Introduction and Background Beowulf Introduction and Background

Why is Beowulf important? Oldest surviving example of English literature Considered to be the most important literary work of the earliest English era

ANGLO-SAXON EPIC Exemplifies oral literature Gives insight into Anglo-Saxon culture Provides a classic story of a hero, much like modern-day comic book heroes.

Earliest Inhabitants Originally inhabited by cavedwellers Stonehenge is thought to have been built sometime between 2000-3000 BC, possibly as a burial site.

Celtic Invasion Celts migrated from Europe in 600 BC Built farms and villages Consisted of warring tribes Religious leaders were Druids

outside Tower of London, 2010 Roman Rule Roman Empire invaded and ruled starting in 55 BC, under Julius Caesar Celts and others were driven into what is now Wales and Scotland Built Hadrian’s Wall, roads, and other city infrastructures Latin became the primary language Surviving Roman Wall outside Tower of London, 2010

Germanic Invaders, 5th Century AD Invaders included Angles, Saxons, and Jutes Celts were again driven west, into what is now Wales Era associated with legendary King Arthur According to legend, Arthur was a mighty warrior who led his people to victory against invaders and unified England.

The Anglo-Saxon Era, 5th-8th Centuries AD Considered the first “English” society This culture is reflected in Beowulf. Tribal society with warrior kings. Loyal THANES pledged an oath to serve their king. Leader was responsible for LAW AND ORDER Loyalty warriors were rewarded for faithful service with treasure and weapons. In 2009, amateur treasure-hunters discovered a hoard of more than 1500 gold pieces dating to the Anglo-Saxon era, buried in a field in Staffordshire.

Life in the Mead-Hall Mead: A honey-Based fermented drink. Location for Feasts and Entertainment Stories were told by “SCOPS,” travelling storytellers who sang tales of history and heroism. After night of revels, warriors often slept in the Mead-Hall.

Anglo-Saxon Literature Oral tradition consisted of heroic tales, told in the common language known now as “Old English.” Earliest written works were written in Latin, transcribed by monks. Ecclesiastic History of the English People (731 AD) Beowulf (unknown author) First written down between 700-750 AD, in English Only surviving manuscript dates from year 1000

Anglo-Saxon Religion in the pre-Christian era Similar to Norse beliefs Anglo-Saxon “Thunor” = Norse “Thor” THUNDER GOD “Thursday” is named after this god Mother goddess was responsible for fertility Wodin = God of death, poetry, and magic “Wednesday” is named after this god Values included bravery, loyalty, generosity, and friendship.

Dragons and Burial Mounds The DRAGON is a significant figure, associated with death often depicted as guardian of the grave-mound

Beowulf Locations Story takes place in what is now Sweden and Denmark, northeast of British Isles

Notable Names: Anglo-Saxon Era Aethelbert, first king of “unified” Britain, ruled from 560 to 616. St. Augustine was sent from Rome to spread Christianity in England Alfred the Great ruled from 849-899 Defended the English against Viking invaders Translated Latin works into Anglo-Saxon language (Old English) Anglo-Saxons controlled Britain until 1066, invasion of William the Conqueror.

Beowulf: Basic Story line Part 1 - Beowulf sails from Sweden to Denmark with fourteen warriors to help King Hrothgar get rid of Grendel Part 2 - A relative of Grendel’s gets involved in revenge Part 3 - Fire-breathing dragon is rudely awakened