1. Beowulf Text and Contexts

2. Beowulf Beowulf is an Oral Epic, or “primary” epic

3. Beowulf Beowulf is an Oral Epic, or “primary” epic Composed in West Saxon dialect of Old English

4. Beowulf Beowulf is an Oral Epic, or “primary” epic Composed in West Saxon dialect of Old English Anonymous, probably the work of more than one poet

5. Beowulf Beowulf is an Oral Epic, or “primary” epic Composed in West Saxon dialect of Old English Anonymous, probably the work of more than one poet First “postclassical” European epic

6. Beowulf Beowulf is an Oral Epic, or “primary” epic Composed in West Saxon dialect of Old English Anonymous, probably the work of more than one poet First “postclassical” European epic Survives because it was written down, around 1,000 AD

7. Beowulf Beowulf is an Oral Epic, or “primary” epic Composed in West Saxon dialect of Old English Anonymous, probably the work of more than one poet First “postclassical” European epic Survives because it was written down, around 1,000 AD The “historical” events occur before 600 AD

8. Beowulf Beowulf is an Oral Epic, or “primary” epic Composed in West Saxon dialect of Old English Anonymous, probably the work of more than one poet First “postclassical” European epic Survives because it was written down, around 1,000 AD The “historical” events occur before 600 AD Beowulf mixes Pagan and Christian world-views

9. Beowulf Beowulf is an Oral Epic, or “primary” epic Composed in West Saxon dialect of Old English Anonymous, probably the work of more than one poet First “postclassical” European epic Survives because it was written down, around 1,000 AD The “historical” events occur before 600 AD Beowulf mixes Pagan and Christian world-views Beowulf was first published in 1815

10. Beowulf Prosody So! The Spear Danesin days of old Were led by a lordfamed for his forays We heard of that prince’spower and prowess Often Scyld Scefingambushed enemies 5took their mead-benchesmastered their troops though first he was foundforlorn and alone. His early sorrowswere swiftly consoled: He grew under heavengrew to a greatness renowned among menof neighboring lands 10His rule recognizedover the whale-road Danegeld granted him.That was a good king!

11. Beowulf Prosody Hwæt! We Gardenain geardagum, þeodcyninga,þrym gefrunon, hu ða æþelingasellen fremedon. Oft Scyld Scefing sceaþena þreatum, 5monegum mægþum,meodosetla ofteah, egsode eorlas.Syððan ærest wearð feasceaft funden,he þæs frofre gebad, weox under wolcnum,weorðmyndum þah, oðþæt him æghwylcþara ymbsittendra 10ofer hronradehyran scolde, gomban gyldan.þæt wæs god cyning!