Beowulf Background Notes

Beowulf- an epic poem Epic poem- “a long narrative poem that recounts, in formal language, the exploits of a larger-than-life hero” The oldest known literary work Author unknown Probably written down by a monk in the 8th Century

Beowulf- an epic poem Epic plots- Involve supernatural events Long time periods Distant journeys Life and death struggle between good and evil Hero always represents good & the forces that threaten the people represent evil

Beowulf- an epic hero Epic hero- a man of high social status and is often important in the history of his people exhibits character traits that reflect the ideals of society performs courageous, sometimes superhuman, deeds that reflect the values of an era Performs actions that often determine the fate of a nation/group of people

Beowulf- setting Set in Scandinavia Involves the Geats, a tribe from Southern Sweden and the Danes, a tribe from Denmark 6th/7th Century

Anglo Saxons Scandinavian tribes During the 6th and 7th centuries, they invaded and settled what later became known as England Time period when tribes from N. Europe regularly raided one another’s shores to loot and burn settlements Kings bestowed great treasures on their warriors to maintain allegiance

Anglo Saxons Beowulf is their hero Anglo Saxons demanded courage, physical strength, loyalty to a tribal king, wisdom in guiding others, and supreme self-confidence from their heroes Anglo Saxons were an oral culture- scops would tell the stories in mead halls Beowulf celebrates warrior culture

What does this epic poem want us to talk about??? A search to attain a measure of immortality by performing heroic deeds Importance of maintaining a civilized orderly society Display of courage in the face of death Loyalty