beowulf: an epic poem from the anglo-saxon period

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

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

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Page 1: Beowulf:  An Epic Poem from the  Anglo-Saxon Period

Beowulf: An Epic Poem from the

Anglo-Saxon Period

Mrs. Llanos2013-2014

Page 2: Beowulf:  An Epic Poem from the  Anglo-Saxon Period

BeowulfAuthor unknownEpic – 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 halls the center of community, culture, & entertainment to hear stories.

Page 3: Beowulf:  An Epic Poem from the  Anglo-Saxon Period

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

Page 4: Beowulf:  An Epic Poem from the  Anglo-Saxon Period

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

Page 5: Beowulf:  An Epic Poem from the  Anglo-Saxon Period

Heroic CodeWarriors

Strength, courage, loyaltyKings

Generous to his thanes (warriors) Show hospitality Strong political leader King determined by deeds,

not family last nameSociety

A good reputation Supported king & thanes

Page 6: Beowulf:  An Epic Poem from the  Anglo-Saxon Period

An Overview: The Tale of Beowulf

Story of noble warrior, Beowulf

Becomes King of GeatsFights 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.

Page 7: Beowulf:  An Epic Poem from the  Anglo-Saxon Period

Characteristics of an Epic Poem

Setting is vast in 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

Page 8: Beowulf:  An Epic Poem from the  Anglo-Saxon Period

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

Page 9: Beowulf:  An Epic Poem from the  Anglo-Saxon Period

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

Page 10: Beowulf:  An Epic Poem from the  Anglo-Saxon Period

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)

Page 11: Beowulf:  An Epic Poem from the  Anglo-Saxon Period

AntagonistsGrendel'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)

Page 12: Beowulf:  An Epic Poem from the  Anglo-Saxon Period

Tribes

Danes Hrothgar and his

thanes (warriors)Geats

Beowulf and his men

Wulfing Tribe Hrothgar

made peace with for Beowulf’s father

Page 13: Beowulf:  An Epic Poem from the  Anglo-Saxon Period