1. Background for Beowulf: Anglo-Saxons

2. Anglo-Saxons Major groups that invaded England: Angles Saxons Danes

3. Anglo-Saxon Poetry Tendency toward didacticism (preachy, used to teach) Unique verse form Explanation of epic topics Concerned with time/rhythm rather than # of syllables Alliteration Kennings - descriptive compound words that evoke images (ships are “sea-stallions”)

4. 4th century B.C. Celtic warriors settled in what is now called Great Britain. Some of the warriors were known as Britons - hence the name Great Britain. The Angles and the Saxons invaded and settled. Anglo-Saxon became the dominant language.

5. Religion of the Celts Animism - spirits were everywhere (rivers, stones, trees, fire, thunder, etc.). Spirits controlled everything and must be placated (pleased/obeyed). Druids were priestly intermediaries. They spoke to the spirits. Mother goddess - associated with nature (Great Mother) Great Father - associated with the tribe

6. Christianity The Britons were conquered by Rome. Rome’s rule over Britons began with Julius Caesar in 55 B.C. and culminated with Claudius in the 1st century A.D. Christianity took hold and the Celtic religion began to vanish.

7. 410 A.D. - Mid 5 th Century Roman troops left Britain. Without Roman control, Britain was a country with several different clans. Invasions by non-Christian people occurred from the Germanic regions of Europe (Angles & Saxons). The Celts put up a powerful fight but retreated to Wales.

8. Anglo-Saxon England Several independent principalities each with its own king Alfred the Great (871-899) led the Anglo- Saxons against the Danes. England became a true nation.

9. Juxtaposition: Christianity & Paganism Christianity began to emerge again, led by St. Augustine (1st archbishop of Canterbury). The Anglo-Saxon religion was strong - Thor, god of thunder & lightning, was a terrifying god. The Earth Mother was the goddess of childbearing & homemaking. Anglo-Saxon altars were alongside Christian altars.

10. Life of Anglo-Saxons Craftsmen Historians Scholars Poets Warfare was constant between tribes and clans. Law & order was the responsibility of the leader of the group. Loyalty to the leader brought fame & success. Success was measured in gifts from the leader.

11. Homestead Cluster of single family homesteads surrounding chieftain’s hall Protected by a wooden fence Sense of security and close relationships between leader and followers Community discussions and rule by consensus

12. Communal Hall A place of entertainment where bards were considered just as “manly” as warriors through their poetry which they recited with a harp They reflected the ideals of the people – their views on war, disease, and old age.

13. Dragon Personification of “death and devourer” The guardian of the grave mound (where a warrior’s ashes were kept with his treasures) One major aspect of their religion focused on the “manly” virtues of bravery, loyalty, generosity, and friendship.

14. Beowulf It is the 1st great work of national literature (similar to Illiad and Odyssey). Uses traditional motifs (recurring themes) associated with heroic literature. Oral art - Passed on through the years by storytellers; probably first recorded in writing by a monk in 700-750 A.D.

15. More about Beowulf Poem is based on early folklore and legend rather than the time period Compared to the epics of Homer with 15,000 lines, Beowulf is short with about 3,200 lines. The only manuscript we have is from the year 1000.

16. Characters and Places Beowulf - son of Edgetho and nephew of the King of the Geats, Higlac Brecca - chief of the tribe called Brondings, and a friend of Beowulf Grendel – man-eating monster Herot - the golden guest hall built by King Hrothgar, the Danish ruler

17. Hrothgar - King of the Danes, a friend of Beowulf’s father Unferth - one of Hrothgar’s courtiers and a skilled warrior. Beowulf uses his sword, called Hrunting. Welthow - Hrothgar’s wife Wqiglaf - a great warrior and the only one to help Beowulf in his fight with the dragon More Characters and Places

18. The End