1. Introduction and Background
Beowulf
Introduction and Background

2. Why is Beowulf important?
Oldest surviving example of English literature
Considered to be the most important literary work of the earliest English era

3. ANGLO-SAXON EPIC Exemplifies oral literature
Gives insight into Anglo-Saxon culture
Provides a classic story of a hero, much like modern-day comic book heroes.

4. Earliest Inhabitants Originally inhabited by cavedwellers
Stonehenge is thought to have been built sometime between BC, possibly as a burial site.

5. Celtic Invasion Celts migrated from Europe in 600 BC
Built farms and villages
Consisted of warring tribes
Religious leaders were Druids

6. outside Tower of London, 2010
Roman Rule
Roman Empire invaded and ruled starting in 55 BC, under Julius Caesar
Celts and others were driven into what is now Wales and Scotland
Built Hadrian’s Wall, roads, and other city infrastructures
Latin became the primary language
Surviving Roman Wall
outside Tower of London, 2010

7. Germanic Invaders, 5th Century AD
Invaders included Angles, Saxons, and Jutes
Celts were again driven west, into what is now Wales
Era associated with legendary King Arthur
According to legend, Arthur was a mighty warrior who led his people to victory against invaders and unified England.

8. The Anglo-Saxon Era, 5th-8th Centuries AD
Considered the first “English” society
This culture is reflected in Beowulf.
Tribal society with warrior kings.
Loyal THANES pledged an oath to serve their king.
Leader was responsible for LAW AND ORDER
Loyalty warriors were rewarded for faithful service with treasure and weapons.
In 2009, amateur treasure-hunters discovered a hoard of more than 1500 gold pieces dating to the Anglo-Saxon era, buried in a field in Staffordshire.

9. Life in the Mead-Hall Mead: A honey-Based fermented drink.
Location for Feasts
and Entertainment
Stories were told by “SCOPS,” travelling storytellers who
sang tales of history
and heroism.
After night of revels, warriors often slept in the Mead-Hall.

10. Anglo-Saxon Literature
Oral tradition consisted of heroic tales, told in the common language known now as “Old English.”
Earliest written works were written in Latin, transcribed by monks.
Ecclesiastic History of the English People (731 AD)
Beowulf (unknown author)
First written down between AD, in English
Only surviving manuscript dates from year 1000

11. Anglo-Saxon Religion in the pre-Christian era
Similar to Norse beliefs
Anglo-Saxon “Thunor” = Norse “Thor”
THUNDER GOD
“Thursday” is named after this god
Mother goddess was responsible for fertility
Wodin = God of death, poetry, and magic
“Wednesday” is named after this god
Values included bravery, loyalty, generosity, and friendship.

12. Dragons and Burial Mounds
The DRAGON is a significant figure,
associated with death
often depicted
as guardian of the grave-mound

13. Beowulf Locations
Story takes place in what is now Sweden and Denmark, northeast of British Isles

14. Notable Names: Anglo-Saxon Era
Aethelbert, first king of “unified” Britain, ruled from 560 to 616.
St. Augustine was sent from Rome to spread Christianity in England
Alfred the Great ruled from
Defended the English against Viking invaders
Translated Latin works into Anglo-Saxon language (Old English)
Anglo-Saxons controlled Britain until 1066, invasion of William the Conqueror.

15. Beowulf: Basic Story line
Part 1 - Beowulf sails from Sweden to Denmark with fourteen warriors to help King Hrothgar get rid of Grendel
Part 2 - A relative of Grendel’s gets involved in revenge
Part 3 - Fire-breathing dragon is rudely awakened