1. Beowulf Introducing the Epic
Beowulf is
the first great work of
English national literature.
the epic story of the hero Beowulf, who fights the demonic monster Grendel.

2. Beowulf Introducing the Epic
People
Beowulf: nephew of Higlac, king of the Geats.
Hrothgar: king of the Danes.
Wiglaf: a Geat warrior, one of Beowulf’s select band and the only one to help him in his final fight with the dragon.

3. Beowulf Introducing the Epic
Monsters
Grendel: man-eating monster who lives at the bottom of a foul mere, or mountain lake.
Grendel’s mother: water-witch who seeks revenge.
Dragon: giant fire-breathing serpent whom Beowulf fights in Part Two of the epic.

4. Beowulf Introducing the Epic
Places
Beowulf takes place in Scandinavia.
Scandinavia
Britain
Scholars think Herot might have been built on the coast of Zealand, in Denmark.

5. Beowulf Introducing the Epic
Places
Herot: the golden guest hall built by King Hrothgar where warriors gathered to celebrate. []

6. Beowulf The Poetry of Beowulf
The kenning is another poetic device that was used by the oral poet.
Examples of kennings from Beowulf:
gold-shining hall= Herot
guardian of crime = Grendel
strong-hearted wakeful sleeper = Beowulf
cave-guard and sky-borne foe = dragon

7. Beowulf The Poetry of Beowulf
Kenning: a metaphorical phrase or compound word used to name a person, place, thing, or event indirectly.
A kenning enhances the literal meaning of the words. A kenning gives the listener an idea of how the words connect to an idea or concept that is richer and more emotionally complex.

8. Beowulf Background Beowulf is an oral epic passed from bard to bard.
Harpist-bards told the familiar story for audiences in the communal halls at night.
Written down between 700 and 750.
Reconstructed Anglo-Saxon village in West Stow, England, with communal hall on the left.