HEROES, EPICS, AND BEOWULF

HEROES AND HEROINES A hero ( heroine is usually used for females) was originally a demigod (part human and part god) in Greek usage. Later, the terms came to refer to characters who, in the face of danger and adversity display courage and the will for self-sacrifice—that is, heroism—for some greater good of all humanity. The original definition usually meant those who were brave in battle, but the term has extended to include moral courage also

EPICS An epic is a long narrative poem concerning a serious subject, containing both details of heroic deeds and events significant to a culture or nation

NINE PROMINENT FEATURES OF EPICS It opens in media res ("in the middle of things", with the hero at his lowest point). The setting is vast, covering many nations, the world or the universe. Begins with an invocation to a muse (epic invocation). It starts with a statement of the theme. Includes the use of epithets (repeated stock phrases). Contains long lists (epic catalogue). Features long and formal speeches. Shows divine intervention on human affairs. Feature heroes that embody the values of the civilization.

TYPICAL EPIC PLOT The hero participates in a journey or quest, faces adversaries that try to defeat him in his journey, and returns home transformed by his journey. The epic hero illustrates traits, performs deeds, and exemplifies characteristics that are valued by the society from which the epic originates

BEOWULF The main character’s name is literally “bee-wolf,” a kenning indicating a bear The writer of the epic is unknown and the poem was produced between the 8 th and 11 th centuries The original creator (creators) of the tale seem to have been pagan, and the text seems to have been interpolated by a Christian author who adds Christian lessons between events.

BEOWULF The poem uses two main literary techniques: alliteration and the kenning Alliteration is the repetition of the sounds that begin words: Billy broke baby’s binky A kenning is a poetic compound word that describes something as much as it names it: instead of writing “ocean,” a kenning would be “whale-road; or, instead of “king,” “ring-giver.” Kennings were mostly used to help with alliteration.

PLOT OF BEOWULF In the poem, Beowulf, a hero of the Geats, battles three antagonists: Grendel, who has been attacking the resident warriors of the mead hall of Hrothgar (the king of the Danes), Grendel’s mother, and an unnamed dragon. After the first two victories, Beowulf goes home to Geatland in Sweden and becomes king of the Geats. The last fight takes place fifty years later. In this final battle, Beowulf is fatally wounded.

BEOWULF AS AN EPIC POEM Beowulf is considered an epic poem in that the main character is a hero who travels great distances to prove his strength at impossible odds against supernatural demons and beasts. The poem also begins in medias res ("in the middle of affairs") Although the poem begins with Beowulf's arrival, Grendel's attacks have been an ongoing event. An elaborate history of characters and their lineages are spoken of, as well as their interactions with each other, debts owed and repaid, and deeds of valour.