BEOWULF and the Anglo-Saxon Period

Anglo-Saxon Timeline Before we look at the Anglo-Saxon culture and Beowulf, we need to understand what happened before, during and after the time period Anyone know anything about the Anglo-Saxon time period or culture???

The Celts in Britain Before and during the 4th century B.C. Britain home to several Celtic tribes Britain named for one of the Celtic tribes – Brythons Celtic religion is a form of animism Druids were Celtic priests

The Roman Occupation 55 B.C. Julius Caesar invades Britain A.D. 43 Hadrian’s Wall Julius Caesar invades Britain A.D. 43 Celts defeated by Claudius Romans build walls, villas, baths, roads A.D. 409 QUESTIONS At the beginning of the 5th century, the Roman Empire was attacked by barbarian tribes, and in A.D. 410 the Visigoths sacked Rome itself. Given this information, why do you think the Romans evacuated their troops in A.D. 409? [Possible response: Roman generals and troops were needed to help out at home. Rome was constantly under barbarian attack.] BACKGROUND INFORMATION The Roman Empire occupied not only the British Isles, but also most of Europe, Asia Minor, the Middle East, and North Africa—including what is now Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, Holland, Spain, Portugal, Armenia, parts of southern Russia, western Romania, Greece, Turkey, Persia, Syria, Jordan, Palestine, Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco. The five thousand miles of stone roads built by the Romans linked tribal capitals and towns, especially London, York, and Winchester. The defensive wall, Hadrian’s Wall, linked the North Sea and the Atlantic near the present-day border between England and Scotland. Hadrian’s Wall held back the marauding Picts and Scots for 250 years. The Visigoths sacked Rome in A.D. 410, and the Vandals attacked in A.D. 455. The last western Roman emperor, Romulus Augustulus, was deposed in A.D. 476 by the German chief Odovacar. Romans evacuate their troops Britain left vulnerable to attack Central government breaks down Roman ruins

The Anglo-Saxon Invasion Jutes Angles Saxons Celts QUESTIONS Which three tribes are known as the Anglo-Saxons? [Angles, Saxons, and Jutes] Where did they come from? [northern Germany, Denmark, and northern Holland] How did they get to Britain? [They rowed across the North Sea in wooden boats.] BACKGROUND King Alfred the Great came from Wessex. By the middle of the tenth century, the Wessex kings had become the kings of all England. Northumbria was known as a center of learning and the arts. The religious art mixed Celtic and Anglo-Saxon influences. The Monastery of Lindisfarne (from which come the Lindisfarne Gospels) is located on Holy Island, off the northwest coast of Northumbria. In Sutton Hoo, East Anglia, a burial mound of an Anglo-Saxon king was discovered in 1939. A.D. 449 The Anglo-Saxons push the Celts into the far west of the country.

King Alfred against the Danes 8th–9th centuries Vikings called Danes invade Britain 871 Alfred of Wessex is king of England. 878 King Alfred unifies Anglo-Saxons against the Danes. BACKGROUND: The illustration of King Sweyn’s invasion of England is notable for its lack of historical accuracy. The ship and soldiers are typical of the Middle Ages rather than the eleventh century. QUESTION: What does the illustration’s lack of historical accuracy suggest about the medieval approach to history? [Possible response: Medieval artists were not concerned with how customs changed from one historical period to another.] The Danes were one of the fierce Viking peoples who crossed the North Sea in dragon-prowed ships. The Danes plundered and destroyed all in their path, eventually settling in northeast and central England. King Alfred (849–899) truly deserves the appellation “the great.” Not only did he help save Wessex and other kingdoms in England from the Danes, but he also helped create a cohesive English society from a collection of small, fractious kingdoms. In addition, he restored cities destroyed during invasions and revived interest in learning and in the English language. King Alfred is the only British monarch who is called “the great.” The Alfred jewel is a gold and enamel jewel (9th century) thought to have belonged to King Alfred and is possibly the handle to a pointer used for following manuscript text. QUESTION The Alfred jewel shows an enameled figure of a man holding two scepters. The inscription around the edge reads: “Alfred ordered me to be made.” What symbolic significance do the two scepters have? [Possible response: They symbolize the political unity Alfred was trying to achieve.] King Sweyn and his Danish troops arrive in England, from a manuscript (c. 14th century) England becomes a nation.

The Norman Invasion 1066 William of Normandy crosses the English Channel William defeats Harold and Anglo-Saxon army French replaces English as the language of the ruling class QUESTIONS: In what country is Normandy located? [France] How did the Norman Invasion (also called the Conquest) affect the English language? [Many English words are of French origin.] BACKGROUND King Harold Godwinson was the last Anglo-Saxon king of England. Although tapestry usually involves the weaving of thread, this tapestry is actually an embroidered band of linen, 231 feet long and 19 ½ inches wide. Of particular value to historians are the details of battle tactics and equipment depicted in the work. The Norman Invasion, Bayeux Tapestry

The Spread of Christianity Around A.D. 400 Christian monks settle in Britain Christianity and Anglo-Saxon culture co-exist By A.D. 699 British pagan religions replaced by Christianity QUESTIONS The main text of the Lindisfarne Gospels (7th century) is written in Latin, the designs are influenced by Celtic art, and the marginal notes are written in Anglo-Saxon (Old English). What does that tell us about early Christianity? [Possible response: The spread of Christianity encouraged cross-cultural exchange.] BACKGROUND Ireland began a golden age during the 5th century. Unlike England, Ireland was not overrun by invaders. Then, in 432, the whole of Celtic Ireland was converted to Christianity by a Romanized Briton named Patricius (Patrick). From 432 to 750, while Europe and England sank into constant warfare, Ireland experienced a golden age. Monasteries in England served as centers of learning just as they would in the Middle Ages. The monks preserved not only the Greek classics but also some of the great works of popular literature such as Beowulf, which was first written down around A.D. 700. Due to the Christian elements in the epic, scholars believe the poet who wrote down the version of Beowulf we have today was a monk.

Religion – Nordic/animist then Christian The Anglo-Saxon Invasion Anglo-Saxon Society kinship groups led by strong warrior chief Similarity to Arthurian, Charlemagne, Celtic, Viking societies and literatures Religion – Nordic/animist then Christian Travel and trade people farmed, established local governments, produced fine craftwork BACKGROUND: Anglo-Saxon king was an absolute ruler and mighty warrior. The Anglo-Saxons had a two-class society: the thanes, or earls, who ruled and were related to the leader of the tribe; and the churls, or bondservants, whose ancestors had been captured by the tribe. King consulted with the witan (“wise men”), an assembly of respected earls. Churls provided hard labor and were bound to the earls’ service unless they could earn possessions and special royal favor to become freemen (independent landholders). Warriors were admired. Social organization based on strict laws and a sense of obligation to others. English emerged as a written language

Social attitudes Warrior–based society Focus on the hero, and trial of personal worth Security and threat – survival in harsh world Wyrd Fate – acceptance of the inevitable Comitatus Loyalty and responsibility to group Hero and trial focus The noble individual who faces a challenge Emblematic of everyone's struggle for life (physical, religious etc.) Security and threat (internal and external) The desperate challenge for survival in an often harsh environment - mostly subsistence farming with mining, art and trade, "heroes" protect the people's everyday lives Distrust of "them" - any outsider Comitatus: a social schema whereby the lord is obligated to his followers to provide them with treasure, community, and a home, when those followers are loyal, brave and willing to defend their comrades and lord at any cost. This mutual obligation creates a bond among all the men and a community in which all know their position. Group could be family, village, tribe – whatever local unit provides the protection and security

Warrior Code Comitatus: Germanic code of loyalty Thane: warrior – swears loyalty to the king for whom they fought and whom they protected Kings: generous, protected thanes Reputation: thanes were expected to be loyal, brave, courageous; kings were expected to be generous and hospitable Wergild: “man-payment”; a fee paid to the family of a slain man to atone for his murder and to prevent the family from seeking revenge.

Old English Beowulf was written in Old English, an early form of English Old English was spoken in the Middle Ages from about 6th century to 11th century CE In 1066, when William the Conqueror successfully invaded England, bringing his Norman French language with him; the nobility began to speak French, and gradually Old English evolved into Middle English (1100-1500): “Whan that Aprill, with his shoures soote/The droghte of March hath perced to the roote” Modern English has been spoken since the Renaissance – Shakespeare is NOT Old English; he is Early Modern English

Old English language and literature The Wanderer: Ðonne onwæcneð eft wineleas guma, gesihð him biforan fealwe wegas, baþian brimfuglas brædan feþra, hreosan hrim ond snaw hagle gemenged. Þonne beoð þy hefigran heortan benne, sare æfter swæsne Sorg bið geniwad Then the friendless man awakes again, He sees before him fallow waves, Sea birds bathing, preening their feathers, Frost and snow fall, mixed with hail. Then are the heavier the wounds of the heart, Grievous with longing for the lord. Sorrow is renewed

The Epic Poem An EPIC is a long narrative poem which follows a hero’s struggle against universal issues.

2 Types of Epics Folk 2. Literary Told out loud first (usually by scops) Unknown author Unknown dates (E.g.—Beowulf is a folk epic because we don’t know who wrote it) 2. Literary Known author (E.g.– Paradise Lost, by John Milton is a literary epic because we know who wrote it.)

Elements of an Epic Epic hero– an character with a trait or characteristic that is valued by his society. (E.g.– Superman’s bravery or valor) Quest– A journey through which the character or the reader learns something Valorous Deeds– Doing something bravely. Divine Intervention– The hand of God (or gods) help the hero, proving his value. Great events– The hero has a hand in something important in the history or mythology of a culture.

3 Epic Conventions Invoke a muse Plot begins in medias res Muse– inspiration provided by the gods Plot begins in medias res In medias red– “In the middle of” the action Serious tone Not necessary to have all on these, but need most at least

Other Epics Gilgamesh (Babylonian, unknown) The Odyssey (Greek, Homer) The Iliad (Greek, Homer)

But what was an aspiring author to do? Especially if nobody can read !

Epics: An oral tradition Many epics were not originally written down by their authors. Instead, they were memorized and retold or sung by wandering entertainers.

Some sections of epics were retold from time to time Some sections of epics were retold from time to time. It helped the storyteller learn the epic and also caught up any audience member who may have missed a part.

The Storytellers The names changed by area: Scop (pronounced shop) in Anglo-Saxon lands Troubadours in France Minnesingers in Germany

The Storytellers These entertainers also served to bring news from other areas. Often, if a heroic deed had occurred in the area, it might be blended into the stories he told.

Changing Stories Other influences also played a part in changing the epics. The text of Beowulf shows both Norse pagan belief and Christianity, often in the same line. This may have evolved as the storytellers encountered villages with different beliefs.

The epic hero Undertakes role as duty to others, not as a personal achievement Strong sense of social morality, including code of behaviour to enemies Only becomes hero when needed, may be unwilling Does not necessarily have social status prior to heroics, but may achieve it. Considers it a consequence, not an aim, in heroics. Jokinen’s distinction between the epic hero (Beowulf) and the Arthurian Chivalric hero (Gawain)

Beowulf Background Information Written c. 700 C.E. Author unknown Often called the beginning of English literature Written in what is now called Old English Only one complete original copy remains

Beowulf Thousand year old manuscript written 950-1000 CE by 2 scribes, probably composed 700-800,West Saxon dialect, collected into Cotton Vitellius A.XV, now in British Library Longest extant OE poem - 3182 lines Not reinterpreted, rewritten, refined through ages, cf.: Arthur - Britons - France - Britain - Geoffrey - Chretien - Malory - Tennyson - Disney Charlemagne similarly, by French kings wanting to be identified with Charles the Great Celts - Irish = Celtic, 19/20 century politics Vikings - all the baggage of a reputation written by others Robin Hood - oral tradition passed down in ballads because of his Marxist leanings

Beowulf – the original poem Structure - Introduction and 3 distinct episodes 1000 lines each on Grendel, Grendel's mother, Dragon Continuity break between parts 2 and 3: Cobbling together of 2 stories (are there lots of other Beowulf stories out there?) Or deliberate juxtaposition (rise and fall of hero)? Emphasis on appropriate displays of nobility of character (and bonds of comitatus) Hrothgar- king - rewards service Beowulf - warrior - carries out dangerous forays Wiglaf - loyal retainer - sticks by leader Grendel's mother - family - seeks revenge for attack on son

The Setting

Geats and Danes Beowulf was a war leader of the Geats, a group of people in what is now southern Sweden Hrothgar was king of the Danes

Beowulf Herot: the golden guest hall built by King Hrothgar where warriors gathered to celebrate. [End of Section]

Social, governmental, emotional center of the village The Mead Hall Social, governmental, emotional center of the village Mead = honey-based wine

Beowulf: The Epic Hero

Beowulf’s Name Beowulf’s father– Edgetho In most cases, the son is named after the father Don Donald (son of Don) McDonald (son of son of Don) McDonaldson (son of son of son of Don) Proves Beowulf is own individual with own powers and abilities (and more important than his father) Beo– Bear Bears are known as Great Protectors in Norse mythology Strong Wulf– Wolf Wolves are also great protectors, but are also cunning and speedy

An epic hero must face challenges and opponents that the ordinary person could not handle.

HOWEVER... There is often a character flaw or other weakness which brings problems to the epic hero.

Top 10 Problems Women Have About Dating Beowulf 10. Hangs out with dragons. 9. Chain mail rips up bed sheets. 8. Throws his swords around apartment. 7. Wakes up in the middle of the night screaming "She's gonna eat me!” 6. Carries a long knife to compensate for feelings of inadequacy. 5. Only washes twice a year. 4. Experiences mead-induced delusions of grandeur and heroism. 3. Smells like Grendel breath. 2. Freezer full of dragon meat. 1. Leaves the toilet seat up.

Beowulf Introducing the Epic Other Characters: Hrothgar: king of the Danes. Wiglaf: a Geat warrior, one of Beowulf’s select band and the only one to help him in his final fight with the dragon.

Beowulf Introducing the Epic Monsters Grendel: man-eating monster who lives at the bottom of a foul mere, or mountain lake. Grendel’s mother: water-witch who seeks revenge. Dragon: giant fire-breathing serpent whom Beowulf fights in Part Two of the epic.

Grendel Hybrid: man vs. man man vs. supernatural Most human-like of the supernatural fights

Grendel’s Mother Less “human” than son An older and more animal-like evil Before Beowulf can even battle her, he must face the water creatures

The Dragon The oldest and most base form of evil Referred to as the worm Man vs. Supernatural

Elevated Language

Literary Devices Alliteration Kennings Caesura

Beowulf Alliteration: the repetition of consonant sounds in words close together Out from the marsh, from the foot of misty Hills and bogs, bearing God’s hatred, Grendel came, hoping to kill Anyone he could trap on this trip to high Herot.

Beowulf Kenning: a metaphorical phrase or compound word used to name a person, place, thing, or event indirectly. Examples of kennings from Beowulf: gold-shining hall= Herot guardian of crime = Grendel strong-hearted wakeful sleeper = Beowulf cave-guard and sky-borne foe = dragon

Beowulf Beowulf was composed in Old English, which uses a caesura, or rhythmic pause, to create unity. Punctuation reproduces pause effect of the caesura. Out from the marsh, from the foot of misty Hills and bogs, bearing God’s hatred, Grendel came, hoping to kill Anyone he could trap on this trip to high Herot. Line divided into two parts by a caesura.

Let the journey begin...