1. Beowulf Ray Winstone as Beowulf in Robert Zemeckis’ Beowulf, 2007

2. The oldest poem written in English more than 1200 years ago. 1. The background Beowulf Anonymous and composed in the first half of the 8th century. It deals with a time following the initial invasion of England by Germanic tribes in 449 (5th~6th Cent.). It contains Christian elements; the pagan deities are removed. Only Connect... New Directions

3. The Geats (Beowulf; his retainer, Wiglaf; the Eorls). 2. The characters A scene of Robert Zemeckis’ Beowulf, 2007 Beowulf The Danes (King Hrothgar). The Swedes. Grendel, the monster. Grendel’s mother. The fire-breathing dragon. Only Connect... New Directions

4. Loyalty and kinship. 3. The values of warrior society in the poem Beowulf The need to take revenge. Physical strength and courage. The search for glory in this life. The importance of fate. Only Connect... New Directions

5. Beowulf prays to the Creator of all things, the ruler of the Heavens. 4. Christian elements Beowulf God's will: identical with fate (wyrd). Grendel: descendent of Cain. Reference to the Old Testament. Only Connect... New Directions

6. Kenning “The hoard-guardian” (the guardian of the treasure = the monster) Alliteration 5. Techniques Beowulf “He rippled down the rock, writhing with anger” Only Connect... New Directions

7. Elevated language 5. Techniques Beowulf “They extolled (praised) his heroic nature and exploits (deeds) and gave thanks for his greatness” Long lists of leaders and warriors Only Connect... New Directions

8. the swan-road the whale-road the bent-necked wood the ringed prow The Ship 6. KENNINGS from the poem Beowulf The Sea Only Connect... New Directions

9. The Sword 6. KENNINGS from the poem Beowulf the storm of swords Peter Nicolai Arbo (1831-1892), The last stand of King Harald Hardrada at the Battle of Stamford Bridge in 1066 war friend battle-light The Battle Only Connect... New Directions

10. the ring-giver the dispenser of treasure The Dragon Ray Winstone as Beowulf in Robert Zemeckis’ Beowulf, 2007 Beowulf the twilight-spoiler 6. KENNINGS from the poem The Lord/King Only Connect... New Directions

11. The Feud = the tragic waste. 7. Themes Beowulf A system of revenge is repeated in the poem: feud  peace  feud. The eternal conflict between dark and light, good and evil. Fate Courage as the quality that can stand against Fate. Only Connect... New Directions