1. British Literature Miss McDivitt Fall 2013

2. A long, stylized narrative poem celebrating the deeds of a national hero. Folk Epic- reflecting the customs, rituals, and ideals of a tribal society and an oral poetic tradition Literary Epic- written in a more advanced civilization in imitation of the folk epic Didactic Concerned with teaching To teach and to delight (to teach by delighting) Implants a pattern of heroic conduct in reader’s mind Traditionally written to educate a future ruler Once regarded as chief of genres Lost shared ideals Novel (realism) has replaced epic (idealism)

3. Superhuman hero or god of an epic noble birth or high position character traits that reflect ideals of society perform courageous, superhuman deeds perform actions that determine the fate of a nation or group of people Traditional heroic virtues of: Fortitude (courage) and prudence (wisdom, acting with or showing care and thought for the future) Loyalty and generosity Saintly virtues: Humility and trust

4. Composers and storytellers who traveled from court to court Entertainers of Anglo-Saxon times

5. Germanic code of loyalty Thanes, or warriors, swore loyalty to their king, for whom they fought and whom they protected. The king was expected to be generous with gifts of land and treasure. The king protected the thanes. Kings were praised for generosity and hospitality. Warriors were expected to be brave, courageous, and loyal. Their reputation for such qualities was important.

6. “Man payment” The practice of paying a slain man’s family to atone for his death and to prevent them from taking revenge against the manslayer.

7. “One of the most important remains of Anglo-Saxon literature is the epic poem Beowulf. Its age is unknown; but it comes from a very distant and hoar antiquity….It is like a piece of ancient armor; rusty and battered, and yet strong.” ~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

8. Author Unknown Probably one author Male? Christian Monk? Audience Probably both secular and Christian “Published” Probably around 8 th century (700 A.D.)

9. Takes place in 500 A.D. or earlier Denmark and Geatland (now southern Sweden) Proximity + Warrior code= frequent clashes Ancient home of the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes

10. Pagan religion Marked by a strong sense of fatalism and doom Could manipulate supernatural forces through spells and charms Wanted glory Valued family ties

11. KING WARRIORS (Thanes) GODSLAVES Churls

12. Early Anglo-Saxons – Pagan Influence of Christianity-597AD No afterlife – goal is earthly gloryAfterlife in heaven/hell, goal is morality Live for honor, pride, and reputationAgainst human pride Law of RevengeLaw of Forgiveness Many gods, spiritsOne God

13. Who first settled in England? Britons Where did they come from? Genesis 10 Japheth: Gomer, Magog, and Javan What were the Britons like? No written records Moved from hunter/gatherers to farmers Used bronze and stone tools?

14. More than a million man hours of labor Most people died in their 30s Extended over generations Some stones imported from Wales Trade Organization Diplomacy No connection to the Druids Worship of deities?

15. Who settled England next? The Celts What were the Celts like? Difficult to define Pagan- Polytheists Human & animal sacrifices Traded with France (Gaul) Divided into small or larger tribes Strong class divisions Warrior aristocracy Used chariots in fighting Painted themselves blue before battle Druidism Class of men: exempt from taxes and military service, memorized poetic literature, had knowledge of herbs, medicinal plants, divining techniques, and religious ritual Political & intellectual leaders

16. Who invaded England? Rome When? 55 B.C. Julius Caesar Quickly withdrew Effects? Celtic society transformed by Roman contact and rule Recorded historical evidence Trade increased British aristocratic lifestyle became more Romanized

17. When did the Conquest begin? 43 A.D. By Claudius When did they leave? Around 410 A.D.

19. KING WARRIORS (Thanes) GODSLAVES

20. Early Anglo-Saxons – Pagan Influence of Christianity-597AD No afterlife – goal is earthly gloryAfterlife in heaven/hell, goal is morality Live for honor, pride, and reputationAgainst human pride Law of RevengeLaw of Forgiveness Many gods, spiritsOne God

21. Only one surviving manuscript Copy dating from 1000 A.D. Damaged by a fire in 1731 Heroic virtue in a pagan setting from a Christian point of view