1. Beowulf

2. The Epic Hero Predestined Mysterious origin Vulnerability
Embodies cultural ideals

3. The Epic Hero Responds to catastrophic situations
Supernatural intervenes to help him
Moral compass leads him to defend his society
Mortal but god-like

4. Epic Long narrative poem Recounts the adventures of a hero
Passed down orally
Uses elevated language
Begins in media res

5. Background Information
Setting - Denmark and Sweden
Author - Unknown, probably a monk
Composed in the 7th or 8th century
Oldest surviving English poem

6. Elements of Anglo-Saxon Poetry
Alliteration: repetition of initial consonant sounds
“Then the grim man in green gathers his strength”
Caesura: a pause or break in a line of poetry
“Oft to the wanderer / weary of exile”
Kenning: compound metaphor used as a name
“battle-blade” and “ring-giver”
Hyperbole: exaggeration

7. Anglo-Saxon Culture Belief in fate (Wyrd) Treasure equals success
Fame and fortune
Loyalty to the leader
Pagan, Germanic, and Christian ideals

8. Anglo-Saxon Culture Fierce, hardy life of warrior and seamen
Strength, courage, leadership abilities appreciated
Rowdy rituals of mead-halls
Expected the hero to boast

9. Anglo-Saxon Hero
Strong
Courageous
Loyal
Desires fame
Generous

10. Anglo-Saxon Ideals Good defeats evil Wergild—restitution for a murder
Comitatus—code of loyalty
Boasts must be followed by actions
Fate is in control
Only fair fights are honorable

11. Title of Epic Poem Anglo-Saxon word Beo means “bright” or “noble”
Anglo-Saxon word wulf means “wolf”
Beowulf means bright or noble wolf
Other sources say Beo means “bear”

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

13. Hrothgar Danish king Builds Herot (hall)
Tormented by Grendel for 12 years
Loses many men
Joyless before Beowulf’s arrival

14. Grendel Referred to as demon and fiend Haunts the moors (swampy land)
Descendant of Cain
(kills his brother Abel in Bible)
Feasts on 30 men the night of 1st attack

15. Grendel’s Mother Referred to as a she-wolf Lives under a lake
Challenges Hrothgar when she kills one of his best men

16. Fire Dragon Lives in Beowulf’s kingdom Wakes up when thief steals cup
Guards countless treasures

17. Funeral Pyre for Beowulf:
Epic Poem Ends in
Elegy (song of praise)