1. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VsUM1 qk2y_ohttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VsUM1 qk2y_o The Lord’s Prayer in Old English http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Wl- OZ3breE

2. The English Epic

3. An Epic Poem: Definition A long narrative poem, sometimes developed orally, that celebrates the deeds of a legendary or heroic figure. Among the earliest forms of literature. Capture the cultural and religious values or the peoples who created and retold them

4. Characteristics of Epics The hero battles forces that threaten the order of his world. Told in a serious manner, often in special, elevated language. Legendary hero: a larger-than-life character whose accomplishments are celebrated in traditional tales. Exaggerated characteristics: strength, confidence, bravery, honor

5. Anglo-Saxons Spoke Old English 500-1100 Scops: traveling minstrels, would entertain by singing songs, including long narrative poems. Came from Norway, Sweden, Denmark, northern Germany

7. Anglo-Saxons

8. Mead Hall

9. The Wanderer “And I sailed away with sorrowful heart, Over wintery seas, seeking a gold-lord, If far or near lived one to befriend me With gift in the mead-hall and comfort for grief.”

10. Mead Hall

11. Beowulf Takes place in 6 th century Scandinavia Beowulf leaves from southern Sweden to aid Danish King Hrothgar against Grendel Written down in 11 th century (1000’s) Includes traits of Scandinavian and Celtic tales Traits of the hero: loyalty to chief, bravery, who is entitled to loyalty, how civilization is to be run.

12. Beowulf 3182-line poem, only original left is in Sir Robert Cotton’s collection of medieval manuscripts 1731: a fire burned away 2,000 letters from the original manuscript Electronic Beowulf Project: has persevered the manuscript in an electronic format

13. Opening Lines of Beowulf http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y13cES7 MMd8