Notes for Beowulf Epic: A long narrative poem telling about the deeds of a great hero and reflecting the values of the society from which it originated.

Epic Characteristics Tells the story of a hero/leader who is larger than life Begins by stating the theme of the work Action is extraordinary—deeds of great valor and super-human courage Supernatural forces play a part Vast setting Combines history, mythology, legend, and folklore

Epic Features The banquet The boast The battle The voyage (often to the underworld) The funeral

The Epic Hero Is significant and glorified Is on a quest Is a strong and responsible leader Has superior or superhuman strength, intelligence, and/or courage Is devoted to a soldierly code and the expectancy to “kill and get killed” Extols the heroic virtues—strives for honor and fame, courage and loyalty

Beowulf Terms Relating to Beowulf, the Anglo-Saxon Epic

Comitatus Steadfast loyalty between the thane and king which is rewarded by treasure

Wergild “Man-price” Any Anglo-Saxon who took a life had to pay a price for his deed or accept the revenge of the victim’s family

Scop The revered musical poet of the tribe whose job was to recount the history and traditions of his people

Thane Means warrior (One of the warrior-class)

Caesura In Anglo Saxon poetry, a pause which divides each four-stress line in half which is essential to the rhythm

Alliteration The repetition of initial consonant sounds

Emphatic Rhythm Strongly expressive rhyme scheme or meter used for emphasis

Kenning A metaphorical phrase used in Anglo Saxon poetry to replace a concrete noun “the ring-giver”= king