Beowulf: The Beginnings of English Literature

Origins  Oldest surviving English poem  Written in Old English (or Anglo-Saxon); basis for the language we speak today.  Unknown author; possibly a Christian author in Anglo-Saxon England

Origins  The only copy of the manuscript was written sometime around the 11th century A.D. (1000’s), however…  The actual poem probably dates from the 8th century (700’s) or so, and…  The story may be set even earlier, around 400 or 500 A.D.

Origins So what’s happened to the manuscript since the 11th century? Eventually, it ended up in the library of this guy. Robert Cotton ( )

Origins  Unfortunately, Cotton’s library burned in Many manuscripts were entirely destroyed. Beowulf was partially damaged.  The manuscript is now preserved and carefully cared for in the British Museum.

Conflict in Beowulf: Christian Values vs. Anglo-Saxon (Pagan) Values  This tension is at the heart of the poem  Pagan history and myth are made to point to a Christian moral  Beowulf is poised between two value systems

The Beowulf Poet  The poet is Christian (probably a monk or priest since they were the only ones who could read or write)  The poem reflects established Christian tradition  Allusions to the Old Testament  Beowulf is symbolic of a Redeemer who is sent by God to save man from sin  The price of salvation is life itself  Similarities between Beowulf’s death and the death of Christ (sacrifices himself for his people)

Sutton Hoo  Burial site discovered in 1939  Important links to Anglo-Saxon world and Beowulf  Remains of a boat were discovered and large burial chamber containing numerous artifacts  Artifacts suggest a distinctly Christian element intermingled with pagan ritual.  Episodes in Beowulf now have tangible archaeological evidence to add creditability to the blend of customs in the text.

Sutton Hoo Artifacts (note the Christian elements mixed with pagan elements)

Old English  Beowulf was written in Old English, an early form of English  Old English was spoken in the Middle Ages from about 500 to  In 1066, William the Conqueror invaded England, bringing the French language with him; gradually Old English evolved into Middle English ( )  Modern English has been spoken since the Renaissance – Shakespeare is NOT Old English; he is Early Modern English

Beowulf: Background  The action of the poem takes place around 500 AD  Poet is reviving the heroic language, style and pagan values of ancient Germanic oral poetry (ancestors of Anglo-Saxons)  The poem deals with ancient Germanic forebears, the Danes and the Geats  It was not until 1936 when the Oxford scholar J.R.R Tolkien ( Lord of the Rings ) published a paper on the poem that it became popular.

Setting: Beowulf’s Time and Place Europe today Time of Beowulf

Geats and Danes  Beowulf was a war leader of the Geats, a group of people in what is now southern Sweden  Hrothgar was king of the Danes who lived in Denmark

The Character of Beowulf  He fights for personal honor, but is committed to service to humanity and his own people.  A superhuman who remains recognizable  Contrasts old and young Beowulf  Beowulf as savior

Beowulf’s Name  Beowulf’s father– Edgetho  In most cases, the son is named after the father  Don  Donald (son of Don)  McDonald (son of son of Don)  McDonaldson (son of son of son of Don)  Proves Beowulf is own individual with own powers and abilities (and more important than his father)  Beo– Bear  Bears are known as Great Protectors in Norse mythology  Strong  Wulf– Wolf  Wolves are also great protectors, but are also cunning and speedy

Themes and Important Subjects  Good vs. Evil  Religion: Christian and Pagan influences  The importance of wealth and treasure  The importance of the sea and sailing  The sacredness of the home  Fate  Loyalty  Heroism

So, why is Beowulf an important work of literature? It is an expression of Anglo-Saxon values and attitudes: Warfare Belief in fate Courage, loyalty and honor The battle of Good versus Evil Boasting Storytelling (scops held key to immortality)

It is an archetypal example of an epic: Long Narrative Adventures of a central hero with supernatural powers Worldwide or cosmic setting Participation by God (or Gods) in action

It is an example of Old English poetry: Beat rhythm No rhyme Alliteration Kennings Caesuras

Some terms you’ll want to know: scop A bard or story-teller. The scop was responsible for praising deeds of past heroes, for recording history, and for providing entertainment

Some terms you’ll want to know: comitatus Literally, this means “escort” or “comrade” This term identifies the concept of warriors and lords mutually pledging their loyalty to one another

Some terms you’ll want to know: thane A warrior mead-hall The large hall where the lord and his warriors slept, ate, held ceremonies, etc.

Some terms you’ll want to know: wyrd Fate. This idea crops up a lot in the poem, while at the same time there are Christian references to God’s will.

Some terms you’ll want to know: Wergild “man-payment” a fee paid to the family of a slain man to atone for his murder and to prevent the family from seeking revenge

Warrior Code  Kings: generous and hospitable; protected thanes  Reputation: thanes were expected to be loyal, brave, courageous