Introduction to the Anglo-Saxon Lifestyle Beowulf Introduction to the Anglo-Saxon Lifestyle

Anglo-Saxon History The Anglo-Saxon period is the earliest recorded time period in English history. The Anglo-Saxons were Germanic barbarians who invaded Britain and took over large parts of the island in the centuries following the withdrawal of the Roman Empire. The Roman armies withdrew from Britain early in the fifth century because they were needed back home to defend the crumbling center of the Empire. Britain was considered a far-flung outpost of little value. At this time, the Jutes and the Frisians from Denmark were also settling in the British Isles, but the Anglo-Saxon settlers were effectively their own masters in a new land and they did little to keep the legacy of the Romans alive. They replaced the Roman stone buildings with their own wooden ones, and spoke their own language, which gave rise to the English spoken today. The early settlers kept to small tribal groups, forming kingdoms and sub-kingdoms.

Anglo – Saxon Culture / Chivalry Belief in fate (Wyrd) Fame and fortune zealously sought after. Accumulated treasures amount to success Loyalty to one’s leader is crucial Willingness to avenge one’s war band or lord at all costs (Wergild)– death preferable to exile Fierce, hardy life of warrior / seamen Strength, courage, leadership abilities appreciated. Heroism brings honor, eternal fame and political power. Must be honorable in fighting. Boisterous yet elaborately ritualize customs of the mead-hall Expected the hero to boast. Boasts must be backed up with action.

Anglo-Saxon Literature Oral tradition – was performed and/or sung by a Bard (Scop) from memory in Old English Scops – poet/minstrels Beowulf marks the beginning of English literature.

Epic Poem Long narrative poem that recounts the great deeds of a larger-than-life hero (Epic Hero) who embodies the values of a particular society. Ex: Illiad, Odyssey Presented in a serious manner using elevated (poetic) language Begins in media res Hero represents widespread national, cultural, or religious values Concerns eternal human problems like the struggle between good and evil

Elements of Anglo-Saxon Poetry Chant-like effect of the four-beat line Caesura – a natural pause in the middle of a line of poetry (a dramatic pause in the middle of a line) Each part generally has 2 strong beats. When the Scylding warrior savage and grim, seized the ring-hilt and swung the sword struck with fury despairing of life thrust at the throat broke through the bone rings. The stout blade stabbed through her fated flesh.

Elements of Anglo-Saxon Poetry Alliteration - Repetition of initial sounds of words (occurs often) “The Bloody Battle Began!” “sat in secret sessions.” “His mind was flooded with fear.” Takes the place of rhyme in the poem.

Elements of Anglo-Saxon Poetry Kenning: Compound metaphor (usually two words) Most were probably used over and over (like a dead metaphor) For instance: hronade literally means “whale-road” but can be translated as “sea”; also called a “swan’s way” Other kennings from Beowulf: Banhus = “bone-house” = body Joints, ligaments = “bone-locks” Sun = “sky-candle” Icicles = “water-ropes”

Elements of Anglo-Saxon Poetry Epithet - a characterizing word or phrase firmly associated with a person or thing and often used in place of an actual name, title, or the like, as “man's best friend” for “dog”. Beowulf = Son of Ecgtheow “Unferth, murderer of brothers Grendel = Sin Stained Demon

Elements of Anglo-Saxon Poetry Metonymy - Name of one thing is substituted for the name of something else that most people would associate with the first thing. Iron for sword Crown for king or monarchy Synecdoche - substitute a part for the whole Keel for ship All hands on deck Heads of cattle

Elements of Anglo-Saxon Poetry Motifs – a recurring theme or image in a work of literature Biblical and Christian Allusions Pagan Customs Social Customs Traits of the Warrior Beowulf Boasts

What We Don’t Know… Who wrote it When exactly it was written How much of it, exactly, is based on historical truth

What We Do Know… Beowulf is the oldest surviving English poem. It’s written in Old English (or Anglo-Saxon), which is the basis for the language we speak today. Some of the characters in the poem actually existed. The only copy of the manuscript was written sometime around the 11th century AD (1000s), however… The actual poem probably dates from the 8th century (700s) or so and… The story may be set even earlier, around 500 AD There are a lot of Christian references in the poem, but the characters and setting are Pagan. This means a monk probably translated it.

Setting Although Beowulf was written in English, it is set in what is now Sweden, where a tribe called the Geats lived. The story may take place as early as 400-500 AD. Today Time of Beowulf

- Geat (from southern Sweden) - Epic hero - Geat (from southern Sweden) - Nephew of Higlac (King at story’s start) - Sails to Denmark to help Hrothgar

Danish king Builds Herot (banquet hall) for men Tormented by Grendel for 12 years and loses many men Joyless before Beowulf’s arrival

Referred to as demon and fiend Haunts the moors (swampy land) Descendant of Cain Feasts on 30 men the night of 1st attack

Why do we read Beowulf? It gives us insight into the origins of the British people, the culture, who, through seafaring conquests, founded the world we currently live in. It gives us insight into the origins of our language. We can relate to the theme of overcoming fear. It is a VERY important piece of literature historically. This is the “because we have to” reason.