1. Notes about Beowulf 1st thing found written in English language It’s an epic—includes many motifs (recurring elements) of heroic literature that are found around the world…and throughout time about 3200 lines for the bard to memorize and perform composed in Old English ancient story…put to music much later person who wrote down the words of our version was probably a monk because there are obvious Christian add-ons

2. Qualities of an Epic Epic = Long narratives (stories—older ones in poetic form) about the adventures of larger- than-life characters (Beowulf). The hero is a great leader strongly identified with a particular people or society. The hero is a great leader strongly identified with a particular people or society. The setting of the story is broad…often includes scenes from the upper and lower worlds. The setting of the story is broad…often includes scenes from the upper and lower worlds.

3. The hero does great deeds in battle and/or goes on a dangerous journey (quest). The hero does great deeds in battle and/or goes on a dangerous journey (quest). Sometimes the supernatural plays a part (gods, monsters, magical weapons, magical beings, etc.) Sometimes the supernatural plays a part (gods, monsters, magical weapons, magical beings, etc.) The story is told in heightened language (language that is really fancy). The story is told in heightened language (language that is really fancy).