Introduction to Beowulf Beowulf is one of the earliest poems written in any form of English. Actually, this writer should be called an editor because the poem had a long oral tradition and finally came to be what we know as Beowulf.

2 Introduction to Beowulf During this unit, as we study Beowulf, we will also focus on the following essential question: What is the role of a hero in a culture? 2

More About the Editor The “editor” was obviously well- read and conscious of his role as a poet. This is a Christian writer who balanced his faith with Pagan themes.

Old English History The Celts originally inhabited Britain. In the early 5 th century, the Romans withdrew and left Britain vulnerable to Germanic invaders (Vikings).

Old English History In 449 AD, Germanic tribes landed in England. The 3 main tribes were the Angles, the Saxons, and the Jutes. Eventually to become known as the Anglo- Saxons.

6 Pause and Review Look back at your notes to answer the following question: Who were the original inhabitants of Britain and when were they left on their own? 5

Old English History The Britons had become Christians in the 4 th century. Before Christianity, there were no books. The only formally educated people were clerics in the church. The Anglo-Saxon invaders brought a tradition of oral poetry (some of which was later written down with a religious spin after the Christian conversion.

Introduction to Beowulf The only surviving Beowulf manuscript dates from late 10 th century. This manuscript was damaged in a fire in 1731 that destroyed many other medieval manuscripts.

Introduction to Beowulf Beowulf is recognized as a hallmark of English (or British) literature, yet its heroes and its setting are not English. The poem is set in two places: the first half on a Danish island and the second half in Beowulf’s homeland (an island off the SE coast of Sweden).

10 Pause and Reflect... Review your notes in order to respond to the following: Why is it ironic that Beowulf is recognized as a hallmark of English (or British) literature? 9

Introduction to Beowulf Beowulf is written in the epic tradition, meaning it is larger than life. There is also liberal use of the supernatural. The poem champions bravery, loyalty, and devotion to community.

Introduction to Beowulf The poem portrays a strong sense of fatalism (acceptance of death) The warriors of the era accepted their mortality in a way that seems casual to modern readers. The concept of wyrd, or fate, was central to the world view of Anglo- Saxons.

The Epic Warrior Motivated by the desire for undying fame Held a place of great importance during the Anglo-Saxon period

14 Pause and Reflect... If a hero’s life is controlled by wyrd, then does it make sense that he would go seeking “undying fame”? Why or why not? 13

Reading Strategy for Beowulf In texts like this, it is important to identify the sequence of events: Find the logical order of ideas or events in a text Use that logical order to help you understand the bigger ideas (how wyrd affects Beowulf’s life, and the life of those around him)

16 Finishing Up Complete the ‘Summary’ section of your notes Then, on a separate sheet of paper you will hand in as your exit ticket, respond to the following: –Based on your own personal impressions and the background information presented to you, what is the role of a hero in a culture? 16