1. Beowulf
Text and Context

2. HELP! I need somebody!
Think of a time when you helped someone in need or someone helped you OR a time when you did NOT render help and wish you had. Give a brief summary of the incident then answer the following analysis questions:
What was your/their motivation (why was help rendered?)?
What was the result?
What would have happened if help was not rendered?
Did anyone else offer help? Why/why not?

3. Epic
Unknown author
The national epic of England (first work to be composed in English)
A long heroic poem, about a great legendary warrior renowned for his courage, strength, and dignity.

4. The Beowulf Poet Christian; reflects established tradition
Allusions to the Old Testament
Beowulf is a Redeemer who is sent by God to save man from sin:
Christ archetype: Correspondences between Beowulf’s death and the death of Christ
The price of salvation is life itself

5. The Epic Hero Defeats his enemies using
A man of high social status whose fate affects the destiny of his people
The Epic Hero
Defeats his enemies using
Physical strength
Skill as a warrior
Nobility of character
Quick wits
Is not modest – boasting is a ritual
Embodies the ideals and values of his people
Is eager for fame
Because the Germanic tribes believed death was inevitable, warriors sought fame to preserve the memory of their deeds after death

6. Indirect Characterization (Include Line #)
GRENDEL’S CHARACTER
Direct Characterization
Indirect Characterization (Include Line #)
Beowulf’s CHARACTER

7. Heroic Values in Beowulf
Relationship between king and his warriors
The king rewards his warriors with gifts
If a kinsman is slain, obligation to kill the slayer or obtain payment (wergeld) in compensation

8. Beowulf on Twitter How would Beowulf react to the arrival?
Complete at least 1 tweet for “The Coming of Beowulf”
Don’t forget the symbol and the followers!

9. Epic Elements
Most epics are serious in tone and lofty in style, a technique meant to convey the importance of the events. Long speeches by the characters suggest an impressive formality.
Use of kennings

10. Kennings Battle SUV/ Old Cars
A kenning is a poetic renaming for a simpler, more concrete noun; for example, storm of swords is a kenning for
Examples of modern day kenning: gas guzzler
Battle
SUV/
Old Cars

12. Prepositional Phrases
Kennings
Compound Words
Prepositional Phrases
Possessives
Sky-candle
Whale-road
Ring-giver
Gold-ringed
Battle dew
Sea stallion
Wolf of wounds
Winters of grief
Shepard of evil
Storm of swords
Guardian of the people
Path of the sea
Seabird’s bath
Ocean’s face
Heaven’s joy
Arrow’s storm
Water’s chain
Battle’s torch

13. “The Battle with Grendel”
Page 48

14. Summarize
—in your own words, define a kenning and an appositive phrase. Give an example of each—turn in before you leave

15. Themes
Good vs. Evil
Forces of darkness—irrational and menacing—are always at work in society
Life is a continuing struggle
Actions speak louder than words
Judge the greatness of a human by the greatness of his deeds and noble ancestry
Help thy neighbor
To be loyal is to selflessly make sacrifices for a loved one.

16. Conflict Christian Values and Heroic Values
This tension is at the heart of the poem
Pagan history and myth are made to point to a Christian moral
Beowulf is poised between two value systems

17. Mix of pagan and Christian Values
Fate vs. choice of good and evil
Mythological monsters vs. references to God and Jesus

18. An Epic reflects the values of the culture that produced it
An Epic reflects the values of the culture that produced it. Complete this chart and draw a conclusion about Anglo-Saxon tastes and values.
Feature
Why is it pleasing?
What values are reflected?
Boastful speeches
Makes the hero seem superhuman
Great hero
Lots of action
Good Triumphs over evil
Anglo Saxons had a _________________ culture. What details reveal the importance of pagan warrior values in Beowulf such as a belief in fate, a taste of boasting, a pride in loyalty, and a desire for fame?

19. Extra Credit Assignment Peer Evaluation:
Student name
Epic chosen
Presentation Evaluation
Scale of 1 (awful)-10 (great)
Substantial comment
After watching the presentations, answer the following question: Why are epics used to preserve values and traditions?

20. Epic Hero Cycle Element Example
The main character is a hero, who is often possessed of super natural abilities or qualities
The hero is charged with a quest (call to Adventure)
“Crossing the Threshold” Moving from the known to the unknown
The hero is tested, often to prove the worthiness of himself and his quest
PHYSICAL, MENTAL, EMOTIONAL
The presence of numerous mythical beings, magical and helpful animals, and/or human helpers and companions
The hero’s travels take him to a supernatural world, often one that normal human beings are barred from entering
The cycle must reach a low point where the hero nearly gives up his quest or appears defeated
A resurrection
Achieving the goal or the “boon”
Restitution. Often this takes the form of the hero regaining his rightful place on the throne. Return to the ordinary world
Applying the “boon”
Epic Hero Cycle