Beowulf Why Beowulf? English History Setting Poetic devices Terms Motifs

Why Study Beowulf? 1. Beowulf is the oldest poem in the English language, so everything written since Beowulf stems from it in some way 2. The story of Beowulf encompasses common themes that we still see in English literature today 3. Beowulf is simply good writing

Early History of England First settlers were the Celts around 400 B.C. Their religion was based on animism—they saw spirits everywhere Priests (druids) acted as intermediaries between gods and people Importance of Stonehenge Celtic stories—women warriors, mother goddess, male god Romans invaded 55 B.C. Angles, Saxons invaded from Germany King Alfred of Wessex

8. Religion of Anglo-Saxons a. Co-existed with Christianity b. Woden c. Dragon d. Ethics 9. Bards, scops Importance of Irish monks, monastaries

Beowulf’s Provenance What we don’t know: who wrote it when exactly it was written how much, exactly, is based on historical truth

Beowulf’s Provenance What we do know: Beowulf is the oldest surviving English poem. It’s written in Old English (or Anglo-Saxon), which is the basis for the language we speak today. Some of the characters in the poem actually existed. The only copy of the manuscript was written sometime around the 11th century A.D. (1000’s), however…

Beowulf’s Provenance So what’s happened to the manuscript since the 11th century? Eventually, it ended up in the library of this guy. Robert Cotton (1571-1631)

Beowulf’s Provenance Unfortunately, Cotton’s library burned in 1731. Many manuscripts were entirely destroyed. Beowulf was partially damaged. The manuscript is now preserved and carefully cared for in the British Museum.

Setting: Beowulf’s time and place Although Beowulf was written in English, it is set in what is now Sweden, where a tribe called the Geats lived. The story may take place as early as 400 or 500 A.D.

Setting: Beowulf’s time and place Insert: Time of Beowulf Europe today

A few things to watch out for The Poetry in Beowulf A few things to watch out for 1. Alliterative verse Repetition of initial sounds of words (occurs in every line) b. Generally, four feet/beats per line c. A caesura, or pause, between beats two and four d. No rhyme

A few things to watch out for The Poetry in Beowulf A few things to watch out for Alliterative verse – an example from Beowulf: Oft Scyld Scefing sceapena praetum, Monegum maegpum meodo-setla ofteah; Egsode Eorle, syddan aerest weard.

A few things to watch out for The Poetry in Beowulf A few things to watch out for There was Shield Sheafson, scourge of many tribes, A wrecker of mead-benches, rampaging among foes. The terror of the hall-troops had come far.

A few things to watch out for The Poetry in Beowulf A few things to watch out for 2. Kennings a. Compound metaphor (usually two words) b. Most were probably used over and over For instance: hronade literally means “whale-road,” but can be translated as “sea”

Some terms you’ll want to know scop A bard or story-teller. The scop was responsible for praising deeds of past heroes, for recording history, and for providing entertainment

Some terms you’ll want to know thane A warrior mead-hall The large hall where the lord and his warriors slept, ate, held ceremonies, etc.

Some terms you’ll want to know wyrd Fate. This idea crops up a lot in the poem, while at the same time there are Christian references to God’s will.

Some terms you’ll want to know epic Beowulf is an epic poem. Epic heroes represent the finest values of civilization; ethical Face extraordinary obstacles Seem to be superhuman but they’re mortal Perform brave deeds Quest or journey with followers Name their horses/swords

Motifs and Important Aspects 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