From Legend to History: Essential Question How does literature shape or reflect a society?

Anglo-Saxon Cultural Predictions EXCERPT #1 – from “The Battle of Brunanburg” In this year Aethelstan king, lord of earls, Ring-giver of men, and his brother too, Eadmund the noble, lifelong glory Gained in battle with the edges of swords Near Brunanburg…. …Thus noble blood urged them, Inherited from kinsmen, that they often in battle Against all enemies defended their land, Their hoard and their homes…. …[The soldiers] cut the battle fugitives severely from behind With sharp-ground swords. The Mercians did not refuse Hard hand-play to any warriors…

Anglo-Saxon Cultural Predictions EXCERPT #2 – from “The Ruin” …Bright were the city halls, many the bath-houses, Lofty all the gables, great the martial clamour, Many a mead-hall was full of delights Until fate the mighty altered it. Slaughtered men Fell far and wide, the plague-days came, Death removed every brave man.

Anglo-Saxon Cultural Predictions EXCERPT #3 – from “The Battle of Maldon” …Then Byrhtnoth began to marshal his men. He rode about them and advised, he told his men How they should stand firm, not yielding an inch, He bade them grasp their shields in their hands Tightly and upright, and not be afraid. …Then Leofsunu spoke… ‘I give you my word that I will not retreat So much as one foot, but I will go forward And avenge my lord in battle… Whoever intends to avenge our prince Must not flinch, nor care for his own life…’

Political History Many Invasions of early England… –Roman Occupation: 55BC – 409 Technology, Order –Tribes: Angles, Saxons, Jutes invade in 449 “Mixing bowl” of language and culture –793  Vikings –1066  Norman Invasion William the Conqueror In your margin: How might all of these events have affected the people??

Anglo-Saxons enjoyed tales of warriors and heroes… “HEROIC CODE” Bravery / Strength Leadership / Nobility Loyalty – to the end Generosity / Selflessness Friendship THEMES / TOPICS Their heroic ethics War Harsh reality of life/death

A Record of History… Anglo-Saxon stories were told orally by bards or scops The stories we read were recorded years after they originally happened, usually by monks

The Epic of Beowulf

EPIC: Quest story on a grand scale. Characteristics include: –Hero (as a great leader) –Broad setting with supernatural realms –Hero does great deeds or a quest –Supernatural involvement (gods, powers) –Told in heightened language EPIC HERO: Central figure in a long narrative that reflects the values and heroic ideals of their society.

Beowulf – Important Names Beowulf – Great warrior; nephew of the King of the Geats Grendel – Horrible monster; attacks the Danes at night Hrothgar – King of the Danes, powerless against Grendel Herot – Hrothgar’s great mead hall; Beowulf travels here to help the Danes

Split-Page Notes Grendel Setting Plot/Scenario Hrothgar Beowulf Herot Traits of warrior/heroic code or Anglo-Saxon values (lines )