History The story of Beowulf was first told between the years 500 and 1000 A.D. in Old English. It is the tale of a Scandinavian King and his epic battles to rid his lands of terrifying monsters.

The Manuscript For many years there existed only one manuscript. This copy survived the destruction of religious artifacts by Henry VIII and a disastrous fire which destroyed the library of Sir Robert Bruce Cotton ( ).

The Manuscript The original poem still bears the scars of the fire, visible at the upper left corner of the photograph. The Beowulf manuscript is now housed in the British Library, London.

History This is a historically significant work. Similar to the Iliad and the Odyssey, Beowulf is like a cultural snapshot of the time. Beowulf comes from a time when stories and poems stemmed from word of mouth.

The Oral Tradition of Storytelling Traveling bards, called minstrels would go from village to village reciting long narrative poems to an audience. The stories would change over time. The story of Beowulf was told in this fashion for hundreds of years.

Elements of the Oral Tradition Story is passed on verbally. Unique perspective of the storyteller— expressions, gestures, word choice, tone, style, etc. Story changes from person to person Story is updated from one generation to the next. The story has a life of its own.

Six Traits of the Epic Poem Beowulf is considered an epic poem. Epics are among the earliest forms of literature and share some common points: 1) Hero of imposing stature and national or international importance 2) Vast setting 3) Great deeds of valor—hero fights imposing evil that threatens a way of life. 4) Supernatural forces 5) Sustained and elevated language 6) Poet remains objective

Religious Overtones The original Epic was obviously Paganistic due to the time period of it’s creation. But, as time wore on, the rewriting and touching up of the manuscript by various sources including religious monks, caused the characters to have slight Christian characteristics. These Christian themes have become very important to the epic to add an element of depth that wouldn’t be possible in modern times due to the loss of the Anglo-Saxon culture and beliefs.

Heroes and Villains Beowulf—larger than life warrior with great strength and bravery. Grendel—terrifying monster who comes at nightfall to devour men in their sleep

Heroes and Villains What characteristics separate these two classes? Heroes fight selflessly. Heroes have strong loyalty and incredible bravery. Heroes fight with honor and integrity.

Heroes and Villains Villains act out of greed, desire for power, wrath, or vengeance. They are resentful of others and their happiness. Villains rarely have sense of honor. Villains will stoop to whatever means necessary to accomplish their goals.

The Bad Guys of Beowulf Grendel and his mother represent terror and the fear of what lurks in the darkness. Grendel is called the “son of Cain” and said to dwell in a frightening swamp lair. He is, in many ways, the “monster in the closet” or the original boogeyman.

The Bad Guys of Beowulf A symbol of evil and corruption, dragons were seen as the antithesis of a good king. Good kings shared their treasures with the people, and dragons hoarded them. Dragons were as a symbol of sin and were often represented as crushed under the feet of saints and martyrs, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.

Beowulf Basics The book is divided into two main parts with Beowulf battling a formidable “monster” in each one. (Grendel in the first part, and the dragon in the second). It contains, advice for kings, qualities of a hero, qualities of a villain. It shows how men dealt with the emotions of anger, revenge, fear, and it shows the existence of feuds that seem similar to those between some nations and peoples today.

Artist’s Rendering of Grendel’s Mother

Beowulf Basics It shows the importance of leaders and their part in the destiny of their people, and their roles in relation to their followers. With the existence of monsters, and feuds, etc., we are presented with subsequent attitudes toward life, death, and material possessions.

Major Themes Good vs. Evil This is seen throughout the poem. Hrothgar’s throne could not be damaged because it was blessed by God. This notion is seen throughout Europe’s history—kings and queens were believed to hold their positions through divine right. Grendel, for example, does not know such a blessing. Good overcomes evil throughout the poem. Beowulf’s actions lead to victory and glory.

Good vs. Evil Grendel and his mother are both physical representations of human fear and lasting hate. Major Themes

Civilized vs. wild/chaotic way of life This theme shows the difference between mankind’s good ways, and evil’s wild nature. Grendel for one, is totally wild and is therefore shown as evil.

Beowulf’s battle with Grendel is one of the most memorable scenes from early literature. His triumph over the monster supports the theme of “good vs. evil.” Thematic Support

Two different perspectives of the famous battle between Beowulf and Grendel.

Thematic Support Both depictions show a frightening monster. One seems to be creeping in from the darkness. The other lumbers home after the devastating battle with Beowulf.

The Hero vs. The Beast Grendel’s beastly nature is countered in mankind’s ways, especially Beowulf’s. Beowulf is tame and civilized, the living example of goodness and purity. Beowulf doesn’t fight evil in a chaotic manner, as shown in his first battle with Grendel.

The Hero vs. The Beast Beowulf is pure and shows this before his battle when he removes his armor and vows not to use a weapon to defeat Grendel. Defeating Grendel, he shows that man, without armor and weapons, can defeat evil in any form. This deed serves throughout the epic as a symbol of Beowulf’s Goodness.

Setting: Herot Called a “Mead Hall” this is a place of celebration built by the king the greatest and bravest warriors of the realm.

The Lasting Impression The themes, motifs and heroes found in Beowulf have significant resonance. Like the character of Beowulf himself, the story leaves a lasting impression for generations to consider.