Here come the Anglo Saxons… Travel back to a time where scops told the stories and the warriors slayed the monsters…

First let’s examine Old English Britain was invaded by Germanic tribes- the Jutes, the Saxons and the Angles. These tribes spoke Old English or Anglo-Saxon

More Language Development In 597 Christianity spread throughout Europe. Latin was introduced to Old English through the conversion of Pagans to Christianity.

What are these Anglo-Saxons saying? Grammatical structure is different than what we have today. Depended on word endings for meaning, while present day English depends upon word placement. Spelling and vocabulary is vastly different.

Anglo Saxon Culture Warrior culture of expert seafarers who raided other lands Eventually converted to Christianity, but still held on to pagan beliefs including fatalistic view of the world

More culture… Men dominated society and women had few rights (what else in new…) Literature mixes the pagan ideas of fate with Christian faith in heaven. Why do you suppose this happened? How and why do the two co-exist?

Epic Poem Long narrative poem (tells a story) Has a hero w/ adventures that are important to a nation or culture Mythical or religious with supernatural forces Written in an elevated / ceremonious style

When did this Anglo Saxon stuff take place? Anglo-Saxon Time Period: 449-1066 These people could not read or write… how did they tell stories? Scops: would recount events of warriors and kings for entertainment (they didn’t have Time Warner either)

Germanic Heroic Code- Values strength, courage, loyalty, generosity and good reputation in all people. Vital to warrior societies as a means of understanding their relationships to the world. Individual actions can be seen only as either conforming to or violating the code

Comitatus Political structure when a king secures loyalty from warriors in order to protect himself and his possessions,. The king gives warriors treasure and they become his thanes. They protect him and get food and shelter in return.

Some Beliefs FATE The force, principle or power that predetermines events. Events are inevitable because they are predestined.

Literature of the Period Heroic Poetry- recounts warriors achievements Elegiac Poetry- laments death of love ones and the past

The Oral Tradition The spoken word allowed individuals to learn about others and make their own stories known. Warriors’ boasted about their adventures as a source of entertainment. Beowulf was passed on orally over many generations before being written down.

The Mead-Hall A safe haven for warriors returning from battle. A place where traditions were preserved, loyalty was rewarded, and, perhaps most important, stories were told and reputations were spread.

What is the classic / epic battle? Good VS Evil

How to do Notes Cards What are some possible key ideas / subject of themes of Beowulf? Good vs Evil Pagan and Christian values Characteristics of an Epic Qualities of a hero

Characteristics of an Epic Long narrative poem Ceremonious style Represents a culture Hero performs superhuman feats in battle Supernatural Elements

Beowulf Characters Beowulf- exemplifies the traits of the perfect hero. The poem explores his heroism through his youth, age and conflicts

Grendel- A demon descendant of Cain and one of the three monsters that Beowulf battles. He has animal attributes, grotesque and monstrous appearance. He is guided by human emotions and impulses.

Grendel’s Mother An un-named sea hag and the second monster Beowulf fought. She is seeking revenge on behalf of her son.

Dragon The last of Beowulf’s battles. Ancient powerful serpent. The guarder of the treasure.

Hrothgar Aged ruler of the Danes who accepts Beowulf’s help in the first part of the story. Helps Beowulf mature. A force of stability in the social realm.

Unferth- A foil for the near-perfect Beowulf. Rather than heroism. He is full of pride and resentment.

Wiglaf- One of Beowulf’s kinsmen and thanes, is the only warrior brave enough to help the hero in his fight against the dragon.