Introduction to Beowulf and Anglo-Saxon culture

1. Introduction to Beowulf and Anglo-Saxon culture

2. Anglo-Saxons • The ruling tribal society of England. • They were a warrior tribe who valued stories, family, friendship, and strength. • Honor was something earned through combat and good actions toward others. • They converted to Christianity, but often mixed Christianity with their original pagan values in real life and in stories.

3. Understanding Beowulf • This is the oldest and most well-known surviving story from the Anglo-Saxons. • The Anglo-Saxons did not have a written story tradition, but an oral one. Most stories were passed down from one storyteller to another. • The story is an epic poem with a particular rhythm that helped storytellers remember the story with accuracy. • The epic hero, Beowulf, reflects the Anglo-Saxon’s values through his actions, words, and personality. Other characters reflect what society finds acceptable and unacceptable.

4. Question • A monk named Bede came to the Anglo-Saxons and put the story of Beowulf into a written form to be more accurately preserved. • How might a story change over time when it is passed down through memorization rather than the written word? • Can a story be accurately translated from one language to another? Explain.

5. Cultural References in Beowulf • Mead: A sweet alcoholic drink made from honey. It had many calories and served as part of an Anglo-Saxon warriors daily diet. Wine served the same function. • Mead-Hall: A place where warriors gathered to drink mead, tell stories, and sleep. The larger a King could build one, the more prosperous or rich he was considered to be. • Fen: A swamp. • Moor: An open area covered with moss and dead plants.