1. Beowulf Manuscript. Probably composed mid- 8th century
Beowulf Manuscript * Probably composed mid- 8th century * Only surviving Beowulf manuscript dates from late 10th century

2. Old English Version Hwaet! Wē Gār-Dena in geārdagum
þēodcyninga þrym gefrūnon,
hū ðā æþelingas ellen fremedon.
Oft Scyld Scēfing sceaþena þrēatum
monegum mægþum meodosetla oftēah,
egsode eorlas syððan ærest wearð
fēasceaft funden. Hē þæs frōfre gebād,
wēox under wolcnum, weorðmundum þāh
oð þæt him æghwylc þāra ymbsittendra
ofer hronrāde hyran scolde,
gomban gyldan. Þæt wæs gōd cyning!

3. The Beowulf Legend
Beowulf is an epic, a long, heroic poem, about a great pagan warrior renowned for his courage, strength, and dignity.
Beowulf is the national epic of England, because it is was the first such work composed in the English language.
The poem includes references to Christian ideas and Latin classics but also present are the values of a warrior society: dignity, bravery, and prowess in battle.

4. Review: Anglo-Saxon Society
Tribal society with kinship bonds and a heroic code of behavior
bravery
loyalty to one's lord, one's warband, and one's kin
willingness to avenge one's warband or lord at all costs – death preferable to exile.
generosity of lord to thanes; of hero to warband -- gift-giving
heroism (i.e., great deeds) brings honor, eternal fame, and political power

5. Importance of Story-telling
Bard or scop (pronounced skOp)
Would insure a warrior’s immortality, and that of the tribe, by composing and passing down songs of their brave deeds.
This was the only afterlife Anglo-Saxons might expect.

6. Warrior’s Code Weirguild -“man-price”:
If a warrior was killed even by accident, his relatives would demand either his “man-price” or vengeance from the slayer.
He must exhibit bravery and courage at all times.
He then could achieve “fame.”
He must defend the ring-giver (king) even with his life

7. The King and his Thanes
The king (ring-giver; gold-giver) was protected by his thanes’ absolute loyalty.
If he was a good king, he was generous with his thanes and rewarded their bravery with weapons and treasure as a sign of love.and gratitude

8. Anglo-Saxon Values Loyalty Fighting for one’s king
Avenging one’s kinsmen
Keeping one’s word
Generosity -- gifts symbolize bonds
Brotherly love -- not romantic love
Heroism
Physical strength
Skill and resourcefulness in battle
Courage
Public reputation more important than private conscience

9. Literary Terms
Epic – long, involved story that tells of the great deeds of a larger-than-life hero
Epic Hero – the central character in an epic; embodies the values and ideals of a particular society
Archetype – a perfect example

10. Elements of Epic: Based on both historical fact and legend
Hero is a male of noble birth who values courage and honor
Hero is courageous and almost superhuman
Hero must complete a long and dangerous journey and fight supernatural creatures
Hero’s actions determine the fate of his people or a nation
Themes are universal (EX. Good vs. Evil)

11. Epic hero traits Is significant and glorified Is on a quest
Has superior or superhuman strength, intelligence, and/or courage
Is ethical
Risks death for glory or for the greater
good of society
Is a strong and responsible leader
Performs brave deeds
Reflects ideals of a particular society

12. Threshold to the Underworld
Hero- Myth Cycle
Home is not quite the same as it once was
Start: The Call to Adventure
Refusal or hesitation to embark on the journey
Final Vanquishing of the foe
Home:
Safety & Comfort
Helpers arise and join the hero on the journey
The evil foe follows and threatens the safety of the hero’s home
Threshold to the Underworld
Crossover
Crossover
Tests & Trials
Tests & Trials
Underworld:
A strange realm with new and different rules and values
Helpers
Helpers
Tests & Trials
Tests & Trials
Turning Point
Success:Flight from Underworld
Failure-:Remain in Underworld

13. Character List Beowulf – hero of the Geats
Hrothgar – king of the Danes
Unferth – warrior of Hrothgar; he at first criticizes Beowulf, but later asks forgiveness and offers a magical sword (named Hrunting) as a gift
Herot – the hall of Hrothgar; where his men gather and celebrate, becomes a hall of death
Grendel – horrible monster terrorizing Hrothgar
Grendel’s mother – her name is never given, but she avenges Grendel’s death and then is slain by Beowulf in her lair
Wiglaf – Beowulf’s companion in battle

14. Character Map

15. Versions vs. Adaptations
a particular form differing in certain respects from an earlier form or other forms of the same literary work.
The film The 13th Warrior is one version of the original epic poem..
a movie, television drama, or stage play that has been adapted from a written work, typically a novel.
The movie Beowulf and Grendel is an adaptation of the original epic poem.

16. Assignment #1:
Read “Grendel” (p.24-28), “The Coming of Beowulf” (p.28), “The Battle with Grendel” (p.28-33)
Complete the charts and answer the Discussion Question:
Why is the focus of the story on Beowulf as a hero rather than as a king? What is the difference?

17. Assignment #2:
1. Why does Grendel’s mother attack Herot? Describe the attack.
2. What does she take with her when she leaves the mead hall?
3. Who was Aeschere? What happened to him?
4. Summarize the battle between Beowulf and Grendel’s mother. How does Beowulf defeat her?
5. The Geats never leave the lake. Compare their actions with those of the Danes. What conclusions can you draw?
6. To what does Beowulf attribute his victory?
7. What two things does Beowulf present to Hrothgar?
8. Based on his actions, do you think Beowulf is a true hero? Explain using evidence from the passage.
Read “Grendel’s Mother” (p.37), and “The Battle with Grendel’s Mother” (p.38-42)
Complete the discussion questions
(You may work in partners!)

18. Assignment #3: Read “The Battle with the Dragon” and “Death of Beowulf” (p46-58)
1. Why does the dragon attack, and who feels responsibility for the attach? 2. Why doesn’t Beowulf fear the wrath of the dragon? 3. Explain how Beowulf’s end is foreshadowed. 4. Describe the battle between Beowulf and the dragon. 5. What do Beowulf’s followers do when they realize Beowulf is losing the fight? Who is Wiglaf? What does he do? 6. How is the dragon defeated? How is Beowulf killed? 7. What does the end of the poem reveal about the fate of his people’s future and their values? 8. Do you think Beowulf failed in his role as king by fighting the dragon? Explain your answer using textural evidence to support your answer.

19. (i.e. Nothing illegal, immoral, or against the rules!
Group Writing:
Each table “chooses” one character
Re-write: tell the epic from “Grendel” to the end of “The Battle with Grendel’s Mother” from the point of view of that character.
Illustrate the tale – you may create a comic strip, create a series of drawings, OR create a brief video
All work will be shared with class!
(i.e. Nothing illegal, immoral, or against the rules!