1. Beowulf
Background Notes

2. Beowulf- an epic poem
Epic poem- “a long narrative poem that recounts, in formal language, the exploits of a larger-than-life hero”
The oldest known literary work
Author unknown
Probably written down by a monk in the 8th Century

3. Beowulf- an epic poem Epic plots- Involve supernatural events
Long time periods
Distant journeys
Life and death struggle between good and evil
Hero always represents good & the forces that threaten the people represent evil

4. Beowulf- an epic hero Epic hero-
a man of high social status and is often important in the history of his people
exhibits character traits that reflect the ideals of society
performs courageous, sometimes superhuman, deeds that reflect the values of an era
Performs actions that often determine the fate of a nation/group of people

5. Beowulf- setting Set in Scandinavia
Involves the Geats, a tribe from Southern Sweden and the Danes, a tribe from Denmark
6th/7th Century

6. Anglo Saxons Scandinavian tribes
During the 6th and 7th centuries, they invaded and settled what later became known as England
Time period when tribes from N. Europe regularly raided one another’s shores to loot and burn settlements
Kings bestowed great treasures on their warriors to maintain allegiance

7. Anglo Saxons Beowulf is their hero
Anglo Saxons demanded courage, physical strength, loyalty to a tribal king, wisdom in guiding others, and supreme self-confidence from their heroes
Anglo Saxons were an oral culture- scops would tell the stories in mead halls
Beowulf celebrates warrior culture

8. What does this epic poem want us to talk about???
A search to attain a measure of immortality by performing heroic deeds
Importance of maintaining a civilized orderly society
Display of courage in the face of death
Loyalty