Beowulf Why Beowulf? Provenance 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 and in American culture today 3. The story of Beowulf is resource for the study of Anglo Saxon culture

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. It’s a great adventure story which includes the first haunting in the English language.

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

Beowulf’s Provenance 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 11th century A.D. (1000’s), however…

The actual poem probably dates from the 8th century (700’s) or so, and… The story may be set even earlier, around in 200s and 300s in Denmark A.D. There are a lot of Christian references in the poem; however, the story pre-dates Christianity in Northern Europe (How could this be?!?) This important because it 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 (1066) that writing stories down became common in this part of the world.

Beowulf’s Provenance So what’s happened to the manuscript since the 11th century? Eventually, it ended up in the library of this guy. Robert Cotton (1571-1631)

Beowulf’s Provenance Unfortunately, Cotton’s library burned in 1731. Many manuscripts were entirely destroyed. Beowulf was partially damaged. The manuscript is now preserved and carefully cared for in the British Museum.

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 200 or 300 A.D.

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

Sutton Hoo Located in the county of Suffolk, England, archeologists discovered a 30 foot ship (dated early 7th century) buried between two cemeteries. The ship contained countless Anglo-Saxon artifacts and is considered one of the most important archeological finds in England’s history.

The Importance of Sutton Hoo The discovery of Sutton Hoo shed light on a period of early medieval England that is something between legend, myth, and historical documentation. Connection to Beowulf: The poem opens with the burial of a king in a ship laden with treasure. The society depicted in Beowulf is one that rewards valor with gifts. Sutton Hoo serves as evidence to the accuracy of this depiction.

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

The Poetry in Beowulf Terms to watch out for 1. Alliterative verse a. 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. Sentences tend to start in the middle of a line, at the caesura, and flow to the next line until the next caesura. d. No rhyme

The Poetry in Beowulf Alliterative verse – an example from Beowulf: Terms to watch out for Alliterative verse – an example from Beowulf: 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 or king beadoleoma = “flashing light” = sword

The Poetry in Beowulf Contemporary kennings: “gas-guzzler” “brown-noser” “ankle-biter” “rug-rat” “bookworm” “tramp-stamp”

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.

A few things to watch out for The Poetry in Beowulf A few things to watch out for 4. Elegy lament over mortality, loss and, inevitability of death. The second part of Beowulf is an elegy; as Beowulf ages and knows he is going to die. He is sad but defeated by time/accepting of his fate. 5. Epithet a compound adjective associated with a character’s name or other noun; used with or in place of the name. Useful for creating alliteration in a line. A kenning is a kind of epithet: descriptive of personality, appearance or skill: King: ring-giver, noble-lord indicates a relationship or connection: Beowulf: Higlac’s follower

Some terms you’ll want to know 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 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. This means it has a larger-than life hero and the conflict is of universal importance. There’s a certain serious that accompanies most epics.

Some terms you’ll want to know boast A speech that glorifies oneself. Often acts as a resume for one’s worthiness wergild A value placed on every human being and every piece of property. If property was stolen, or someone was injured or killed, the guilty person would have to pay wergild to the victim's family or to the owner of the property

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