Introduction to Beowulf Story isn’t about the English—it’s about the Danes and the Geats. So what’s it doing in England? Romans controlled England (up to Hadrian’s Wall) until the 5th century Waves of post-Roman invasions by Angles, Saxons, Jutes, Danes, and Irish Native Britons couldn’t hold them off

Anglo-Saxon Kingdoms Map from C. Warren Hollister, The Making of England, p. 64

I. Historical background 400-600 A.D. -- Angles, Saxons, and Jutes invade (Beowulf set) 410 A.D. – Rome renounces control of Britain 521 A.D. – Hygelac invades the Netherlands 597 A.D. – St. Augustine 625 A.D. – Sutton Hoo 700-950 A.D. -- Christian poet composed the poem

The Danelaw Viking raids in late 8th century along East coast of England, Ireland, northern France In 850, Danish Vikings began to settle in Kent In 865, a large Danish army invaded and took control of nearly all of England except Wessex In 870, Danes attacked Wessex

The Danelaw 871: Alfred the Great becomes king of Wessex Warrior, diplomat, administrator, scholar, Christian; Greatest Anglo-Saxon king 872: Alfred had to bribe the Danes to stop the fighting Built a navy of 60-oared ships, bigger and faster than the Danes’ ships

The Danelaw After almost losing his kingdom in 872, Alfred’s military reforms allowed him to begin retaking land By 886, Alfred had retaken London and made a treaty with the Danes establishing their area of authority in England—the Danelaw By Alfred’s death in 899, the Danish threat was over, and subsequent kings reconquered the Danelaw

Sutton Hoo Ship burial of a 7th-century Anglo-Saxon king, possibly Raedwald (d. 624/625) Found in 1939 at Sutton Hoo in eastern England, formerly the Danelaw Ship was nearly 80 feet long, laden with treasures and everyday equipment (even if it is everyday equipment made of gold) Window into the early Anglo-Saxon world

Sutton Hoo Photos from British Museum

Sutton Hoo

Sutton Hoo

Introduction to Beowulf Oral vs. written text Many ancient works were memorized and recited—and were not written down until centuries later (Odyssey, Iliad, Beowulf) Only surviving Beowulf manuscript dates from late 10th century Probably composed mid-8th century

Introduction to Beowulf The scop: Anglo-Saxon equivalent of a singing poet Oral techniques: alliteration, repetition, variation, kennings, half-lines, metonymy (one thing substituted for another), synecdoche (part for the whole)

Beowulf Manuscript (Note the burn marks on the top and sides—the ms Beowulf Manuscript (Note the burn marks on the top and sides—the ms. was severely damaged in a fire)

Poetics Hwaet! Wē Gār-Dena in geārdagum þēodcyninga þrym gefrūnon, hū ðā æþelingas ellen fremedon.   Oft Scyld Scēfing sceaþena þrēatum monegum mægþum meodosetla oftēah, egsode eorlas syððan ærest wearð fēasceaft funden. Hē þæs frōfre gebād, wēox under wolcnum, weorðmundum þāh oð þæt him æghwylc þāra ymbsittendra ofer hronrāde hyran scolde, gomban gyldan. Þæt wæs gōd cyning!

Kennings A metaphorical expression used in place of a noun Sea = “whale-road” or “swan’s way” Joints, ligaments = “bone-locks” Sun = “sky-candle” Icicles = “water-ropes”

Metonymy and Synecdoche Metonymy: Name of one thing is substituted for the name of something else that most people would associate with the first thing “Iron” for “Sword” “Crown” for “king” or “monarchy” Synecdoche: Substitute a part for the whole “keel” for “ship” “All hands on deck” “Heads of cattle”

Anglo-Saxon Society Tribal society with kinship bonds and a 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

What about the women? Women make peace, bearing children who create blood ties Women pass the cup at the mead-hall, cementing social bonds Women lament loss, don’t avenge

Religion in Anglo Saxon Times Mix of pagan and Christian values--often in conflict. Pagan (secular (non-religious) lineage vs. Christian lineage; Eternal earthly fame through deeds vs afterlife in hell or heaven; honor & gift-giving vs. sin of pride (hubris); revenge vs pacifist view (forgiveness); Wyrd (Anglo-Saxon "Fate") vs God's will, etc.

Epic hero traits Is significant and glorified Is on a quest Has superior or superhuman strength, intelligence, and/or courage Is ethical . Risks death for glory or for the greater good of society Is a strong and responsible leader Performs brave deeds Reflects ideals of a particular society