1. Beowulf is considered an epic poem . . .
So what are the features of an epic?

2. Epic hero traits significant and glorified quest
Has superior or superhuman strength, intelligence, and/or courage
Is ethical
Risks death for glory or for the greater good of society
Is a strong and responsible leader
Performs brave deeds
Reflects ideals of a particular society
Uses a mystical weapon

3. Poetic/Oral Devices The scop: Anglo-Saxon equivalent of a singing poet
Oral techniques: alliteration, repetition, variation, kennings, half-lines, metonymy (one thing substituted for another), synecdoche (part for the whole)

4. Kennings A metaphorical expression used in place of a noun
Sea = “whale-road” or “swan’s way”
Joints, ligaments = “bone-locks”
Sun = “sky-candle”
Icicles = “water-ropes”

5. Metonymy and Synecdoche
Metonymy: Name of one thing is substituted for the name of something else that most people would associate with the first thing
“Iron” for “Sword”
“Crown” for “king” or “monarchy”
Synecdoche: Substitute a part for the whole
“keel” for “ship”
“All hands on deck”
“Heads of cattle”

6. Other poetic elements
Alliteration – repetition of consonant sounds in words close to one another
EX: peter piper picked a peck of pickled peppers; randy was a rough and rowdy wrestler
Caesura – a rhythmic pause or break in the middle of a line of poetry.
Ex: bent double, like old beggars under Sacks,
knock-kneed, coughing like hags,
we coursed through sludge