EQ: What are the essential ideas in the text? EQ: What elements of Anglo-Saxon Culture are evident in the text? EQ: What characteristics of an epic and epic hero are evident in the text?

Epic – a long narrative poem; tells the great deeds of a hero who embodies the values of his/her society Epic Hero - represents the values of his culture; larger-than-life; super-human capabilities Pagan and Christian Values – Beowulf contains both. It is about Pagan warriors; however, it was written down by Christian monks. As you read look for references to each religion.

Memento Mori – ‘remember death’ no afterlife; therefore, achieve immortality by accomplishments (preserve soul) through reputation.

Adoration – to regard with the utmost esteem, love, and respect; to honor and worship – idolize The goal of Anglo Saxon society was to attain adoration and fame in order to obtain immortality

Mail – shirt : armor made of 20,000 small iron rings; mesh effect Wyrd : fate / destiny; Anglo Saxons must fulfill to achieve immortality (momento mori)

Beowulf – epic hero; seeking wyrd Helfdan’s son: Hrothgar (kenning) Higlac’s follower: Higlac is Beowulf’s uncle and feudal lord. He hopes to bring him honor. (kenning)

Hrothgar – King of the Danes; builds Herot Wulfgar - Hrothgar’s thane; greets Beowulf Beowulf – revered warrior; seeking wyrd

Danes – Hrothgar’s people (Denmark) Geats – Beowulf’s tribe (South of Sweden)

Art of the Brag – mental dominance; reputation must be revered to have afterlife Comitatus – warrior must die for their king Riddles – beauty in mystery = complexity of words = intellectual dominance

Boast – confidence important; sign of dominance; must back up claims Flyting – argument in verse Brother – slayer – worst Anglo-Saxon crime

Odin – God of death and war Valhalla – Odin’s home; eternal feast (‘heaven-like’)

Bonstan’s son: Brecca – challenged Beowulf Unferth – Hrothgar’s ‘top’ warrior Beowulf – challenged by Unferth (flyting)

Assignment: Read “The Arrival of the Hero” (24 – 27) and answer Reading Guide Questions #’s1-5 Read “Unferth’s Challenge” and answer questions #’s 1-8 (due at the end of the period)

Open your book to Pg. 25; Line 134 Beowulf arrives in Denmark and is directed to Herot, the mead-hall of King Hrothgar. The king sends one of his thanes to greet the visitors. Note: Beowulf has already begun to be glorified due to the difficult journey he completed to arrive at Hrothgar’s kingdom.

1. Beowulf says he has come to kill Grendel 1. Beowulf says he has come to kill Grendel. What proof does he offer that he is up to the task? • killed many enemies; chained five giants and chased their race from the earth; hunted monsters out of the ocean 2. Why do you think Beowulf intends to fight Grendel without a sword? • avoid unfair advantage; ‘fair’ fight; better story; bigger bragging rights

3. What information does Hrothgar reveal in a speech he makes to Beowulf (lines 191 – 209)? Once helped Beowulf’s father; restored peace Reinforces Hrothgar’s reputation

4. What elements of imagery are used to characterize Beowulf? 3. What cultural elements are revealed through the poet’s concluding statements in lines 225 - 232? • Practices of the mead-hall and honoring those that are brave (order of seats, feasting, songs sung, etc…) 4. What elements of imagery are used to characterize Beowulf? “…his mail shirt gleaming…” (139 – 140) “…dripping with my enemies’ blood” (153)

Art of the Brag – mental dominance; reputation must be revered to have afterlife Comitatus – warrior must die for their king Riddles – beauty in mystery = complexity of words = intellectual dominance

Boast – confidence important; sign of dominance; must back up claims Flyting – argument in verse Brother – slayer – worst Anglo-Saxon crime

Odin – God of death and war Valhalla – Odin’s home; eternal feast (‘heaven-like’)

Bonstan’s son: Brecca – challenged Beowulf Unferth – Hrothgar’s ‘top’ warrior Beowulf – challenged by Unferth (flyting)

8th century England brutal Viking attacks Old Norse warrior so wild, fierce, and fearless his own comrades feared him Warrior was called berserk

Berserk means ‘bare shirt’. Often refused to wear armor, hence the nickname. Entered battle in a fit; biting shields Religious zealots of Odin As you read, see if Beowulf adheres to such details!

As you read, see if Beowulf adheres to such details! Read “Unferth’s Challenge” Answer questions #’s 1-8 (due at the end of the period)

Lesson 2

1. Review Reading Guide Questions 2. Present Shields (nominate a leader) 3. Creature of Nightmare Group Presentations 4. Complete Reading Guide in Clans

1. Beowulf says he has come to kill Grendel 1. Beowulf says he has come to kill Grendel. What proof does he offer that he is up to the task? • killed many enemies; chained five giants and chased their race from the earth; hunted monsters out of the ocean 2. Why do you think Beowulf intends to fight Grendel without a sword? • avoid unfair advantage; ‘fair’ fight; better story; bigger bragging rights

3. What information does Hrothgar reveal in a speech he makes to Beowulf (lines 191 – 209)? Once helped Beowulf’s father; restored peace Reinforces Hrothgar’s reputation

5. What elements of imagery are used to characterize Beowulf? 4. What cultural elements are revealed through the poet’s concluding statements in lines 225 - 232? • Practices of the mead-hall and honoring those that are brave (order of seats, feasting, songs sung, etc…) 5. What elements of imagery are used to characterize Beowulf? “…his mail shirt gleaming…” (139 – 140) “…dripping with my enemies’ blood” (153)

1. What angers Unferth? “…any had acquired fame greater than his own.” 2. What characteristics of an Epic Hero are portrayed by Beowulf’s treatment of Unferth? demonstrates assertiveness; restraint; courtesy

3. Why does Unferth state, “…but your luck may change…” (258 – 259)? scare Beowulf; wants him to lose create suspense; raises doubt

4. Unferth vs. Beowulf (Flyting) Unferth’s Account Beowulf’s Account Foolish challenge Brecca won (first to reach shore) Brecca honored for win Youthful challenge Chose to stay with Brecca (protect) Survived harsh conditions Killed many sea monsters Difficulty proves he’s stronger

5. How does Beowulf further insult Unferth? ‘brother-slayer’ 6. Who do you feel wins the flyting? “You murdered your brothers…” (321) “…if your hands were as hard as your heart as fierce as you think it no fool would dare to raid your hall…” (325 – 326)

7. Who is Welthow? What historical element about women does she convey? queen; serves mead Women were generous, beloved and gracious 8. What does Hrothgar promise? “…your ship will sail home with its treasure-holds full” (391)

Assignment: In your clan, complete your reading guide Figurative Analysis Interpreting an Analogy Reader Response (perfect paragraph) Epic Language

Directions: Write original thorough responses for both prompts. In the space provided. 1. Justify, using at least 2-3 examples from background knowledge of Anglo-Saxon culture and textual knowledge of Beowulf, whether or not Beowulf is berserk. 2. What modern heroes or athletes can you think of who portray this berserk attitude? What role does intimidation play in modern sports or warfare?

Remember, an epic is a long narrative written in ‘grand’ or elevated language. View the passages below and rewrite the sentences for ‘epic effect’. Directions: Use a thesaurus or dictionary to aid in your application of elevated writing style. Hint: vary adjectives and verbs to create a sense of drama and importance.

1. The frozen sea rose up around me. 2. A monster grabbed me. 3. Grendel lived deep in a dark cave. 4. He had never seen a more disagreeable beast.