Viking

Germanic

Spear

Dragon ship

Headstrong

Merciless

The Anglo-Saxon Period Beowulf and The Anglo-Saxon Period This period is the earliest recorded time period in English history. Rievaulx Abbey, North Yorkshire.

Anglo who? Anglo-Saxon is the term used historically to describe any member of the Germanic peoples who, from the 5th century ce (Christian era) to the time of the Norman Conquest (1066), inhabited and ruled territories that are today part of England and Wales.

Where did the Anglo-Saxons come from Where did the Anglo-Saxons come from? The Anglo-Saxons left their homelands in northern Germany, Denmark and The Netherlands and rowed across the North Sea in wooden boats to Britain. The Anglo-Saxon period ranges from 410-1066. It ends with the Battle of Hastings where the French, under the leadership of William the Conqueror invaded England.

Way of life...

Beowulf marks the beginning of English literature The story of Beowulf Beowulf marks the beginning of English literature Beowulf is one of the earliest pieces of literature known in the English language written in Old English.

Anglo-Saxon Literature Few people read in this period. Oral tradition – was performed and/or sung by a Bard (Scop) from memory in Old English. This is why there are often several versions of the same story. Scops – poet/minstrels. Authors were unknown.

Can you read Old English? Now they raised a golden standard High at his head; let him to ride Gave him to ocean; troubled hearts, Mourning minds. No man knows Can tell for certain, wise counsellor Or earthly hero, what had that cargo. From the Index line 47-52.

The story of Beowulf wasn’t written down until about 700 AD by “The Beowulf Poet” who is unknown. He wrote down the poem which for many years had been only sung or spoken. Scholars believe “The Beowulf Poet” was most likely a Christian monk, thus adding a Christian perspective.

Can you give examples of other Epics?…. Epic poem EPIC – a long, narrative poem that relates the great deeds of a larger-than-life hero who embodies the values of a particular society. Can you give examples of other Epics?….

Summary of Epic features A long narrative poem. Larger than life hero; often with super-human characteristics. Concerns eternal human problems like the struggle between good and evil. Presented in a serious manner using elevated (poetic) language. Hero represents widespread national, cultural, or religious values.

BEOWULF is divided into 3 sections concerning Beowulf’s 3 epic battles with evil. The battle with Grendel. The battle with Grendel's mother. The battle with the dragon. Beowulf himself represents GOOD. loyalty valor Selflessness sense of justice

Characteristic language features in Beowulf Kenning: a metaphorical phrase used to replace a concrete noun. Compound metaphor (usually two words) Ex: sea = whale’s home Ex: blood= battle-sweat Ex: sword= light of battle

The mead-hall originated in Europe as a gathering place for the community, where the rulers lived and administered daily functions, and their warriors served as faithful retainers MEAD-HALL The word "hall" obviously refers to the structure itself, but mead indicates what would happen in the hall. Mead is an alcoholic beverage made of fermented honey, revealing that feasting was a major aspect of the hall's use.

Outstanding characters in the story: Beowulf The protagonist of the epic, Beowulf is a Geatish hero who fights the monster Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and a fire- breathing dragon. Beowulf’s boasts and encounters reveal him to be the strongest, ablest warrior around. In his youth, he personifies all of the best values of the heroic culture.

King Hrothgar The king of the Danes. Hrothgar enjoys military success and prosperity until Grendel terrorizes his realm. A wise and aged ruler, Hrothgar represents a different kind of leadership from that exhibited by the youthful warrior Beowulf. He is a father figure to Beowulf and a model for the kind of king that Beowulf becomes.

Grendel He is a man-eating demon (never a good sign) that lives in the land of the Spear-Danes and attacks King Hrothgar's mead-hall, Heorot, every evening.

Grendel's mother She is not as huge or as powerful as the son, but she is motivated by revenge.

Themes in Beowulf Good vs Evil Religion: Christian and Pagan influences The importance of wealth and treasure The importance of the sea and sailing The sanctity of the home Fate Loyalty and allegiance Heroism and heroic deeds

If you are interested in seeing the original manuscript, you can always visit the British Museum in London. www.britishmuseum.org