What lit devices are employed by epic? Essential Questions: What is an epic? What is an epic hero? What lit devices are employed by epic? What role do history & culture play in an epic? What elements of epic are evident in Beowulf?

Beowulf’s Genre = Epic Epic – long narrative poem Epics were the first ‘history books’! Your goal is to separate fact from fiction as you read Beowulf. Therefore, you need to know the facts (Anglo-Saxon History)

Unrestrained; wild; destructive; violent frenzy

Berserk – (Berserkers): fierce warriors - fought in a trance like state; unstoppable fury wore the pelt of a wolf or bear Odin’s distinguished warriors

EQ: What role does history & culture play in an epic? Berserk – (Berserkers) Reference in Anglo-Saxon Literature: “His (Odin's) men rushed forwards without amour, were as mad as dogs or wolves, bit their shields, and killed people at a blow…This was called Berserk-gang.[4]” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhm7DMvapGA&safety_mode=true&persist_safety_mode=1

The Tree of Life (souls) Wyrd - Fate or personal destiny "to become or to be due” similar to karma an Anglo-Saxon’s ‘reputation’ The Tree of Life (souls)

Memento Mori – ‘remember death’ EQ: What role does history & culture play in an epic? Memento Mori – ‘remember death’ no afterlife; therefore, achieve immortality by accomplishments (preserve soul) through reputation

Adoration – to regard with the utmost esteem, love, and respect; to honor and idolize The goal of Anglo Saxon society was to attain adoration and fame in order to obtain immortality Methods = poem, statue, jewelry, memorial,…

Scop – Anglo-Saxon Poet - Memorized epic poems and delivered EQ: What role does history & culture play in an epic? Scop – Anglo-Saxon Poet - Memorized epic poems and delivered them at the Mead Hall - ‘Preserved’ the souls of past warriors

EPIC HERO – see handout * Hero undertakes a great quest which relates to society’s values * Must battle a great monster * Must pay homage to a god/gods (Fate/ Wyrd) * Has Superhuman strength / skill / wit * Of Noble birth or rises to nobility (sometimes a mystery) * Although superhuman, he is mortal * Usually has a great weapon

Our language and literature today is greatly inspired by the warring tribes of Early England Beowulf is considered the first work in English (400 - 700 A.D. ) It is an Anglo-Saxon epic poem Epics contain a given group’s culture and history

They were Germanic tribes –“guns for hire” – Actually this term is used to describe a culture composed of the Anglos, Saxons, Jutes, and Geats They were Germanic tribes –“guns for hire” – mercenaries who were brutal, ruthless, scavengers Hired by the Romans – double cross They stay and take control!

Tribal Life – small clans; armies (loyalty and strength most important) Although vicious they had values = (comitatus) Killing a fellow member of one’s tribe was the worst possible crime (wergild) ‘Brother-slayer’

Druids – deep pagan roots (Anglos mix with Britons – Druids) Feasts, ceremonies, magic, animism Druids painted their bodies blue before battle Human / animal sacrifice and effigy

Extremely spiritual and violent Limited concept of an afterlife need fame to live on = “momento mori” Reputation = eternal life

Riddles – beauty in mystery = quickness of mind = intellectual strength Boast – confidence was very important must be able to back up claims Flyting a poetic “rap” battle in which two prominent characters verbally square- off

Riddles Four dilly-dandies Four stick standies Two crookers Two lookers And a wig wag) What AM I ?