Dictionary.com: he·ro –noun, plural heroes 1. a man of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities. 2. a person who, in the opinion of others, has heroic qualities or has performed a heroic act and is regarded as a model or ideal: He was a local hero when he saved the drowning child. 3. the principal male character in a story, play, film, etc. 4. Classical Mythology: a. a being of godlike prowess and beneficence who often came to be honored as a divinity. b. (in the Homeric period) a warrior-chieftain of special strength, courage, or ability. c. (in later antiquity) an immortal being; demigod.

The Epic Hero Characteristics: imposing stature (physical as well as social stature) his style is grand yet simple his setting is vast/larger than life has super human courage & strength faces supernatural forces

 What does someone have to do in order to be a hero?  Examples? (book, movie, TV, cartoon)  What makes this individual a hero in your opinion? Respond…

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READ HISTORICAL BACKGROUND Textbook Pg 36

Modern English Beowulf Passage So. The Spear-Danes in days gone by and the kings who ruled them had courage and greatness. We have heard of those princes’ heroic campaigns. There was Shield Sheafson, scourge of many tribes, a wrecker of mead-benches, rampaging among foes. This terror of the hall-troops had come far. A founding to start with, he would flourish later on as his powers waxed and his worth was proved. In the end each clan on the outlying coasts beyond the whale-road had to yield to him and begin to pay tribute. That was one good king. Afterwards a boy-child was born to Shield, a cub in the yard, a comfort sent by God to that nation. He knew what they had tholed, the long times and troubles they’d come through without a leader; Old English Beowulf Passage

Let’s Listen Link

Let’s Review the Manuscript’s Timeline A.D. -- Christian poet composed the poem Handwritten by a monk around 1000 A.D. Written in Old English Damaged by fire in 1731 Currently at British Library (a museum)

Images of Beowulf

Where the action takes place

Exterior of a 9 th C. Great Hall and surroundings

Interior of a Great Hall – 9 th C

VIKING SHIP

As we read, ask yourself, “What is heroism?” Strong will? Bravery Valor in battle? Concern for others? Are the same traits required for a warrior and for a king?

Also ask yourself, “Is Beowulf an Epic Hero?” Why does Beowulf take action? Selfish motives? Treasure Glory Selfless motives? To save the people Preservation of the community

Time Map Why????? Summarize information Note taking method Present information in a format that shows the overall structure of your subject

Directions 1. Requires a clear start, a time line of events and a conclusion 2. Use lots of colors, markers, pencils, different textures 3. Use images/symbols wherever possible 4. Branch off as needed 5. Use key words and phrases as necessary to summarize each section of the epic

Minimum of 16 check points Your time map should fill up the majority of an 8 x 11 sheet of paper. Add titles, drawings, whatever you think is appropriate to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the story’s content and plot. Requirements

Suggestions Setting elements can be symbols For example, the lake = hell What setting would = heaven? Stereotypes, objects, and other aspects of the epic can also represent symbols – be creative; think outside the box!

Have fun with this assignment! Now, using the Interactive Reader, we will read the story of Beowulf and Grendel.