Beowulf English IV

Who were the anglo-saxons? Invaded and settled in the south and east of Britain in the 5th Century Anglo-Saxon Era: the years 550-1066 Language: Old English, spoken and later written; eventually became Middle English in the 11th Century Descended from three tribes: Angles (modern day Germany), Saxons (Germany and surrounding countries), and Jutes (modern day Denmark)

Built small towns near centers of agriculture Anglo-Saxon society Built small towns near centers of agriculture Each town had a main hall at its center, containing a central hearth (containing fire for warmth/cooking) Wanted to remain peaceful – but had harsh laws for committing crimes Literature: about 400 works survive, including Beowulf Religion: originally pagan (believing in multiple gods), but later converted to Christianity

Old English heroic epic poem Beowulf Old English heroic epic poem One of the most important works of Anglo-Saxon literature Composed by an anonymous poet between the 8th and 11th century Focuses on the adventures of a hero named Beowulf

Focuses on heroic deeds or events significant to a culture What is epic poetry? Long narrative poem Focuses on heroic deeds or events significant to a culture Were originally told aloud, but eventually became written works (may not have survived otherwise). Gilgamesh, The Odyssey, The Aeneid, Paradise Lost, The Divine Comedy, etc. First epics are considered “primary” or “folk” epics This includes Beowulf Often begins “in medias res”

Larger-than-life figure Usually of noble birth or part god Traits of an epic hero Larger-than-life figure Usually of noble birth or part god Fights against evil forces Goes on an epic quest Does good deeds that show virtue and bravery

Anglo-Saxon Poetry Alliteration: repeating of consonant sounds (Example: He is hasped and hooped and hirtling with pain, limping and looped in it.) Kennings: replaces simple nouns with more descriptive and complex images (Examples: “wound dew” = blood)  TONS of these in Beowulf Common themes: war/warriors, seas, storms, animals (wolves, ravens), death, fate, destiny