1. Beowulf the epic mystery
Ms. Jacobsen

2. Background information
Date written vs date of events
Events based on historical events discussed and armor described
Denmark and Sweden
Date from the manuscript itself
Scholarship disagreement
Manuscript itself
1 copy survives
Where?
State of decay
Written on: Vellum
What is vellum?
Language its written in: Old English / Anglo Saxon
Lines 99 – 114 quoted in OE: how does it sound to you? Can you understand what I say?

3. The background of The epic poem itself
Epic, eulogic tale of Beowulf
Scholarship debate between the two
Reason it’s an epic
Reason it’s an eulogy
Interweaves historical events
Why?
The life of Beowulf’s exploits
The swimming match of Beowulf and Brecca
Beowulf vs monsters
Rise to power
Next king

4. Key players with dialogue and action
Beowulf
Hrothgar
Weahltheow
Unferth
Grendel
Grendel’s mother
Dragon
Wulfgar

5. As we read… Write down the character names and descriptions
What are some of the characteristics of a warrior? A great king?
Why is it important to Beowulf for his name to be remembered?
What happens to Beowulf in this translation? (What does he do? How does he do it?)