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Beowulf ► Composed around 700 A.D. ► The story had been in circulation as an oral narrative for many years before it was written. ► The action of the poem takes place around 500 AD ► Poet is reviving the heroic language, style and values and pagan values of ancient Germanic oral poetry ► The poem deals with ancient Germanic forebears, the Danes and the Geats ► Only a single manuscript of the poem survived the Anglo-Saxon era. In the 1700’s it was nearly destroyed in a fire ► At 3215 lines, it is smaller than most epics.

The Epic A long narrative poem that relates the great deeds of a larger-than-life hero who embodies the values of a particular society. Often include elements of myth and legend. Tone is serious. Language is “high” (grand, fancy, not commonplace) Involves an “epic hero.” Epic hero usually goes on a long, dangerous journey.

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Epic Hero “Larger than Life” Often possesses an exceptional ability of some sort. Is required to do something only he can do to save himself, others, and possibly a way of life. Embodies honorable traits, such as loyalty, courage, and a sense of justice. Goes on a long dangerous journey that sometimes includes self discovery.

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Archetypes An archetype is a pattern that appears in literature across cultures and is repeated through the ages. An archetype can be a character, plot or story line, an image, or even a setting. In Beowulf, the hero archetype is the dragon slayer.

Christianity in Beowulf Many references to God. God is given credit for man’s success. Cain story is specifically alluded to. However, Beowulf does a lot of boasting, which is generally unChristian. This is an influence from the Anglo-Saxon warrior culture.

Kenning a compound expression in Old English and Old Norse poetry with metaphorical meaning. Example: Whale-road What does this refer to?

Kenning a compound expression in Old English and Old Norse poetry with metaphorical meaning. Example: Spear-din What does this refer to?

Alliteration The repetition of initial consonant sounds in words that appear close together. There are 3 examples of alliteration in the following line: A powerful monster, living down in the darkness, growled in pain, impatient

Alliteration The repetition of initial consonant sounds in words that appear close together. The “P” sounds A powerful monster, living down in the darkness, growled in pain, impatient

Alliteration The repetition of initial consonant sounds in words that appear close together. The “D” sounds A powerful monster, living down in the darkness, growled in pain, impatient

Alliteration The repetition of initial consonant sounds in words that appear close together. The “N” sounds A powerful monster, living down in the darkness, growled in pain, impatient

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Symbolism Characters, settings, and events often represent larger ideas. Grendel, one of the fearsome monsters in Beowulf, symbolizes pure evil.