Epic Poetry and Beowulf

Epic Defined An epic is a long narrative poem that recounts the adventures of a legendary hero in pursuit of a goal of national importance. The hero’s accomplishments reflect the values of his culture.

Elements of the Epic Epic Hero Central character Usually of noble or semi-divine birth Uses his courage, skill, and virtue against evil forces Quest Hero goes on a long, dangerous journey Quest is the chance to prove his heroism and win honor

Elements of the Epic Valorous Deeds These actions demonstrate the hero’s courage, strength, or virtue Make up most of the action in an epic Divine Intervention Occurs in most epics Hero receives help from a god or another supernatural force

Elements of the Epic Great Events Important events from the history or mythology of a nation or culture often provide the themes and backdrop

Types of Epics Folk Epics Stories about heroes were recited or sung (oral tradition!) and passed down generations. Written down long after composed Examples: Gilgamesh and Beowulf Literary Epics Written down by individual authors Examples: Odyssey by Homer

Epic Conventions Epics share certain literary or formal characteristics: Opens by stating the subject or purpose, followed by the invocation of a muse Plot begins in medias res (in the middle of things) Serious in tone and lofty in style – used to convey the importance of events Long speeches by the characters and lists of battles, weapons, and royal gifts suggest formality

Definitions Scop- a traveling storyteller of the Anglo-Saxon period. Scops were expected to have a broad repetoire of tales and to be able to compose tales for their patrons.

Definitions Comitatus- The Germanic code of loyalty. Thanes, or warriors, swore loyalty to their king, who would in turn reciprocate their loyalty with gifts of treasure and land. One made a reputation in this way.

Definitions Wergild- “Man-payment,” the practice of paying a slain man’s family to atone for the deed and to prevent them from taking revenge against the man-slayer.

Beowulf Introduction An epic dated somewhere between the 5th and 6th centuries Action takes place in Scandinavia, but was originally told in Old English Not written down until the 11th century Story is divided into three agons (conflicts) Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and the dragon

Beowulf Introduction Action packed – the hero must fight 3 monsters Why is Beowulf so great?!?! Action packed – the hero must fight 3 monsters Men are eaten alive, limbs are torn off Characters are kings, princes, and warriors A main character with magical qualities he can swim for days on end and hold his breath for a really long time Beowulf: Beo = Bear; Wulf = Wolf…so no ordinary human