Beowulf BEOWULF

Anglo-Saxon timeline 600 BC: Celts arrive in Britain and form tribes, establish farms and villages and are often in conflict. 43 AD : Romans invade Britain Romans encounter Celts Build roads, large buildings, sanitation system Introduce Christianity Romans rule for approx. 400 years. 300 AD : Irish ,Scottish and Germans invaded for plunder and slaves 410 AD : Romans leave Britain

Anglo Saxon timeline (cont) 450 AD: Jutes from Denmark and Angles and Saxons from Northern Germany invade Britain Germanic tribes push out Celts 597 AD Anglo Saxons become Christian Anglo-Saxons dominate England for 600 years . Though this period is marked by strife and confusion, they provide a language, began its literature , establish laws, government and religion. They were the first English people.

Anglo- Saxon culture Lived in tribal groups Strongest ties were to kin and Lord Kings emerged Spoke old English Newly Christian but still valued pagan ideals Valued: Family, lineage, reputation, virtue, and a good story. Desired: wealth, power

Heroic code Derived from Anglo-Saxon Germanic roots Called for strength, courage and loyalty of warriors Called for generosity, loyalty, hospitality and political acumen of Kings

Anglo Saxon literature Oral tradition- passed down through generations by storyteller s (called scops) Poems had strong beat, alliterative verse and no rhyme Caesura (a cutting) used in Old English to depict a half line. We use a comma for a modern effect. Da com of more from mistheleopum “Out of the marsh, from the foot of the hills.” Kenning: a compound metaphor that functions as a name. Examples: Whale- road ; sky- candle; sea-steed

Beowulf: The Epic Poem Epic poem: a long narrative poem that describes a significant event and typically features a hero. Modern Examples of Epics: Star Wars; Lord of the Rings

Beowulf: The Poem Beowulf is the oldest surviving English poem. Poem written in Old English (Anglo-Saxon) Some characters in the poem actually existed. Only copy of manuscript written sometime around the 11th century A.D. (1000’s),

Setting: Time of Beowulf Europe today Set in what is now Sweden, home of the Geats. Set as early as 400 or 500 A.D. Time of Beowulf Europe today

Some terms you’ll want to know comitatus Literally, this means “escort” or “comrade” lords mutually pledging loyalty to one another

Fate. In conflict with Christian references to God’s will Terms Continued… Mead Hall: The large hall where the lord and his warriors slept, ate, held ceremonies, etc. Thane: a warrior Wyrd Fate. In conflict with Christian references to God’s will .

Themes 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