Beowulf

Epic

• A long narrative poem telling about the deeds of a great hero and reflecting the values of the society from which it originated

• Many epics were drawn from oral tradition and were translated into song before being written down

Feature of an Epic

• Central heroic figure whose actions are vital to the welfare of a nation or people

• The narrative combines myth, legend, folk tale and history

• The action involves great battles, perilous journeys, and super human deeds

• Supernatural agents are involved

• The style is formal and the language stately (epic similes, epithets, and lengthy speeches)

Present day words developed from Anglo Saxon

Moder motherHond handLif lifeMan manHus houseEald oldSwearde swordWorulde world

Characteristics of Anglo-Saxon Poetry

RhythmCaesura

AlliterationKenning

Rhythm

• Four beats per line

• “Then Wulfgar went to the door and addressed”

• “And Danes shook with terror. Down”

Caesura

• Pause after the second beat (sometime there is punctuation, sometimes not)

“Unferth spoke; Ecglaf’s son,”“Distance was safety; the only survivors”

Alliteration

Repetition of sounds, usually consonant sounds

“Dripping with my enemies’ blood I doveFive great giants into chains, chased”

Kenning

Metaphorical phrase used instead of a name

“Shadow of death” – describes Grendal“Oh shelterer of warriors and your people’s loved friend” – describes Beowulf