1. Characteristics of Anglo-Saxon Poetry (applies to riddles, Beowulf, The Seafarer, etc.)

2. Facts FOriginally oral, not written FEmploys alliteration (repetition of initial consonant sounds) FEmploys kennings (two to four-word poetic re-namings of people, places, and things, such as whales’ home for the sea.) FOriginally oral, not written FEmploys alliteration (repetition of initial consonant sounds) FEmploys kennings (two to four-word poetic re-namings of people, places, and things, such as whales’ home for the sea.)

3. Facts (cont) FEmploys caesuras (rhythmic breaks in the middle of lines, where the reciter would pause for breath FEmploys assonance (the repetition of vowel sounds in unrhymed, stressed syllables (ex. “batter these ramparts”) FEmploys caesuras (rhythmic breaks in the middle of lines, where the reciter would pause for breath FEmploys assonance (the repetition of vowel sounds in unrhymed, stressed syllables (ex. “batter these ramparts”)

4. FRepetition (of words, entire phrases, stories) FUnderstatement (saying less than is meant) FGory details FReferences to God/wyrd/fate FRepetition (of words, entire phrases, stories) FUnderstatement (saying less than is meant) FGory details FReferences to God/wyrd/fate

5. Beliefs and Traditions FWYRD or fate controls life FHonor requires revenge/compensation for injury or death (WERGILD) FLove of war and violence FLove of treasure, wealth and prosperity (results of bravery) FWYRD or fate controls life FHonor requires revenge/compensation for injury or death (WERGILD) FLove of war and violence FLove of treasure, wealth and prosperity (results of bravery)

6. FLoyalty to family/tribe FLove of stories, especially hero stories FBelief that nothing good ever lasts FLove of rituals: feasting, burial, etc. FUnwritten contract between king and warrior: generosity for loyalty (COMITATUS) FLoyalty to family/tribe FLove of stories, especially hero stories FBelief that nothing good ever lasts FLove of rituals: feasting, burial, etc. FUnwritten contract between king and warrior: generosity for loyalty (COMITATUS)

7. Qualities of Anglo- Saxon Warrior Hero (and a life of honor) FExcellence, competence, skill FIn battle FIn sailing FIn riding FExcellence, competence, skill FIn battle FIn sailing FIn riding

8. FGreat strength (even superhuman strength) FLoyalty (especially to the king) FDevotion to duty, eagerness to fight FGenerosity FLove of fame, glory, boasts FGreat strength (even superhuman strength) FLoyalty (especially to the king) FDevotion to duty, eagerness to fight FGenerosity FLove of fame, glory, boasts

9. Characteristics of Epic Literature (such as Beowulf) FReveals the traditions, customs of the people FGrand/large in its scope: geography, time FLofty/formal language FEmploys the supernatural FReveals the traditions, customs of the people FGrand/large in its scope: geography, time FLofty/formal language FEmploys the supernatural

10. FBattle between good and evil FIllustrates man in a hostile environment, the sacrifice of the hero FGenerally concerns the noble deeds of a warrior-hero and his companions FBattle between good and evil FIllustrates man in a hostile environment, the sacrifice of the hero FGenerally concerns the noble deeds of a warrior-hero and his companions