1. Beowulf: The Beginnings of English Literature

2. 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)

3. 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.

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

5. 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.

6. 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

7. 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
Similarities between Beowulf’s death and the death of Christ (sacrifices himself for his people)

8. 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.

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

10. 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 1100.
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

11. Beowulf: Background The action of the poem takes place around 500 AD
Poet is reviving the language, style and values of the oral poetry of the ancestors of Anglo-Saxons
The poem deals with ancient ancestors: 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.

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

13. 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

14. The Character of Beowulf
He fights for personal honor/glory
Has superhuman qualities but remains an approachable hero
Committed to service to humanity and his own people.
Beowulf as savior.

15. Beowulf’s Name Beowulf’s father– Edgetho
In most cases, the son is named after the father but Beowulf isn’t
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
Cunning
Speedy

16. 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

17. 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)

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

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

20. 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

21. 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.

22. 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.