EPIC POETRY  Epic poetry celebrates the deeds and the legends of a Nation's hero.  It dates back from the Anglo-Saxon period.  It is written in Old English, a mixture of Germanic dialects.  It tells about the values of a Nation.  It is generally an oral form of poetry.  It uses a style useful to have the people remember.

SCOPS Scops (minstrels) are people who sang the poem of Beowulf and other epic poems. They used sound devices to remember easily the story, like alliterations, assonances formulaic phrases and kennings. They learnt the poem by heart.

BEOWULF

 The poem tells about the deeds of an epic hero, called Beowulf, and also about the values and features of Anglo-Saxon society. VALUES:  Solidarity  Generosity  Courage  Loyalty HIERARCHY:  Family  Tribe  Clan  Kingdom SOCIETY:  Seamen  Fishermen  Warriors

Beowulf :  is a terrible strong man;  is very powerful;  has a god-like nature;  is high-born;  is solidarity and generous;  has strategic mentality;  people respect him;  is an hero, and so he must die.

CATEGORIES  Hierarchy  Hometown  Reputation He is a thane People respect him