Beowulf is considered an epic poem . . . So what are the features of an epic?

Epic hero traits significant and glorified quest Has superior or superhuman strength, intelligence, and/or courage Is ethical Risks death for glory or for the greater good of society Is a strong and responsible leader Performs brave deeds Reflects ideals of a particular society Uses a mystical weapon

Poetic/Oral Devices The scop: Anglo-Saxon equivalent of a singing poet Oral techniques: alliteration, repetition, variation, kennings, half-lines, metonymy (one thing substituted for another), synecdoche (part for the whole)

Kennings A metaphorical expression used in place of a noun Sea = “whale-road” or “swan’s way” Joints, ligaments = “bone-locks” Sun = “sky-candle” Icicles = “water-ropes”

Metonymy and Synecdoche Metonymy: Name of one thing is substituted for the name of something else that most people would associate with the first thing “Iron” for “Sword” “Crown” for “king” or “monarchy” Synecdoche: Substitute a part for the whole “keel” for “ship” “All hands on deck” “Heads of cattle”

Other poetic elements Alliteration – repetition of consonant sounds in words close to one another EX: peter piper picked a peck of pickled peppers; randy was a rough and rowdy wrestler Caesura – a rhythmic pause or break in the middle of a line of poetry. Ex: bent double, like old beggars under Sacks, knock-kneed, coughing like hags, we coursed through sludge