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Beowulf Anglo Saxon & Medieval Periods

Beowulf Anglo Saxon & Medieval Periods. The first surviving epic written in the English language (Old English or Anglo Saxon) The single existing copy of the manuscript dates from the late tenth century Two different scribes copied the poem

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Beowulf Anglo Saxon & Medieval Periods

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  1. BeowulfAnglo Saxon & Medieval Periods • The first surviving epic written in the English language (Old English or Anglo Saxon) • The single existing copy of the manuscript dates from the late tenth century • Two different scribes copied the poem • Between 1066 and the Reformation, it was kept in a monastic library until Sir Robert Cotton gained possession, put it in his personal library where it was badly charred in a fire, yet it still exists

  2. Beowulf – the Poet • What do we know about the poet of Beowulf? • Beowulf’s author is Christian • Alludes to Cain and the Flood • Shows the Christian God’s influence on the pagan world of the Danes • Describes pagan rituals such as Germanic sea burials and grand feasts in the mead halls • Describes their belief in fate (wyrd)

  3. BeowulfPrologue and Arrival of Grendel • What does Beowulf reveal about Anglo Saxon attitudes toward: • Courage • Fate • The span of life • The deceased • Pagan rituals vs. Christian traditions (cause of the curse on the Danes)

  4. BeowulfPrologue & the Arrival of Grendel • Scyld Shefing, founder of the Danish dynasty, becomes king because of his courage • His son Beow (called Beowulf) comes to the throne; has a son named Healfdene (father of Hrothgar) • Hrothgar built Heorot Hall (Heorot is Old English for “the hart” • Theme of Good vs. Evil – Beowulf (Christ) vs. Grendel (descendent of Cain, lives outside the law) • Beowulf of the Danes keeps his men faithful by paying them treasures • Heorot Hall and the arrival of Grendel is compared to the Creation and the Flood • The Prologue recounts an age of glory and time of peace for the Danes

  5. BeowulfPrologue & the Arrival of Grendel • Beowulf, a Geat, a thane (servant warrior) of Hygelac, son of Ecgtheow, enlists himself (with 14 men) to help the Danes • Introduces himself as a hero and great warrior; brags about his conquests; shows respect for the queen • Meets conflict with Unferth who tries to discredit him • Follows both ancient Germanic practices and Christian practices

  6. BeowulfPrologue & the Arrival of Grendel • Grendel has terrorized the Danes for 12 years • A descendent of Cain, he is the epitome of evil and corruption • Lives at the bottom of a lake (mere or lair) • Comes nightly to Heorot Hall to kill the Danes • Possesses no human feelings except hatred and bitterness toward mankind (like Satan) • Beowulf rips off his arm and hangs it in Heorot Hall; Grendel returns to his lair

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