130 likes | 375 Views
Beowulf Basics. CP English IV. Beowulf Poem. Beowulf is an Epic Poem that was written between the 8 th and 11th century by an unknown Anglo-Saxon. Set in Scandinavia , but was written in England. Written in Old English language. Involved a Germanic Tribe called the Geats.
E N D
Beowulf Basics CP English IV
Beowulf Poem • Beowulf is an Epic Poemthat was written between the 8th and 11th century by an unknown Anglo-Saxon. • Set in Scandinavia, but was written in England. • Written in Old English language. • Involved a Germanic Tribe called the Geats.
Epic Heroes in History Ancient Greek Myths (the Odes') Roman Myths (Aeneid) Anglo-Saxon (Beowulf) Indian mythology (the Ramayana ) Modern Superheroes/epics (Superman)
Main Characters Settings of Importance • Beowulf: Protagonist/ Hero of the Story • Grendal: Antagonist/ Monster/ Seed of Cain (evil). • Hrothgar: Older Leader of the Danes/ Beowulf’s teacher. • Wiglaf: Kinsman of Beowulf/ only brave warrior that helps fight the dragon. • Denmark and Geatland (now Southern Sweden): Land of the Danes. • Heorot Hall (Mead hall): Battle between Grendal and Beowulf takes place here.
Plot King Hrothgar and the Danes build a Mead hall called Heorot. Grendal becomes angry and terrorizes the Danes. Beowulf hears of the monster and travels to go save the Danes. Three battles take place: First against Grendal, Second against Grendal’s mother, and Third against a dragon. Beowulf dies a hero.
First Battle • Beowulf arrives to Hrothgar’s kingdom and they gather at Heorot Mean hall to celebrate. • Beowulf is taunted by a member of the crowd and begins to boast on all of his accomplishments. • Grendal arrives and begins to fight Beowulf who is un-armed. • Beowulf proves his strength and rips off Grendal’s arm. • Grendal goes off to the swap and dies in failure. • The Danes take the severed arm and hang it up in Heorot as a trophy.
Last Two Battles Second Battle Final Battle • Grendal’s mother kills one of Hrothgar’s men for revenge. • They go off to find her in the swamp. • Beowulf kills her with a giant’s sword. • He brings back the head of Grendal and gives it to Hrothgar as a gift. • After Beowulf returns to Geatland to take over for Hygelac and rules for 50 years. • A dragon is disturbed and Beowulf kills it in a final battle. • He is bitten and dies from the poison.
Symbols and Themes • The Golden Torque: The necklace that Wealhtheow gave Beowulf symbolizes the bond between Beowulf and the Geats. • The Banquet: The Banquet was a symbol of restoration of order and harmony for the Danes and Beowulf. • Hero becomes King: Beowulf is the hero of this Epic. He shows all the qualities of an Epic Hero and ends up becoming king because of his victorious battles and wisdom. • Heroic Identity: Beowulf must retain heritage as well as well as his heroic identity to keep his kinship bonds.
Why did Beowulf Die? • It symbolizes the end of the Geatish people • Shows the glory that the Geats won from Beowulf. • Made Beowulf an Epic Hero (dies for people/ god(s)/etc). • Ended as a confirmation to Beowulf and his virtue.
Works Citedwww.wikipedia.comwww.sparknotes.comwww.yahoo.com/search/imageshttp://edsitement.neh.gov The End!