eowulf and Old English Literature Beowulf is the Oldest Surviving Northern European Epic

“Nothing stirred the poet’s imagination more than a sword or a ship.” Gloomy Fierce Stalwart “Nothing stirred the poet’s imagination more than a sword or a ship.”

Exceptions: Caedmon & Cynewulf Mostly anonymous Exceptions: Caedmon & Cynewulf Old English Poetry Oral Tradition Scops and Gleemen: traveling poets/ minstrels Two types of Poetry: 1. Heroic Epics Definition: a long, narrative poem about the exploits of a hero who embodies the values of the culture Example: Beowulf 2. Elegiac lyrics Definition: a poem that reflects the poet’s thoughts & feelings, and that laments the loss of something Example: “The Seafarer”

Characteristics of Anglo-Saxon Poetry Alliterative Unrhymed Strong Beat Unique Devices

Unique Devices Caesura Kenning A pause in the middle of a line of poetry Kenning A compound noun that is colorful & descriptive “whale road” = the sea COLE WAS THE KING; HE WAS KEEN AND MERRY; MIRTHFUL HE WAS; WITH MINSTRELS IN MEAD HALL. HE CALLED FOR HIS CUP; HE CALLED FOR HIS PIPE. HIS FIDDLERS WERE THREE, AND FINE WAS THEIR TRILLING.

Beowulf The Mystery, Puzzles, & Contradictions of The Mystery Only one manuscript survives: the Cotton Manuscript The Mystery Almost destroyed by fire Discovered in the 16th century but not published until 1815

A Puzzle: Beowulf is the definitive English epic and the beginning of English literature, BUT The hero is a Geat (Yea-ot) or Swede, and none of the action takes place in England. Why?

The challenges of Existence In 449 AD Germanic tribes (Angles, Saxons & Jutes) invaded the British Isles; they brought this story with them. AND Beowulf embodies Anglo-Saxon values and celebrates the essence of a warrior society. Bravery Loyalty Devotion to the community The challenges of Existence Weapons used Festive Celebrations

encouraged intense loyalty to clan leaders. The It is difficult to convey just how challenging the lives of the earliest Anglo-Saxons were. Every day was a battle to survive. The Anglo-Saxons lived in huts and dressed in animal skins to protect themselves against the miserable, bone-chilling dampness of the weather. They eked out an existence by farming the land, hunting, and venturing forth on dangerous, turbulent seas to fish. When they weren't scraping together a skimpy existence, they were fighting neighboring tribes and clans. These tough conditions created strong ties within tribes and encouraged intense loyalty to clan leaders. The environment also contributed to the high esteem in which the inhabitants held individual bravery, a quality they honored above all others.

A Contradiction: Beowulf also shows the influence of Christian culture. Beowulf represents a violent warrior culture; Belief in a higher power who rewards virtue, forgiveness, honesty Trolls, monsters, & elves from Norse mythology Old Testament Elements (Ex.: Cain) Belief in Wyrd

The reason for this contradiction lies in the transmission history of the poem. . .

597 AD Christian Conversion Viking Invasions Christian monks write down the spoken epic. editor not` author well-read conscious role of poet Oral Tradition: Beowulf-type stories are told. “The Bear Story” Beowulf sung by scops Anglo-Saxon Invasion

Monks in the Scriptorium: preservers and editors of Anglo-Saxon literature

The Story of

A King and Country in Trouble Hrothgar, King of the Danes Beowulf’s Home Hrothgar, King of the Danes

The Monster: A Descendant of Cain Versus The Young Hero from Geatland

FATE brings them to HEROT, the Mead Hall

The epic continues until Beowulf is an old king. . . . . .and he dies in his last battle with a dragon