1. Introduction to Beowulf
Romans controlled England until the 5th century – 400 A.D.
In 449 A.D. the Angles, Saxons, Swedes, Danes, etc. invaded Briton in waves for years – fought King Arthur.
Briton became Angle-land or England, whose culture brought about Old English.

2. Anglo-Saxon Kingdoms Map from C. Warren Hollister,
The Making of England, p. 64

3. Photos from British Museum

4. Anglo-Saxon Armor

5. Sutton Hoo

6. Introduction to Beowulf
Beowulf began as a story/song…
Many ancient works were memorized and recited—and were not written down until centuries later (Odyssey, Iliad, Beowulf)
Only surviving Beowulf manuscript dates from late 10th century
Probably composed mid-8th century – 700 A.D.

7. Introduction to Beowulf
The scop (pronounced “shop”): Anglo-Saxon equivalent of a singing poet
Scops utilized storytelling techniques:
Alliteration
Kenning
Caesura

8. Beowulf Manuscript (Note the burn marks on the top and sides – likely damaged in a fire)

9. Alliteration
Repetition of beginning consonant sounds
“sword storm”

10. 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”

11. Caesura
A pause or break in a song or line of poetry
Used for effect

12. Anglo-Saxon values Loyalty Fighting for one’s king
Avenging one’s kinsmen
Keeping one’s word
Generosity -- gifts symbolize bonds
Brotherly love -- not romantic love
Heroism
Physical strength
Skill and resourcefulness in battle
Courage
Public reputation, not private conscience

13. What about the women?
Women make peace, bearing children who create blood ties
Women pass the cup at the mead-hall, cementing social bonds
Women lament loss, don’t avenge

14. Religion in Anglo Saxon Times
Beowulf’s people, the Geats (Sweden) and most all of Scandinavia were
pagans, or non-Christians.
Christian elements in Beowulf suggest that it was recorded by a monk or priest.

15. Beowulf as an Epic Hero
As we read excerpts of Beowulf, complete your graphic organizer (#2) to trace the main character’s progress as an epic hero.