Beowulf

Historical Context

Anglo-Saxon Period Early inhabitants of Britain were Celts. During the 1 st century they were invaded by Romans—Julius Caesar in fact! In 450 Romans were called home to protect their Empire against barbarian attacks, leaving Britain open for invasions. At that time, Celts were attacked by Angles, Saxon,(Germanic) & Jutes(Denmark)

Results of the Anglo-Saxon Invasion Christianity A common language was created which is referred to as Old English. Education began to spread as well. Latin and the concept of writing the oral histories now began. Angleland=Anglo-Saxon England

Anglo-Saxon Culture Each person in society had a price related to their position in society=Wergild. Families were entitled to a sum of money if a relative was murdered. Women were expected to be moral and domestic. They had full legal rights & some aristocratic women were expected to be peacemakers or arbitrators.

Anglo-Saxon Values: Germanic Heroic Code Loyalty –fighting for one’s king –Avenging one’s kinsmen –Keeping one’s word Generosity – gifts symbolize bonds and power

Values/Code Heroism –Physical strength –Skill and resourcefulness in battle –courage Reputation Hospitality, kings were expected to be hospitable and generous Honor through deeds

Anglo-Saxon Cultural Characteristics Fierce warriors Expert seafarers Fishermen, farmers Master craftsman Strong sense of community Male-dominated society

Beowulf vocabulary Comitatus : Germanic code of loyalty Scop: poet in oral culture –Preserves history –Entertains court –Spreads hero’s fame Thane: warrior who swears loyalty to the king Wergild: “man price” –Substitute for violence Wyrd: fate (to the poet = God’s will

Who Wrote Beowulf? Unfortunately, no one knows when Beowulf was composed, or by whom, or why! Handwritten by a monk around 1000AD Obtained by Sir Robert Cotton Damaged in fire in 1731 Currently at British Museum Available on the “The Electronic Beowulf”

The Scop The earliest literature in all languages comes from oral traditions or songs sung and tales told. During Anglo-Saxon times the wandering poet or scop( pronounced shop) would entertain the upper class during feasts/celebrations held in the mead hall. Scops memorized and preserved the Anglo-Saxon culture through their stories The mead hall was a central gathering place

Burial site of 7 th century Anglo-Saxon king (Suffolk, England, discovered in 1939)

Anglo-Saxon necklace

Pagan vs. Christian Pagan the worship of idols or false gods, or the system of religious opinions and worship maintained by pagans; heathenism. Polytheistic (worshipped more than one God). See life as a blessing, not a sin. Male and Female Divinity Nature Centered. No soliciting converts. Seek inspiration in pre- Christian sources, folklore, and mythology Christian The worship of one God and his son Jesus Christ We are born sinners Adam and Eve and the Garden of Eden Good vs. Evil or God vs. Satan Baptism Jesus saved the Jewish people Loyalty and fairness are important qualities

Common Themes Courage of hero Emulation of Anglo-Saxon ideals Briefness and sadness of life Mystery and cruelty of the sea Exile Ruin Lament

Beowulf’s Name Beowulf’s father– Edgetho –In most cases, the son is named after the father Don Donald (son of Don) McDonald (son of son of Don) McDonaldson (son of son of son of Don) Proves Beowulf is own individual with own powers and abilities (and more important than his father) Beo– Bear –Bears are known as Great Protectors in Norse mythology –Strong Wulf– Wolf –Wolves are also great protectors, but are also cunning and speedy

Anglo-Saxon Poetry

Poetic form and devices Assonance- the repetition or a pattern of similar vowel sounds, but with different end consonants in a line Alliterative verse – repetition of consonant sound at the beginning of words Caesura – mid line pause Kenning – descriptive compound word that evokes vivid images (ring-giver, whale road) Formula phrases – ready made formulas used to describe particular activities (i.e., voyage at sea, eating a feast, giving riches); allows poet to think ahead to next part of story

EPIC AND EPIC HERO

Epic Definition An epic is a long narrative poem that relates the great deeds of a larger-than-life hero who embodies the values of a particular society. -Sometimes called a heroic poem -Beowulf, the Iliad, and the Odyssey are all epics

Epics often… Concern eternal human problems such as the conflict between GOOD and EVIL Written or told on a grand scale and often in ceremonial style

2 Types of Epics 1.Folk Epic- oral compositions passed on from storyteller to storyteller and has changed over time. Ex. -Beowulf, the Iliad, and the Odyssey 2.Literary Epic- written compositions that are unchanged over time. Ex. - Aeneid and Paradise Lost

Epic Characteristics There are 5 main epic characteristics

Epic Characteristic #1 The hero is a great leader who is identified strongly with a particular people or society.

Epic Characteristic #2 The setting is broad and often includes supernatural realms, especially the land of the dead.

Epic Characteristic #3 The hero does great deeds in battle or undertakes an extraordinary journey or quest.

Epic Characteristic #4 Sometimes gods or other supernatural or fantastic beings take part in the action.

Epic Characteristic #5 The story is told in heightened language

Some other Epic characteristics called… EPIC CONVENTIONS- Shared characteristics of epics that bards/scops drew upon to recall the stories they were recounting and that writers of epics drew upon to establish the epic quality of their poems.

EPIC CONVENTION #1 There is an INVOCATION or formal plea for aid/help. This plea is usually to a deity or some other spiritual power.

EPIC CONVENTION #2 The action begins IN MEDIA RES … literally meaning “in the middle of things”

EPIC CONVENTION #3 The epic begins in media res and then flashes back to events that took place before the narrator’s current time setting

EPIC CONVENTIONS #4 Epic Similes- elaborately extended comparisons relating heroic events to simple, everyday events

Epic Hero Definition The epic hero is a “LARGER THAN LIFE PERSON” who embodies the highest ideals of his culture

Real Example: In Beowulf, the epic hero Beowulf is considered “larger-than-life” and embodies LOYALTY, VALOR/ COURAGE, SENSE OF JUSTICE, DIGNITY, PERSISTENCE, and many other traits of the Anglo-Saxon culture

Epic Hero Characteristic #1 The epic hero usually undertakes a QUEST/ JOURNEY to achieve something of great value to themselves or society

Epic Hero Characteristic #2 Epic heroes “LIVE ON AFTER DEATH”… meaning they are forever remembered by those who live after them… achieving a type of IMMORTALITY

Epic Hero Characteristic #3 Not a “Superman” with magical powers, but a “REGULAR” human whose aspirations and accomplishments set him/her apart

Epic Hero Characteristic #4 Overcomes great obstacles/opponents but maintains HUMANITY

Epic Hero Characteristic #5 Epic hero experiences typical HUMAN EMOTIONS/ FEELINGS, yet is able to master and control these human traits to a greater degree than a typical person

Epic Hero Characteristic #6 It is often necessary for the epic hero to connect/make contact with “LESSER” humans in order to succeed

Also… The epic hero is an ARCHETYPAL character.

Archetype An archetype is a pattern that appears in literature across cultures and is repeated through the ages. An archetype can be a character, a plot, an image, or a setting. In Beowulf, the hero archetype is the dragon slayer.

What is heroism? Strong will? Valor in battle? Concern for others? Is Beowulf a hero?

What is a hero? What is courage? What qualities do you believe a good leader should possess? What does it mean to be loyal? Why is reputation important? Why is generosity important? What does it mean to be generous?