– Joseph Campbell The Power of Myth Beowulf “By monster I mean some horrendous presence or apparition that explodes all of your standards for harmony, order and ethical conduct.” – Joseph Campbell The Power of Myth

Where Kings Are Warriors “Battle is a way of life, a necessary function of the worthiest members of society. Kings, and warriors generally…are the successful men of the time, the corporation presidents, the space explorers, and the movie stars. They are the people to be known about, to be emulated, but not blindly, not only because they are successful (death being the supreme product of their occupation). Theirs is the good and their deeds they are the embodiment of the Anglo-Saxon way of life.” -Burton Raffel

Background Beowulf Is the oldest of the long great poems in existence today. Was written in 580-1000AD. Was not complete and much has been lost. Is the beginning of English Literature. Was written by Christians but actually took place during the Pagan period.

Background Beowulf is a poem about war heroes. This poem is full of religious elements, even though its basis may be a pagan heroic code. The poet sings to the “Almighty,” and many references are made to God, God’s creation, and the need to thank God. Most important of all, it is God who leads Beowulf to victory over Grendel’s mother.

The Dragon Slayer This is a story about a hero from the misty reaches of the English past, a hero who faces violence, horror, and even death to save a people in mortal danger. Beowulf is ancient England’s hero. This hero-type is the dragon slayer, representing a besieged community facing evil forces that lurk in the cold darkness. And Grendel, the monster lurking in the depths of the lagoon, representing all those threatening forces.

The Epic The epic form emerged four thousand years ago. Epics celebrated mythic men and explained their world while channeling the poetic force of language. From Arabic Babylon to Anglo-Saxon Britain, the epic hero embodied his specific culture’s ideals. The Odyssey stands among the world’s greatest epics. Its motifs of a journeying warrior, the clash of fate and will, and the quest to surpass human limits still shape today’s stories.

The Epic Hero Characteristics of an Epic Hero: Is significant & glorified, Is on a quest, Has superior or superhuman strength, intelligence, and/or courage, Is ethical, Risks death for glory or for the greater good of society, Performs brave deeds, Is a strong and responsible leader, & reflects the ideals of a particular society. An epic hero is the central figure in an epic (a heroic poem) who has superior qualities and risks personal danger to pursue a grand quest.

The Epic Hero continued… The heroic ideal was that you either died gloriously in battle to be granted immortality or have children to carry on your legacy. They did not believe in an afterlife, so in order to be immortalized their story was told through songs, chants, and poetry.

Beowulf Summary Denmark’s King Hrothgar builds a huge hall for his people. Their noisy celebrations infuriate a monster named Grendel, who terrorizes and attacks them, killing many. A young hero named Beowulf from nearby Geatland saves the Danes by killing Grendel and later Grendel’s mother. Beowulf eventually becomes king of Geatland and dies an old man, defending his people from a dragon.

Hrothgar and Grendel’s Home Beowulf’s Home Hrothgar and Grendel’s Home

An Image is Worth a Thousand Words Beowulf is rich with imagery (word pictures that appeal to the senses). While reading Beowulf take note of the different images used to describe Beowulf (the character). Be able to discuss the question: What does the imagery reveal about Beowulf’s character? Are the images primarily positive or negative? How does the imagery contribute to your perception of Beowulf as an epic hero? Example: “Silvery metal of his mailshirt/gleaming” “heart is firm”