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Beowulf Introducing the Epic
Beowulf is the first great work of English national literature. the epic story of the hero Beowulf, who fights the demonic monster Grendel.
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Beowulf Introducing the Epic
People Beowulf: nephew of Higlac, king of the Geats. Hrothgar: king of the Danes. Wiglaf: a Geat warrior, one of Beowulf’s select band and the only one to help him in his final fight with the dragon.
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Beowulf Introducing the Epic
Monsters Grendel: man-eating monster who lives at the bottom of a foul mere, or mountain lake. Grendel’s mother: water-witch who seeks revenge. Dragon: giant fire-breathing serpent whom Beowulf fights in Part Two of the epic.
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Beowulf Introducing the Epic
Places Beowulf takes place in Scandinavia. Scandinavia Britain Scholars think Herot might have been built on the coast of Zealand, in Denmark.
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Beowulf Introducing the Epic
Places Herot: the golden guest hall built by King Hrothgar where warriors gathered to celebrate. []
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Beowulf The Poetry of Beowulf
The kenning is another poetic device that was used by the oral poet. Examples of kennings from Beowulf: gold-shining hall= Herot guardian of crime = Grendel strong-hearted wakeful sleeper = Beowulf cave-guard and sky-borne foe = dragon
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Beowulf The Poetry of Beowulf
Kenning: a metaphorical phrase or compound word used to name a person, place, thing, or event indirectly. A kenning enhances the literal meaning of the words. A kenning gives the listener an idea of how the words connect to an idea or concept that is richer and more emotionally complex.
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Beowulf Background Beowulf is an oral epic passed from bard to bard.
Harpist-bards told the familiar story for audiences in the communal halls at night. Written down between 700 and 750. Reconstructed Anglo-Saxon village in West Stow, England, with communal hall on the left.
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