Beowulf Why Beowulf? Origin Setting Poetic devices Terms Themes

Why Study Beowulf? 1. Beowulf is the oldest poem in the English language, so everything written since Beowulf stems from it in some way 2. The story of Beowulf encompasses common themes that we still see in English literature today 3. Beowulf is simply good writing

Why Study Beowulf? 4. In some ways, it doesn’t matter what you read, but how you read it, so…since Beowulf came first, you might as well start there. 5. Studying Old English improves your understanding of modern English 6. It’s a great story

Beowulf’s Origin What we don’t know: who wrote it when exactly it was written how much, exactly, is based on historical truth

Beowulf’s Origin What we do know: Beowulf is the oldest surviving English poem. It’s written in Old English (or Anglo-Saxon), which is the basis for the language we speak today. Some of the characters in the poem actually existed. The only copy of the manuscript was written sometime around the 10th century A.D. (900’s), however…

The actual poem probably dates from the 8th century (700’s) or so, and… The story may be set even earlier, around 500 A.D. There are a lot of Christian references in the poem, but the characters and setting are Pagan…this means a monk probably translated it.

Beowulf’s Provenance So why wasn’t it written down in the first place? This story was probably passed down orally for centuries before it was first written down. It wasn’t until after the Norman Invasion (Battle of Hastings, 1066) that writing stories down became common in this part of the world .

Setting: Beowulf’s time and place Although Beowulf was written in English, it is set in what is now Sweden, where a tribe called the Geats lived. The story may take place as early as 400 or 500 A.D. The characters are Germanic people, not Anglo-Saxon

Setting: Beowulf’s time and place Insert: Time of Beowulf Europe today

How we date Beowulf Some Important Dates: 521 A.D. – death of Hygelac, who is mentioned in the poem 680 A.D. – appearance of alliterative verse 835 A.D. – the Danish started raiding other areas; after this, few poets would consider them heroes SO: This version was likely composed between 680 and 835, though it may be set earlier

A few things to watch out for The Poetry in Beowulf A few things to watch out for 1. Alliterative verse Repetition of initial sounds of words (occurs in every line) b. Generally, four feet/beats per line c. A caesura, or pause, between beats two and four d. No rhyme

A few things to watch out for The Poetry in Beowulf A few things to watch out for Alliterative verse – an example from Beowulf: Oft Scyld Scefing sceapena praetum, Monegum maegpum meodo-setla ofteah; Egsode Eorle, syddan aerest weard.

A few things to watch out for The Poetry in Beowulf A few things to watch out for There was Shield Sheafson, scourge of many tribes, A wrecker of mead-benches, rampaging among foes. The terror of the hall-troops had come far.

A few things to watch out for The Poetry in Beowulf A few things to watch out for 2. Kennings a. Compound metaphor (usually two words) b. Most were probably used over and over For instance: hronade literally means “whale-road,” but can be translated as “sea”

A few things to watch out for The Poetry in Beowulf A few things to watch out for Other kennings from Beowulf: banhus = “bone-house” = body goldwine gumena = “gold-friend of men” = generous prince beaga brytta = “ring-giver” = lord beadoleoma = “flashing light” = sword

A few things to watch out for The Poetry in Beowulf A few things to watch out for 3. Litotes A negative expression; usually an understatement Example: Hildeburh had no cause to praise the Jutes In this example, Hildeburh’s brother has just been killed by the Jutes. This is a poetic way of telling us she hated the Jutes absolutely.

Structure Consists of: a prologue 43 sections (cantos) First three-fourths: heroic exploits as a young man Final fourth: Beowulf as an aged king of the Geats

Some terms you’ll want to know Gleeman (scop) A bard or story-teller. The scop was responsible for praising deeds of past heroes, for recording history, and for providing entertainment

Some terms you’ll want to know comitatus Literally, this means “escort” or “comrade” This term identifies the concept of warriors and lords mutually pledging their loyalty to one another

Some terms you’ll want to know thane A warrior mead-hall The large hall where the lord and his warriors slept, ate, held ceremonies, etc.

Some terms you’ll want to know wyrd Fate. This idea crops up a lot in the poem, while at the same time there are Christian references to God’s will.

Some terms you’ll want to know epic Beowulf is an epic poem. Long story, often told in verse, involving heroes and gods Portraits of an entire culture—beliefs, lengends, values, laws, arts, and ways of life of the people. Heroic epic: main purpose is to tell the life story of a great hero.

Some terms you’ll want to know Apposition Grammatical form in which a thing is renamed in a different word, phrase or clause. Grendel is described as “Till the monster stirred, that demon, that fiend, Grendel

Wergild Man-price Must pay if you kill a family member If debt is not paid, the family would avenge the person’s death Battles and blood-feuds were common

What makes a good King? Good King Great King Generous (holding feasts in mead halls) Dispensing gifts (gold, silver, armor, weapons) Great King Liberal in dispensing gifts Courageous enough to protect people Sacrifice himself if necessary

Heroic Code of Behavior bravery loyalty to one's lord, one's warband (comitatus), and one's kin willingness to avenge one's warband or lord at all costs – death preferable to exile. generosity of lord to thanes and of hero to warband and lord--gift-giving heroism (i.e., great deeds) brings honor, eternal fame, and political power

Anglo-Saxon Values Loyalty Fighting for one’s king Avenging one’s kinsmen Keeping one’s word Generosity -- gifts symbolize bonds Brotherly love -- not romantic love Heroism Physical strength Skill and resourcefulness in battle Courage Public reputation, not private conscience

Themes and Important Aspects Good vs. Evil Religion: Christian and Pagan influences The importance of wealth and treasure The importance of the sea and sailing The sanctity of the home Fate Loyalty and allegiance Heroism and heroic deeds

Works Cited Literature and the Language Arts: The British Tradition. Ed. Laurie Skilba et. al. St. Paul, MN: EMC Corporation, 2001. Print. Reese, Spencer M. “Introduction to Beowulf.” Mr. Reese’s Homepage. Memphis University School, 2012. Web. 1 Oct. 2012.