall. • Kenning: descriptive, poetical name used for or in addition to usual name • Examples: gift-seat; swan-road, shield-bearer, God’s bright beacon, whale-road

  18. Beowulf • Beowulf is an oral epic, or “primary” epic • Composed in West Saxon dialect of Old English • Probably the work of more than one poet • Survives because it was written down, around 1000 AD • Tells about history before 600 AD • Mixes Pagan and Christian views • Was first published in 1815

  19. Beowulf

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