Beowulf More information about the elements and characteristics of the epic

Stock Epithets and Kennings Stock epithets are adjectives that point out special traits of particular persons or things. In The Iliad, Homer used the stock epithet “swift-footed” to describe Achilles.

Stock Epithets and Kennings A kenning is a descriptive phrase or compound word that substitutes for a noun. In Beowulf, the kennings “the Almighty’s enemy” and “sin-stained demon” are used in place of Grendel’s name.

Characteristics of an Epic The hero, generally a male, is of noble birth or high position, and often of great historical or legendary importance.

Characteristics of an Epic The hero, generally a male, is of noble birth or high position, and often of great historical or legendary importance. The hero’s character traits reflect important ideals of his society.

Characteristics of an Epic The hero’s character traits reflect important ideals of his society. The hero performs courageous – sometimes even superhuman – deeds that reflect the values of the era.

Characteristics of an Epic The hero performs courageous – sometimes even superhuman – deeds that reflect the values of the era. The actions of the hero often determine the fate of a nation or group of people.

Characteristics of an Epic The actions of the hero often determine the fate of a nation or group of people. The setting is vast in scope, often involving more than one nation.

Characteristics of an Epic The setting is vast in scope, often involving more than one nation. The poet uses formal diction and a serious tone. Major characters often deliver long, formal speeches.

Characteristics of an Epic The poet uses formal diction and a serious tone. Major characters often deliver long, formal speeches. The plot is complicated by supernatural beings or events and may involve a long and dangerous journey through foreign lands.

Characteristics of an Epic The plot is complicated by supernatural beings or events and may involve a long and dangerous journey through foreign lands. The poem reflects timeless values, such as courage and honor.

Characteristics of an Epic The poem reflects timeless values, such as courage and honor. The poem treats universal themes, such as good and evil or life and death.

Beowulf

Beowulf in Old English This is what Beowulf sounded like when scops originally performed it in Anglo-Saxon times. Click here.

Setting and History The tribes of Angles, Saxons, and Jutes who settled on the island of Britain established what is now called Anglo-Saxon civilization. However, their famous tale of the hero Beowulf takes place on the European mainland among two related tribes, the Danes of what is now Denmark and the Geats of what is now Sweden. SWEDEN Beowulf’s Homeland (Geats) Herot . (Danes) GERMANY

Setting and History Herot Beowulf is a Geat warrior who crosses the sea to aid the Danes and later returns to Sweden to succeed his uncle Hygelac as king of the Geats. Although we do not know whether Beowulf ever really lived, we do know that Hygelac was a historical figure who led a military raid some time around the year 525. The action of Beowulf is presumably set not long afterward. SWEDEN Beowulf’s Homeland (Geats) Herot . (Danes) GERMANY

Source Applebee, Arthur N. , et al, eds. The Language of Literature. Evanston, Illinois; Boston; Dallas: McDougal Littell, 2000.

An Introduction to Anglo-Saxon Culture

Anglo-Saxon Clothing Common clothing consisted of wool tunics.

Anglo-Saxon Religion The Anglo-Saxons had pagan religious beliefs (they believed in many Gods). They also believed in “wyrd,” or fate. Christianity came in the late sixth century. Religion “ensured” success in material things. It is believed that female slaves were sacrificed when their male owners died.

The Life of an Anglo-Saxon Early Anglo-Saxon invaders were seafarers who led short, bleak, violent lives. Anglo-Saxons admired heroic warriors. After they settled in Britain, they became more agricultural, more secure, more civilized, and less violent.

Anglo-Saxon Food and Drink The Anglo-Saxons used jugs, goblets, and Ox horns to hold beer, mead, or wine. They used spoons, knives, and – of course – fingers to eat with. Forks were not invented until hundreds of years later. They baked bread and roasted or boiled meat. For vegetables, they mainly ate peas and beans. There were no potatoes. Potatoes didn't arrive in Britain until hundreds of years later, when they were brought from America. Food was cooked in one large pot over a fire. Soups and stews were common.

Anglo-Saxon Weaponry and Armor These items were found at the Anglo- Saxon burial site of Sutton Hoo. Much of the armor and weaponry was decorated with intricate designs.

Sutton Hoo Sutton Hoo is a group of Anglo-Saxon burial mounds. The mounds overlook the River Deben in southeastern Suffolk county, England.

Language and Writing The Anglo-Saxons spoke Old English. The Anglo-Saxons used a writing system called the runic alphabet. The Anglo-Saxons believed that arranging runes in certain ways enabled words to conjure up magic.

History of the Anglo-Saxons The Anglo-Saxon period lasted from 449 to 1066. The Angles, Saxons, and Jutes left their northern European homes and settled on Britain’s eastern and southern shores. SWEDEN

History of the Anglo-Saxons King Arthur and the Britons fought the invaders, but the Britons were driven back to Cornwall and Wales. King Arthur and the Britons were driven back to HERE and HERE.

History of the Anglo-Saxons The Angles, Saxons, and Jutes organized themselves into a confederation of seven kingdoms known as the Heptarchy: Northumbria, Mercia, East Anglia Essex, Kent, Wessex, and Sussex.

Anglo-Saxon History Continued In the 790s, the Danes (Vikings) invaded Britain. The Danes looted monasteries and gained control of northern and eastern England. SWEDEN

Anglo-Saxon History Continued In 878 and 886, Alfred the Great defeated the Danes and halted their southward advance. In 1016, a Dane named Canute became king of all England. Alfred the Great Canute

Anglo-Saxon History Continued On December 25, 1066, William the Conqueror of Normandy (northern France) defeated the English forces of King Harold Godwinson at the Battle of Hastings and became king of Britain. William established a feudal state that brought order, peace, and law to England; promoted commerce; and created a strong, long-lasting central government. William the Conqueror

Anglo-Saxon History Continued William’s ascent to the English throne in 1066 brought Norman culture and leadership to England. The numbering system of the English (or British) Monarchs regards William as the Founder of the State of England. William I had the White Tower built in the Tower of London. William the Conqueror (William I) The White Tower chapel was built in the Norman style.