1. The Anglo-Saxon Period (449-1066 A.D.) Study Guide/Notes

2. Beginnings 5th Century A.D. Germanic peoples of three different tribes came together to form England: Angles, Saxons, and Jutes (the Anglo-Saxons). Spoke what is now known as “Old English” Start of British Literature Originally pagans (non- Christians).

3. Oral Tradition and Meaning Poetry was musical and performed by Scops (singer-poets), accompanied by harps. Beo means "bright" or "noble," wulf means (surprise!) Beowulf means "bright surprise"

4. Epic and Characteristics of Beowulf was the first epic poem in the English Language. (Others include: The Iliad, The Odyssey) Characteristics of epic: Hero is of noble birth, or high position Hero’s character traits reflect important ideals of his society Hero performs courageous or superhuman deeds that reflect the values of the era. The actions of the hero often determine the fate of a nation The setting is vast in scope, often involving one or more nation. Reflects timeless value such as courage and honor. Contains universal themes, such as good or evil or life and death.

5. “Beowulf” the epic The author of the poem is unknown. Composed between 700 and 750 A.D. Christian writer Written in England Story takes place in the region of Scandanavia (country of Denmark). England

6. “Beowulf” the epic The oldest surviving English poem – (3000 lines) Written in Anglo- Saxon (Old English)Old English Contains a mix of Christian/Pagan themes.

7. “Beowulf” the epic - Manuscripts The sole existing manuscript of Beowulf was written in the eleventh century In 1731 a fire badly damaged the manuscript and portions of it disappeared.

8. Literary Terms Assonance the repetition of vowel sounds but not consonant sounds Ex: The fleet sweep by the sleeping geese Alliteration - the repetition of initial consonant sounds in neighboring words. Ex: Now Beowulf bode in the burg of the…

9. Literary Terms Figurative Language writing that departs from literal meaning in order to achieve a special effect or meaning. Figurative language includes metaphors, similes…. Caesura a natural pause or break. Example: England - how I long for thee! Imagery language that evokes one or all of the five senses: seeing, hearing, tasting, smelling, touching. Kenning Descriptive phrases that substitute for nouns “strong-hearted wakeful sleeper” (refers to Beowulf)

10. Setting Denmark (known as Geatland) and Sweden (a region in Northern Europe) Herot The palace where the King Hrothgar and his warrior fighters resided. The Mead Hall One of the rooms in Herot where the warriors socialized

11. The Characters The Danes- A group of mighty warriors who have been ravaged by the monster of Grendel. The Geats- The group of powerful warriors who travel from Denmark to confront the evil that the Danes are confronted with

12. The Characters Beowulf – Prince of the Geats Grendel – the monster who ravaged the Danes for 12 long winters. Grendel’s mother – avenges Grendel’s death. Hrothgar - the king of the Danes. The fire dragon- is provoked by a thief who tries to steal its treasure; Beowulf’s last battle is with the fire dragon. Wiglaf - helps Beowulf slay the dragon when the rest of the men run away. Also conveys Beowulf's last message to his people.