beowulf unknown author plot: heroic epic (good vs evil) 6 th century denmark, southern sweden

BeowulfUnknown author

Plot: Heroic Epic (good vs evil)6th century

Denmark, Southern Sweden

Pagan Warriors

The poem is the great masterpiece of Anglo –Saxon Literature

Characteristics of an Epic Masterpiece:• A kingdom

• A monster

• A hero

• Fear over time

video

Poetic Devices

• Alliteration – repetitive sounds; miserable mighty men tormented

• Caesura – an obvious pause; A prince of Geats, // had killed Grendel.

• Kenning – an imaginative phrase which takes place of a single noun. Whale-road for sea life-house for body.

Summary• In Denmark the reign of king Hrothgar is

threatened by Grendel.

• A monster that rises From the sea at night,And makes it’s way to Herot, a banquet hall and devours many warriors.

As a result, no one will stay in Herot past sunset, and for 12 years the hall lies deserted at night.

Then Beowulf, prince of The Geats, hears of Grendel’s savagery and Resolves to kill the Monster.

• Beowulf fights both Grendel and Grendel’s mother, frees Denmark from Grendel’s reign of terror, and wins glory for himself and his land.