1. The Anglo–Saxon Period Beowulf

2. Britain before the Anglo-Saxons

3. Celtic Life

4. Druids

5. The Romans

6. The Anglo-Saxons

7. The Coming of Christianity

8. St. Augustine and King Ethelbert

9. More Invasions!

10. Vikings vs Saxons

11. The Venerable Bede

12. Anglo-Saxon Literature

13. Beowulf

14. Warfare

15. Feasting and Boasting

16. Mead Hall

17. Epic 1.Long narrative 2.Written in elevated style 3.Characters of high positions 4.Adventures 5.The development of episodes is important to the history of a nation or race 6.Is an “organic” whole with all parts related to a central heroic figure

18. Characteristics of the Epic 1.Hero is of imposing stature, of national or international importance and of great historical or legendary significance 2.The setting is vast, covers great nations, the world, or the universe. 3.Supernatural forces are involved in the action 4.Elevated style 5.Poet usually maintains some objectivity

19. Common Devices of Most Epic Poems 1.The poet opens by stating the theme 2.The poet invokes a muse 3.It begins In Medias res – in the middle of things 4.Catalogues (lists) of warriors, ships, etc. 5.Long formal speeches by the main characters 6.Epic similes (lengthy and elaborate comparisons

20. Wyrd

21. Early English/Viking Words Wednesday = Woden’s or Odin’s day (chief Norse god) Thursday = Thor’s day (Norse god of thunder) Friday = Freya’s day (Norse goddess of love and beauty)

22. Anglo-Saxon Literary Terms Caesura – natural break or pause in the middle of a line of poetry. Ex: There may I sitthe summer long day Ex: There I can weepover my exile

23. Kenning A metaphorical phrase used in Anglo-Saxon poetry to replace a concrete noun. Ex: Sea – whale’s home King – ring giver Fireman – life saver

24. Alliteration The repetition of initial consonant sounds. It is used to link words and create musical sounds. Ex: The fair breeze blew, the white foam flew

25. Trailer for Beowulf http://my.hrw.com/la_2010/tx_lit/nsmedia/pow ernotes_portal/Grade_12/grade12_t.html