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Why are we reading Beowulf ? Every culture has their hero. Stories about superheroes are still popular today. Many epics have been adapted into movies. The epic of Beowulf contains many features common in current action movies. superhero possessing amazing strength and courage ruthless villain suspense

Characteristics of an Epic The Epic Tradition Characteristics of an Epic Long narrative poem about a quest, told in formal, elevated language Larger-than-life hero who embodies the values of a particular culture Incredible plot involving large-scale events Mix of myth, legend, and history that often includes gods and goddesses as characters

The Epic Tradition A Bridge from the Past to the Future Epics from all times and places help connect the past to the future. Epics carry a culture’s history, values and traditions from one generation to the next Where there are people, there are epics, retelling the triumphs and trials of life.

The Epic Hero Epic heroes are godlike human beings-- A larger-than-life character whose accomplishments are celebrated in traditional tales Epic heroes are godlike human beings-- who carry the status and power of gods within themselves who also remain subject to the joys and hardships of the human condition

Beowulf Information HWÆT, WE GAR-DEna in geardagum, þeodcyninga þrym gefrunon, hu ða æþelingas ellen fremedon! oft Scyld Scefing sceaþena þreatum, monegum mægþum meodosetla ofteah, egsode eorlas, syððanærest wearð feasceaft funden; he þæs frofre gebad, weox under wolcnum weorðmyndum þah, oð þæt him æghwylc ymbsittendra ofer hronrade hyran scolde, gomban gyldan; þæt wæs god cyning! Beowulf is one of the oldest and longest surviving poems in Old English. It was most likely composed between 700 and 750.

Beowulf, an epic hero, is brave, loyal, and honorable – the values of the Anglo-Saxon culture

Overview In Anglo- Saxon times loyalty to the king is the most important thing. Family lineage is of utmost importance as well so the poem begins with Beowulf reviewing his ancestors. Beowulf must get permission to fight the evil Grendel. The poem is a tale of good and evil.

The Sources of Beowulf Beowulf is based on early Celtic and Scandinavian folk legends. Christian elements and geographic details suggest the epic was written down by a Northumbrian monk. Manuscript -1000 AD

Good v. Evil Beowulf embodies: bravery, nobility, fairness Beowulf is helped by God Grendel embodies: cowardice, sneakiness Grendel is helped by the Devil.

Reality or fiction? Beowulf’s homeland = Sweden No evidence found that he really existed – most likely a fictional character. Some people/events are true (Higlac was the king of Geats; died in the 520s – one of the reasons why Beowulf was composed for his memory)

Characters and Terminology People Beowulf: nephew of Higlac, king of the Geats. The name means “Bear.” Hrothgar: king of the Danes. Wiglaf: a Geat warrior, one of Beowulf’s select band and the only one to help him in his final fight with the dragon.

Characters and Terminology Monsters Grendel: man-eating monster who lives at the bottom of a foul mere, or mountain lake. Grendel’s mother: water-witch who seeks revenge. Dragon: giant fire-breathing serpent that Beowulf fights in Part Two of the epic.

Characters and Terminology Places Herot: King Hrothgar's guest hall, where warriors gathered to celebrate. The name Herot means “heart.”

Characters and Terminology Places Beowulf takes place in Scandinavia. Scandinavia Britain Scholars think Herot might have been built on the coast of Zealand, in Denmark. Just look at location.

Archetype Very old imaginative pattern that appears in literature across time and culture. It can be a character, a plot, an image, or a setting. It is familiar to people of all places and times. Epic Hero is a character archetype. The Epic Hero personifies the values of one society but as an archetype also embodies universal ideas.

Beowulf Literary Skills Focus: Archetype—The Epic Hero Other times and cultures have had other heroes. King Arthur samurai Joan of Arc

Paraphrasing Beowulf has been translated into modern English, but it still includes long, involved sentences To aid your understanding, identify the key details in the passage and restate them in your own words. Pick out important nouns and verbs to use in your paraphrase.

Literary Terms Alliteration: Repetition of a consonant sound Denotation : dictionary definition Connotation: the emotions or ideas evoked by the word. Loathsome has stronger connotation than hateful. Denotation of “home”: a place to live Connotation of “home”: safety, love Alliteration: Repetition of a consonant sound Sally sold seashells by the seashore Kennings: Metaphor made of compound words Sky-candle= sun; battle-dew= blood

Reparation (n.) A payment to make up for a wrong or an injury The government wanted to make some kind of reparation for what they had done, so they gave money to those interred in the Japanese internment camps.

Reprisal (n.) Punishment in return for an injury Grendel’s mother attacked Herot as a reprisal for Beowulf’s killing of her son.

Loathsome (adj.) Disgusting, very hateful The inspector found the source of the loathsome smell in the school cafeteria.

Vehemently (adv.) Violently Roaring in anger, the she-wolf struck vehemently at Beowulf.

Infallible (adj.) Unable to fail or be wrong. The dragon’s mortal blow showed that Beowulf was not an infallible hero.

Extolled (v.) Praised The Geats extolled their fallen king by constructing a great memorial to him.