1. SEPTEMBER 23 RD, 2014 BEOWULF AND OLD ENGLISH

2. EPIC POETRY An EPIC POEM is a long narrative poem that celebrates a hero’s accomplishments. Usually shared orally, however, Beowulf is the earliest written epic poem. Characteristics of an epic poem: Theme of good vs. evil The hero (usually male) is of noble birth or highly favored Motifs including courage, bravery, and heroic deeds In old Anglo-Saxon society, people would gather together to listen to poet-singers recite epic poems.

4. HISTORY OF BEOWULF Likely written between 800-1000 AD, however, Beowulf likely takes place in the sixth century in what is now Denmark and Sweden. There is no proof that Beowulf existed, but we do know that his uncle, Hygelac, was a prominent military figure. Around the time Beowulf was written the Roman Empire fell and the Anglo-Saxons were converted to Christianity. Beowulf himself would not have been a Christian, but the Beowulf-poet was, hence the heavy Christian influence within Beowulf.

5. OLD ENGLISH COMPARING OLD VS. MIDDLE VS. MODERN

6. THE THREE TYPES OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE Old English (449-1100 AD): A Germanic language; the earliest known version of the English language. Example: Beowulf Middle English (1100-1500 AD): A more developed form of English, with roots in Latin and French. Example: The Canterbury Tales Modern English (1500-present): The language of Shakespeare’s day is actually considered Modern English, however, we speak a very different version today! Example: Romeo and Juliet, Twitter?

7. OLD ENGLISH MANUSCRIPTS Anglo-Saxon manuscripts were usually written on specially treated animal skins or membranes. Scribes would copy the story onto the pages with special inks and decorate the pages with designs.