Beowulf: An Epic Poem from the Anglo-Saxon Period

1. Mrs. Llanos 2013-2014 Beowulf: An Epic Poem from the Anglo-Saxon Period

2. Beowulf • Author unknown • Epic – a long narrative poem detailing a hero’s deeds. • Passed down orally by storytellers known as scops, who also played harp music • People gathered in mead hallsthe center of community, culture, & entertainment to hear stories.

3. The Manuscript • Written down between 8th & 10th centuries • Many mysteries remain surrounding the text • Written down after the Anglo-Saxons converted to Christianity • Originally written in Old English, the language spoken in Britain during the Anglo-Saxon period • A single manuscript exists, now in the British Library in London; preserved by Christian monks who copied it http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkaPNlOz0N4&feature=related

4. The Story/The Poem • Events in the poem take place between late 5th century& early 7th century • Set in a pagan society, but translator was Christian so contains traces of both beliefs • Considered the earliest major work of English poetry to survive ( oral tradition) • Title added later, was not included in manuscript

5. Heroic Code • Warriors • Strength, courage, loyalty • Kings • Generous to his thanes (warriors) • Show hospitality • Strong political leader • King determined by deeds,not family last name • Society • A good reputation • Supported king & thanes

6. An Overview: The Tale of Beowulf • Story of noble warrior, Beowulf • Becomes King of Geats • Fights 3 major battles (Grendel, Grendel’s Mother, Dragon) • He travels from modern day Sweden to Herot (in modern day Denmark) Scandinavia Britain Scholars think Herot might have been built on the coast of Denmark.

7. Characteristics of an Epic Poem • Setting is vastin scope, often involving more than one nation • Plot is complicated by supernatural beings or events and may involve a long, dangerous journey • Poem reflects timeless values (ex: courage, honor) • Themes are universal (ex: life and death; good and evil; dark and light) • Major characters often deliver long, formal speeches • The diction is formal and the tone is serious

8. Characteristics of an Epic Hero • Is of noble of birth or high position; often of great historical or legendary importance • Character traits reflect important ideals of the society • Performs courageous (sometimes superhuman) deeds that reflect the values of the era • Actions of hero often determine the fate of a nation or group of people

9. Protagonist: Beowulf • a mighty warrior from the land of the Geats(modern day Sweden) • Arrives in Denmark and travels to Herot to see Hrothgar, king of the Danes • noble, courageous, bold, and stronger than anyone else • Arrives to fight Grendel, who is terrorizing Herot, as a favor to King Hrothgar

10. Antagonists • Grendel • nightmarish creature–half-beast, half-man–that strikes at night • Born with dark heart and dark spirit • Born out of chaos – from the lineage of the biblical Cain (who killed his own brother)

11. Antagonists • Grendel's mother • Disgusting creature • Lives in swamp with her son • Fire-breathing dragon • Dragons believed to be former kings who were greedy • Dragon is opposite of good king(i.e. Beowulf)

12. Tribes • Danes • Hrothgarand his thanes (warriors) • Geats • Beowulf and his men • Wulfing • Tribe Hrothgar made peace with for Beowulf’s father