Beowulf is an epic

An epic is a long poem about a larger than life hero.

Characteristics of an epic: A loyal hero with great

strength. Broad setting which

includes upper and lower worlds.

The hero does great deeds or goes on long journeys.

Supernatural beings are involved.

Poetic language.

Epic Hero Characteristics of the Epic Hero:

Super strong – a man of stature or nobility (but still mortal)

Reflects the values or heroic ideals of his society

Extremely loyal to his leader and people. Brave and courageous. Victorious in battle – never gives up Selflessly fights evil to rid society of

danger. Has a god-fashioned weapon Receives help from the gods Is glorified by the people he saves

Why is Beowulf Special?

• Oldest surviving epic in British Literature.

• Written in Old English between 700-750.

• Depicts life in Anglo-Saxon times.

Beowulf, The Manuscript• Story passed down through

oral tradition.• Was later written down by two

scribes.• Dates back to 1000 CE.• Exists in a single Anglo-Saxon

manuscript.• A fire in 1731 damaged it.• First translated into Latin in

1815.• Translated into Modern English

in 1837.• The British Library in London

now owns it.

A peek at

OldEnglish

N:\My documents\Department Documents\English IV\1st six weeks - anglo-saxon, Beowulf\Beowulf\Beowulf Prologue in Old

English.mht

What is Old English?What is Old English?

It is also called Anglo-Saxon.It is also called Anglo-Saxon. It is a mixture of Celtic, Roman and Anglo-It is a mixture of Celtic, Roman and Anglo-

Saxon.Saxon. It was spoken for a period of 700 years – It was spoken for a period of 700 years –

from Anglo-Saxon invasion (5from Anglo-Saxon invasion (5thth century) century) until 1066 when the Normans invaded.until 1066 when the Normans invaded.

It has Germanic origin; eg, compare the It has Germanic origin; eg, compare the modern modern Good dayGood day to Old English’s “ to Old English’s “Gódne Gódne dæg”dæg” and to the German’s “ and to the German’s “Guten Tag.”Guten Tag.”

The Anglo-Saxon folk tale originated from oral tradition, sung by a harpist-bard for kings and their guests in great halls to entertain and to encourage the values of the tribe:

1. Honoring courage over long life.2. Enjoying feasting, storytelling, and music.3.Viewing life fatalistically, even within the Christian tradition.4. Admiring physical strength more than mental acuity.5. Valuing loyalty to the lord or king above all.

The SettingThe Setting• The story is set in 6The story is set in 6thth Century Scandinavia. Century Scandinavia.

• It has a historical perspective, recording It has a historical perspective, recording the culture and beliefs of the period.the culture and beliefs of the period.

• Beowulf’s kingdom would have been what Beowulf’s kingdom would have been what is now Southern Swedenis now Southern Sweden

Baltic Sea

North Sea

The StoryBeowulf tackles three enemies:

He fights and kills the monster Grendel.

He fights and kills Grendel’s mother.

He fights and kills the Dragon

Recurring ThemesThe importance of establishing identity (family lineage.)

Loyalty to one’s king and people is paramount

Heroic deeds are rewarded – Fame can be achieved

Good vs. Evil. – When humans remain loyal and sacrifice for those in need, even though it may be painful, good will triumph over evil.

Code of Code of EthicsEthics

A code of conduct that A code of conduct that called for a close called for a close allegiance between a allegiance between a leader and his leader and his followers.followers.

Loyalty and bravery Loyalty and bravery were rewarded with were rewarded with treasure and armor.treasure and armor.

One’s rich armor was One’s rich armor was viewed as a symbol of viewed as a symbol of one’s success and one’s success and bravery in battle.bravery in battle.

Literary Devices in Beowulf

Alliteration - repetition of initial consonant sounds in neighboring words: eg, sweet smell of success, a dime a dozen, jump for joy.– In Beowulf, there are three alliterations in every

line:

“Now Beowulf bode in the burg of the Scyldings, leader beloved, and long he ruled in fame with all folk since his father had gone…”

Literary Devices in Beowulf

Kenning - a literary device in which a noun is renamed in a creative way using a compound word or union of two separate words to combine ideas.

• Examples:– Whale-road (sea)

– Ring-giver (king)

– Battle-friend (arrow)

– Bone house (body)

Literary Devices in Beowulf

– Caesura: rhythm created by pauses. Usually in the first half of a line there will be two alliterated sounds and then a pause, followed by another alliterated sound.

Ex: 5:218 “And then, in the morning, this mead-hall glittering/”

… and finally

• We have epic poems to:– record and chronicle one’s heroic

deeds.– preserve history.– achieve immortality.– reward courage and loyalty.– entertain and flatter.