Beowulf Introduction

Epic A long narrative poem about a hero and his deeds/ reflects the values of the culture Epic hero: larger than life/ self-confident/ values courage, honor, loyalty/ upholds the values of his culture

Warrior’s Code He must exhibit bravery and courage at all times. He then could achieve “fame”. He must defend the ring-giver (king) even with his life/ loyalty to one’s “liege lord,” the king, was of utmost importance to the Anglo-Saxons

Afterlife and Fame The only afterlife was “fame” or being remembered in the scops songs for one’s courage and brave deeds. Hyperbole: boasting about one’s accomplishments was expected.

Weirguild “man-price” IF a warrior was killed even by accident, his relatives would demand either his “man-price” or vengeance from the slayer.

The King and his Thanes The king (or ring-giver) was protected by his thanes’ absolute loyalty. If he was a good king, he was generous with his thanes and rewarded their bravery with weapons and treasure as a sign of love.

The Musician Bard or scop Would insure a warrior’s immortality, and that of the tribe, by composing and passing down songs of their brave deeds. This was the only afterlife they might expect.

Monsters and Dragons They were real. The thanes believed in them. When they boasted they might kill one, they had best be prepared to meet one.

Beowulf Composer is unknown, but was written down by a Christian Englishman hundreds of years later in the 10th century AD

Kenning A special metaphor referring to ordinary things such as the ocean and rivers as descriptive phrases such as “whale’s road” or “swan’s way.”

Alliteration and Caesura Poetry had no rhyme. Words began with the same sound (alliteration) Had a pause in the midst of the line (caesura)