Beowulf Introduction

Introduction Time period - years 500 to 1100 449 AD--Angles, Saxons, and Jutes invade Britain 597 AD--St. Augustine arrives to convert the pagans 8th century--Danes invade (but are eventually defeated in 871) 1066--Norman conquest--Battle of Hastings Passed down through the oral tradition Many elements of the story trace back to Scandinavian and Celtic folk tales Later influenced by Christianity First written down in the 1200’s

Literary Terms To Know Epic: a long narrative poem usually involving a journey & a hero Kennings: metaphorical phrases that replace concrete nouns Caesura: a natural pause in the middle of a line of poetry which were used to help scops (traveling minstrels) remember the poem

A helmet found in a 7th century ship burial in southern Sweden. Sweden is Beowulf’s homeland, and the poem takes place in southern Sweden and Denmark. A helmet found in a 7th century ship burial in southern Sweden.

The original author of Beowulf is unknown. However, he probably came from an area now known as East Anglia.

Sutton Hoo A horde of Anglo-Saxon objects was found in this area, much like many objects referenced in the poem. An intact ship burial was found on the site. Helmet Buckle Shield Coins

Writing a Summary Working with a partner, create a list of the important details from the first part of Beowulf, “The Wrath of Grendel.” Consider the following: Who are the main characters? What are the most important things that happen?

Writing a Summary Next, let’s compare your list with mine.

People / Places Hrothgar – king Grendel – monster / villain Herot – the mead hall where the warriors lived

The Wrath of Grendel Grendel is born of Cain – pure evil Grendel kills 30 of Hrothgar’s warriors Grendel terrorizes Herot for 12 winters Hrothgar’s throne is blessed by god – Grendel is unable to touch him Warriors make heathen offerings to try to defeat Grendel

Beowulf’s Heroic Traits Looks impressive Special weapons Strong, brave Beowulf will not use his weapons-- he will fight Grendel with his bare hands

The Coming of Beowulf Beowulf and 14 warriors sail to the land of the Danes to get rid of Grendel Beowulf’s arrival is unexpected – Watchman is suspicious Beowulf boasts to Hrothgar of his own accomplishments (bragging on yourself was OK in Anglo-Saxon culture) Beowulf says the outcome is in God’s hands

The Battle with Grendel No man’s sword can harm Grendel because he has cursed all men’s weapons Beowulf rips Grendel’s arm off at the shoulder Grendel runs home and dies Beowulf hangs Grendel’s arm from the rafters

The Monster’s Lair Grendel’s mom kills Hrothgar’s best friend & steals Grendel’s arm They live in an underwater lair at the bottom of an evil, dangerous lake Details about the lake: darkness, no one knows the bottom, snakelike roots, animals would rather die than swim in the water

Battle with Grendel’s Mother Hrunting--sword given to Beowulf by Unferth (importance of weapons in Anglo-Saxon / Viking warrior culture) Beowulf spends hours sinking to the bottom to Grendel’s mother’s lair Heroic quality-supernatural ability

Battle with Grendel’s Mother Deus ex machina--contrived plot resolution Examples: Beowulf ends up in a battle hall to fight Grendel’s mother Happens to be a giant’s sword there he can use to kill Grendel’s mother

The Last Battle After many years Beowulf becomes king. New Character: Wiglaf – stays by Beowulf’s side and helps him defeat the dragon Beowulf returns home to Geatland. He is old but determined to kill the dragon that is terrorizing his kingdom Beowulf’s shield melts & sword breaks His men all desert him (except Wiglaf) Beowulf is mortally wounded by the dragon

THe Spoils Dragon’s lair holds piles of treasure, but it is in poor condition. Beowulf dies. Before he dies, he asks that a tower be built to honor him. Beowulf gives Wiglaf his gold necklace (symbol of power passing to new king). Wiglaf denounces the other warriors who failed to help Beowulf defeat the dragon.

The Farewell The tower is built in Beowulf’s memory. Beowulf’s ashes are sealed inside and the dragon’s treasure is buried in the sand. 12 of the bravest warriors ride horses around the tower & tell stories.