1. Anglo-Saxon Period (Middle Ages) A.D. 449-1485

2. Major Event in Anglo-Saxon History 55 B.C.-407 A.D. Romans occupy Britain55 B.C.-407 A.D. Romans occupy Britain Anglo-Saxons are the new intrudersAnglo-Saxons are the new intruders Coming of Christianity: 1066 A.D. The End of Anglo-Saxons due to Norman ConquestComing of Christianity: 1066 A.D. The End of Anglo-Saxons due to Norman Conquest

3. Anglo-Saxon Culture Simple Architecture: small towns with meeting hall (Meade Hall)Simple Architecture: small towns with meeting hall (Meade Hall) Loyalty to clanLoyalty to clan Language: Old EnglishLanguage: Old English Religion: Pre-Christian, PaganismReligion: Pre-Christian, Paganism Ruled by fate - acceptance of death - braveryRuled by fate - acceptance of death - bravery

4. Beowulf Oral epicOral epic Originating between 500 and 1100 A.D.Originating between 500 and 1100 A.D. Written down in 11 th centuryWritten down in 11 th century Importance:Importance: Creates foundation for British HeroCreates foundation for British Hero Anglo-Saxon culture and beliefsAnglo-Saxon culture and beliefs HistoryHistory Oldest surviving epic poemOldest surviving epic poem

5. Beowulf Protagonist of the epicProtagonist of the epic Geatish hero who fights the monster Grendel, Grendel’s mother, & a fire-breathing dragonGeatish hero who fights the monster Grendel, Grendel’s mother, & a fire-breathing dragon Boasts and encounters reveal him to be the strongest, ablest warrior aroundBoasts and encounters reveal him to be the strongest, ablest warrior around In his youth, he personifies all of the best values of the heroic cultureIn his youth, he personifies all of the best values of the heroic culture In his old age, he proves a wise and effective ruler.In his old age, he proves a wise and effective ruler.

6. Grendel Grendel is one of the three monsters that Beowulf battlesGrendel is one of the three monsters that Beowulf battles His nature is ambiguous: animal attributes and a grotesque, monstrous appearance, but seems to be guided by vaguely human emotions and impulsesHis nature is ambiguous: animal attributes and a grotesque, monstrous appearance, but seems to be guided by vaguely human emotions and impulses Exiled to the swamplands outside the boundaries of human society, Grendel is an outcast who seems to long to be reinstatedExiled to the swamplands outside the boundaries of human society, Grendel is an outcast who seems to long to be reinstated Grendel’s aggression against the Danes lies loneliness and jealousyGrendel’s aggression against the Danes lies loneliness and jealousy By lineage, Grendel is a member of “Cain’s clan, whom the creator had outlawed / and condemned as outcasts.”By lineage, Grendel is a member of “Cain’s clan, whom the creator had outlawed / and condemned as outcasts.” Grendel is “[m]alignant by nature” and that he has “never show[n] remorse”Grendel is “[m]alignant by nature” and that he has “never show[n] remorse”

7. Hrothgar Aged ruler of the Danes who accepts Beowulf’s help in the first part of the story, aids Beowulf’s development into maturityAged ruler of the Danes who accepts Beowulf’s help in the first part of the story, aids Beowulf’s development into maturity Static character, a force of stability in the social realmStatic character, a force of stability in the social realm

8. Hrothgar & Beowulf Although he is as solidly rooted in the heroic code as Beowulf is, his old age and his experience with both good and bad fortune have caused him to develop a more reflective attitude toward heroism than Beowulf possessesAlthough he is as solidly rooted in the heroic code as Beowulf is, his old age and his experience with both good and bad fortune have caused him to develop a more reflective attitude toward heroism than Beowulf possesses He is aware of both the privileges and the dangers of power, and he warns his young protégé not to give in to prideHe is aware of both the privileges and the dangers of power, and he warns his young protégé not to give in to pride Hrothgar’s meditations on heroism and leadership reveal the contrast between youth and old age that forms the turning point in Beowulf’s own developmentHrothgar’s meditations on heroism and leadership reveal the contrast between youth and old age that forms the turning point in Beowulf’s own development

9. Unferth A Danish warrior who is jealous of Beowulf, Unferth is unable or unwilling to fight Grendel, thus proving himself inferior to BeowulfA Danish warrior who is jealous of Beowulf, Unferth is unable or unwilling to fight Grendel, thus proving himself inferior to Beowulf FoilFoil

10. Wiglaf A young kinsman and retainer of Beowulf who helps him in the fight against the dragon while all of the other warriors run away. Wiglaf adheres to the heroic code better than Beowulf’s other retainers, thereby proving himself a suitable successor to Beowulf. A young kinsman and retainer of Beowulf who helps him in the fight against the dragon while all of the other warriors run away. Wiglaf adheres to the heroic code better than Beowulf’s other retainers, thereby proving himself a suitable successor to Beowulf.