Anglo-Saxon Period

1. Anglo-Saxon Period Beowulf… blood, gore, dragons, immortality, a missing arm?

2. Anglo-Saxon History • 410-1066AD • 449 AD  Angles, Saxons, and other Germanic peoples left northern Europe (Denmark & Germany) to settle on Britain’s eastern & southern shores • The Britons fought several battles to stop the invasion • Britons eventually moved to western fringes of island • Modern day Scotland & Brittany

3. History Cont. • Germanic tribes organized themselves into a confederation of seven kingdoms called the Heptarchy. • Kent • Sussex • Essex • Wessex • East Anglia (Norfolk and Suffolk) • Mercia (the Midlands) • Northumbria (Bernicia & Deira) • Germanic tribes settled & it became known as “Angle-land” or….? • Anglo-Saxon describes people & culture

4. A, S, & J invaded because the Romans abandoned Britain to protect Rome. Early invaders were seafaring wanderers whose lives were bleak, short, & violent Pagan religion  wyrd fate Admiration for warriors whose wyrd it was to prevail in battle. As they settled, turned to agriculture & became less violent. Began accepting Christianity in late 6th century St. Augustine est. monastery at Canterbury 690 all of Britain was nominally Christian

5. A-S Culture • Drank mead & hung out in mead halls • Alcoholic drink made from honey • Listened to a scop • Word shaper; Old English poet/bard • Traveled around to mead halls & delivered oral myths • The writing style is reflective of oral tradition. • Pay attention to the way Beowulf is written and what elements are present to enhance oral storytelling. • Modern day scop • What stands out to you about Benjamin Bagby’s interpretation of Beowulf? • Does the story come alive more in Old English or modern English? • Believed in wyrd • Fate– “Whatever happens, happens.” • Part of pagan beliefs

6. A-S Culture • Wergild • Man-price • Value placed on every human being & piece of property • Paid as compensation to the kindred or lord of a slain person to avoid vengenance • Hubris • Warriors full of this • Too much pride/arrogance

7. A-S Professions • Craftsmen • Functional occupations to increase living • Visit this website & search around http://www.regia.org/village/village.htm

8. Beowulf Background • “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 • Composed in early 8th century by anonymous Christian author • Written down at some point and then copied in 10th century by Christian scribes • Copy was damaged in a fire (17th century?) • Surviving manuscript is 3,200 lines OR 80-90 pages • OUR VERSION IS HEAVILY EDITED!

9. Background Cont. • Author unknown • Highly skilled in poetic technique • Infused with traditional themes & legends of early Germanic culture, legends, mythology, & Christian faith and ideals • Pagan story retold by Christian monk • Beowulf embodies many of the characteristics we still cherish • Heroic qualities • Epic poem that follows the hero archetype

10. Beowulf Setting Poem is set mainly in Denmark and Geatland Modern day Southern Sweden With such a close proximity to each other, clashes and fighting were bound to occur.

11. Kingship & Warriors • Anglo-Saxon kingship ideals • To offer continued protection to their warriors in the event t hat the leader died in battle • Being very generous with gifts to loyal warriors • Anglo-Saxon warrior ideals • Loyalty to their kings • Boasting was a hero’s dare to destiny & a commitment to courageous action • Much like an announcement or vow • Desire for fame through courageous battle exploits • FAME = IMMORTALITY • Beowulf reinforces the values present in A-S community

12. Things to Remember • Story of Geats & Danes • Higlac = king of Geats • Hrothgar = king of Danes • Beowulf = “bear” (bear like hero); Geat • Herot = Hall of the Hart; colossal mead hall • Symbol of Hrothgar & the nation’s power • Meant to be a wonder of the world forever • Grendel = monster who terrorizes Herot

13. Beowulf’s Style • Alliteration • Sally sells sea shells by the seashore. • Kennings • Two-word metaphorical name for something • “sea road” = ocean • Comitatus • Germanic code of loyalty • Warriors swore loyalty to king, protected king, & received treasure in return. • Caesura • Poetic device • Pause or break in poetry in the middle of each line • No end rhyme • 4 hard beats per line

14. Qualities of an Epic Poem • Epic • An extended narrative poem recounting actions, travels, adventures, and heroic episodes in elevated or dignified language celebrating the feats of a legendary or traditional hero. • In your group, list 5-6 characteristics of a hero. Please have a justification/example for each characteristic.

15. The Hero Archetype • Archetype • Recurring character type or plot pattern • Universal to all people • Elicits emotional responses from people

16. Epic Hero Cycle • Hero has obscure/mysterious background. • Hero is not invincible, not a fool. • Hero is charged with a quest. • Hero is tested, often to prove his worthiness. • Presence of numerous mythical beings, animals, human helpers. • Hero’s travels take him to supernatural world. • Hero nearly gives up or appears defeated. • A resurrection. • Restitution.