Beowulf

Epic A long narrative poem that traces the adventures of a great hero and has the power to transport you to another time and place

Epic Hero Being of noble birth or high position and often of great historical importance Mortal who exhibits qualities that reflect important ideals of society Performs courageous, superhuman deeds that reflect the values of the era Performs actions that often determine the fate of a nation or group of people

Old English Techniques Alliteration: the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words which helps unify the lines So mankind’s enemy continued his crimes.

Old English Techniques Caesura a pause dividing each line, with each part having two accented syllables to help maintain the rhythm of the lines used in spoken language He took what he wanted, // all the treasures

Old English Techniques Kenning A metaphorical compound word or phrase substituted for a noun or name, which enhances meaning mankind’s enemy Grendel bone house body