One of the most importantremains of Anglo-Saxonliterature is the epic poemBeowulf. Its age isunknown; but it comesfrom a very distant andhoar antiquity . . . It is likea piece of ancient armor;rusty and battered, and yetstrong.One of the most importantremains of Anglo-Saxonliterature is the epic poemBeowulf. Its age isunknown; but it comesfrom a very distant andhoar antiquity . . . It is likea piece of ancient armor;rusty and battered, and yetstrong.
-- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow-- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
(American Poet) (American Poet)
Beowulf:Background InformationBeowulf:Background Information
The oldest surviving piece of Anglo-Saxon literatureThe oldest surviving piece of Anglo-Saxon literature
Author unknownAuthor unknown
–Probably written by one man
–Lived in what is now England
–Was highly skilled in poetictechnique
–Was thoroughly familiar with thetraditions and legends of earlyGermanic culture
Composed between the mid-seventhcentury and the end of the tenthcentury (A.D. 700-1000)Composed between the mid-seventhcentury and the end of the tenthcentury (A.D. 700-1000)
Existed through oral tradition for anestimated 300 years – passed onfrom one scop (shop) to anotherExisted through oral tradition for anestimated 300 years – passed onfrom one scop (shop) to another
Written in what is now called OldEnglishWritten in what is now called OldEnglish
Only one complete originalmanuscript remainsOnly one complete originalmanuscript remains
Anglo-saxonStorytellersAnglo-saxonStorytellers
An Anglo-Saxon storyteller was called a scop -(pronounced shop) in Anglo-Saxon lands.An Anglo-Saxon storyteller was called a scop -(pronounced shop) in Anglo-Saxon lands.
Literary DevicesLiterary Devices
Anglo-Saxon scops relied oncertain poetic devices to aidtheir memory and give theirpoems structure and impact.Three of these devices can befound in Beowulf:Anglo-Saxon scops relied oncertain poetic devices to aidtheir memory and give theirpoems structure and impact.Three of these devices can befound in Beowulf:
–Alliteration–Alliteration
–Kennings–Kennings
–Caesura–Caesura
AlliterationAlliteration
Alliteration is the repetition of consonantsounds at the beginning of words that areclose together in a poem.
–Hrothgar’s men lived happy in his hall.”–“Hrothgar’s men lived happy in his hall.”
–“miserable, mighty men tormented”–“miserable, mighty men tormented”
KenningKenning
Kennings are special kinds of metaphors that usecompound words, prepositional phrases, or possessives toname a person, place, thing, or event indirectly.
Compound Words
Prepositional Phrases
Possessives
"hell-forged""hell-forged"
"banquet-rich“"banquet-rich“
"ring-giver""ring-giver"
"mead-cup""mead-cup"
"she-wolf""she-wolf"
"Shelter of warriors""Shelter of warriors"
"shapes of darkness""shapes of darkness"
"shepherd of evil""shepherd of evil"
"tormentor of their days""tormentor of their days"
"journey into darkness""journey into darkness"
"ocean's/Furrows""ocean's/Furrows"
"God's bright beacon""God's bright beacon"
"Heaven's high arch""Heaven's high arch"
"Geats'/Brave prince""Geats'/Brave prince"
"hell's captive""hell's captive"
CaesuraCaesura
An obvious pause in a line ofpoetry.An obvious pause in a line ofpoetry.
In Old English poetry, it usuallycomes near the middle of a line,with two stressed syllablesbefore and two after, oftenallowing little or no “run-on” ofmeaning from the first half line tothe second. In Old English poetry, it usuallycomes near the middle of a line,with two stressed syllablesbefore and two after, oftenallowing little or no “run-on” ofmeaning from the first half line tothe second.
–“A prince of the Geats / had killedGrendel.”–“A prince of the Geats / had killedGrendel.”
![MCj02340740000[1]](data/images/img38.png)
Translation from old EnglishTranslation from old English
Beowulf was written in Old English so it has to be translatedinto Modern English for us to read it.Beowulf was written in Old English so it has to be translatedinto Modern English for us to read it.
Here is a sample of the text in Old English:Here is a sample of the text in Old English:
–Cōm on wanre nihtscrīðan sceadugenga. Scēotend swæfon,þa þaet hornreced healdan scoldon –ealle būton ānum. þæt wæs yldum cūþ,þæt hīe ne mōste, þā metod nolde,se scyscaþa under sceadu bregdan;–Cōm on wanre nihtscrīðan sceadugenga. Scēotend swæfon,þa þaet hornreced healdan scoldon –ealle būton ānum. þæt wæs yldum cūþ,þæt hīe ne mōste, þā metod nolde,se scyscaþa under sceadu bregdan;
Our reading will come from the translation by Burton Raffel.Our reading will come from the translation by Burton Raffel.
Burton Raffel Seamus Heaney Gareth Hinds Robert Nye
Beowulf : The Epic PoemBeowulf : The Epic Poem
Beowulf is an early Anglo-Saxon epic.Beowulf is an early Anglo-Saxon epic.
An epic is a long narrative poem that recounts, in formallanguage, the exploits of a larger-than-life hero.An epic is a long narrative poem that recounts, in formallanguage, the exploits of a larger-than-life hero.
The epic hero is usually a man of high social status and is oftenimportant in the history of his people.The epic hero is usually a man of high social status and is oftenimportant in the history of his people.
Epic plots usually involve:Epic plots usually involve:
–Supernatural events–Supernatural events
–Long time periods–Long time periods
–Life and death struggles–Life and death struggles
In epics, the hero always represents good and the forces thatthreaten people represent evil.In epics, the hero always represents good and the forces thatthreaten people represent evil.
To overcome the people’s enemies, the hero requires greatphysical strength.To overcome the people’s enemies, the hero requires greatphysical strength.
EpicsEpics
Epics were originally sung orrecited orally with musicalaccompaniment.Epics were originally sung orrecited orally with musicalaccompaniment.
At that time, very few peoplecould read.At that time, very few peoplecould read.
Audiences were enthralled bymonsters, perilous journeys,and fierce battles.Audiences were enthralled bymonsters, perilous journeys,and fierce battles.
The Anglo-Saxons, in theirprimitive and harshenvironment, demanded of theirheroes . . .The Anglo-Saxons, in theirprimitive and harshenvironment, demanded of theirheroes . . .
–courage,–courage,
–physical strength–physical strength
–loyalty to a tribal king–loyalty to a tribal king
– wisdom in guiding others– wisdom in guiding others
–supreme self-confidence–supreme self-confidence
The heroes in Beowulf meetthese qualifications.The heroes in Beowulf meetthese qualifications.
Other EpicsOther Epics
Gilgamesh (Babylonian, unknown)Gilgamesh (Babylonian, unknown)
The Odyssey (Greek, Homer)The Odyssey (Greek, Homer)
The Iliad (Greek, Homer)The Iliad (Greek, Homer)
The Aeneid (Roman, Virgil)The Aeneid (Roman, Virgil)
Epic HeroesEpic Heroes
The epic hero is a mythicalcharacter who is strong,courageous, morally upright,and driven by the desire forglory.The epic hero is a mythicalcharacter who is strong,courageous, morally upright,and driven by the desire forglory.
He faces enormous obstaclesin these pursuits, usually someforce or character thatrepresents evilHe faces enormous obstaclesin these pursuits, usually someforce or character thatrepresents evil
Even if he loses his life, he isvictorious in his pursuit ofglory.Even if he loses his life, he isvictorious in his pursuit ofglory.
Characteristics of an Epic Hero:Characteristics of an Epic Hero:
–Is significant and glorified
–Is on a quest
–Has supernatural strength,intelligence, and courage
–Is Ethical
–Risks death for the good ofsociety
–Performs brave deeds
–Is a strong and responsibleleader
–Reflects the ideas and values ofhis society
English Literature?English Literature?
Even though Beowulf is the oldestsurviving English epic, it is not set inEngland and its characters are notEnglish.Even though Beowulf is the oldestsurviving English epic, it is not set inEngland and its characters are notEnglish.
In the 400s, Germanic peoplesknown as Anglo Saxons invaded theterritory that would become knownas EnglandIn the 400s, Germanic peoplesknown as Anglo Saxons invaded theterritory that would become knownas England
–They brought the story of Beowulfwith them.–They brought the story of Beowulfwith them.
The text of Beowulf shows bothNorse pagan belief and Christianity,often in the same line.The text of Beowulf shows bothNorse pagan belief and Christianity,often in the same line.
When, Where, and Who?When, Where, and Who?
SettingSetting
–When?–When?
The 6th CenturyThe 6th Century
–Where?–Where?
ScandinaviaScandinavia
CharactersCharacters
–The people are the Geats from southernSweden and the Danes from Denmark–The people are the Geats from southernSweden and the Danes from Denmark
Who was Beowulf?Who was Beowulf?
Beowulf was a brave warrior whovanquished evil monsters.Beowulf was a brave warrior whovanquished evil monsters.
He embodies courage, loyalty,and generosity.He embodies courage, loyalty,and generosity.
He traveled to Denmark from hishome in Geatland (now southernSweden) to slay Grendel.He traveled to Denmark from hishome in Geatland (now southernSweden) to slay Grendel.
–Grendel is a monster with humanqualities that has been terrorizingHerot for twelve years.–Grendel is a monster with humanqualities that has been terrorizingHerot for twelve years.
Herot is a banquet hall inDenmark built by the Danish kingHrothgrarHerot is a banquet hall inDenmark built by the Danish kingHrothgrar
GrendelGrendel
An enormous ogre ordemon-like creatureAn enormous ogre ordemon-like creature
A descendent of thebiblical CainA descendent of thebiblical Cain
–Adam and Eve had two sons,Cain and Abel. Cain killed Abelout of jealousy.–Adam and Eve had two sons,Cain and Abel. Cain killed Abelout of jealousy.
Despises mankind’s joyDespises mankind’s joy
Menaces Hrothgar and theDanes for twelve yearsbefore facing Beowulf inbattleMenaces Hrothgar and theDanes for twelve yearsbefore facing Beowulf inbattle
HrothgarHrothgar
The aging king of theDanesThe aging king of theDanes
Welcomes Beowulf’sassistance in facingGrendelWelcomes Beowulf’sassistance in facingGrendel
Built Herot (his giantmead-hall) to symbolizethe kingdom’s success,civilization, and joyBuilt Herot (his giantmead-hall) to symbolizethe kingdom’s success,civilization, and joy
HerotHerot
Hrothgar’s mead-hallHrothgar’s mead-hall
–More like a palace–More like a palace
–Symbolizes the Scyldings’(Danish people) successand mankind’s joy–Symbolizes the Scyldings’(Danish people) successand mankind’s joy
–Social, governmental, andemotional center of thevillage–Social, governmental, andemotional center of thevillage
–Grendel delights in raidingand capturing it nightly–Grendel delights in raidingand capturing it nightly
MeadMead
– honey-based wine– honey-based wine
Grendel’s MotherGrendel’s Mother
Not as powerful asher son, but still aformidable foeNot as powerful asher son, but still aformidable foe
Lives with her sonGrendel in a cavebeneath a swampylake (or mere)Lives with her sonGrendel in a cavebeneath a swampylake (or mere)
In her cave is amagical, giant swordIn her cave is amagical, giant sword
SynopsisSynopsis
For twelve years, Grendel hasraided Herot nightly, killing KingHrothgar’s Danish warriors.For twelve years, Grendel hasraided Herot nightly, killing KingHrothgar’s Danish warriors.
Beowulf, who has heard ofGrendel’s evil deeds, decides tocome to the aid of the Danes.Beowulf, who has heard ofGrendel’s evil deeds, decides tocome to the aid of the Danes.
–Hrothgar had once shelteredBeowulf’s father during a deadly feud,and Beowulf wants to return the favor.–Hrothgar had once shelteredBeowulf’s father during a deadly feud,and Beowulf wants to return the favor.
–Beowulf also hopes to enhance hisown reputation and gain treasure forhis king, Higlac.–Beowulf also hopes to enhance hisown reputation and gain treasure forhis king, Higlac.
Beowulf brings with him fourteen ofhis finest men.Beowulf brings with him fourteen ofhis finest men.
SynopsisSynopsis
On the first night of the visit, Hrothgarholds a feast in Beowulf’s honor.On the first night of the visit, Hrothgarholds a feast in Beowulf’s honor.
Beowulf is insulted by a drunken Danenamed Unferth.Beowulf is insulted by a drunken Danenamed Unferth.
Unferth tells the crowd that Beowulfwas once beaten in a swimming contestby an ordinary man named Breca, thushe would certainly be no match forGrendel.Unferth tells the crowd that Beowulfwas once beaten in a swimming contestby an ordinary man named Breca, thushe would certainly be no match forGrendel.
Beowulf responds with dignity notingthat the two swimmers were separatedby a storm, and on the fifth night of thecontest Beowulf slew nine seamonsters before finally returning homeBeowulf responds with dignity notingthat the two swimmers were separatedby a storm, and on the fifth night of thecontest Beowulf slew nine seamonsters before finally returning home
Unferth had been put in his place!Unferth had been put in his place!
The Danes retire to safe sleepingquarters; Beowulf and his Geats beddown in Herot.The Danes retire to safe sleepingquarters; Beowulf and his Geats beddown in Herot.
SynopsisSynopsis
Angered by the joy of themen in the mead-hall,Grendel bursts in and killsone of the Geats.Angered by the joy of themen in the mead-hall,Grendel bursts in and killsone of the Geats.
With the strength of 30men in his hand grip,Beowulf seizes the ogre’sclaw and rips it from itsshoulder socket.With the strength of 30men in his hand grip,Beowulf seizes the ogre’sclaw and rips it from itsshoulder socket.
The mortally woundedbeast flees to his merepool.The mortally woundedbeast flees to his merepool.
The claw trophy hangshigh under the roof ofHerot.The claw trophy hangshigh under the roof ofHerot.
SynopsisSynopsis
The Danes celebrate the next daywith a huge feast.The Danes celebrate the next daywith a huge feast.
But Grendel’s mother is bent onrevenge.But Grendel’s mother is bent onrevenge.
That night she climbs into Herot toretrieve her son’s claw, and kills oneof the Danes.That night she climbs into Herot toretrieve her son’s claw, and kills oneof the Danes.
–Beowulf was sleeping elsewhere.–Beowulf was sleeping elsewhere.
The next morning Hrothgar, Beowulf,and several Danes and Geats followthe mother’s tracks into a dark,formidable swamp.The next morning Hrothgar, Beowulf,and several Danes and Geats followthe mother’s tracks into a dark,formidable swamp.
Beowulf dives into the mere to seekGrendel’s mother.Beowulf dives into the mere to seekGrendel’s mother.
–He carries with him a sword named“Hrunting,” a gift from the chastisedUnferth.–He carries with him a sword named“Hrunting,” a gift from the chastisedUnferth.
SynopsisSynopsis
First, Beowulf battles with strangecreatures.First, Beowulf battles with strangecreatures.
Grendel’s mother then attacks and haulsthe Geat warrior to her dimly lit cave.Grendel’s mother then attacks and haulsthe Geat warrior to her dimly lit cave.
Beowulf’s gift sword Hruntingfails to penetrate the ogre’shide.Beowulf’s gift sword Hruntingfails to penetrate the ogre’shide.
Grendel’s mother tries to cut Beowulfwith a knife, but his mail (armor)protects him.Grendel’s mother tries to cut Beowulfwith a knife, but his mail (armor)protects him.
Beowulf spots a giant magicalsword and uses it to kill her.Beowulf spots a giant magicalsword and uses it to kill her.
SynopsisSynopsis
An unexplainable light illuminates the cavernand reveals Grendel’s corpse and a great dealof treasure.An unexplainable light illuminates the cavernand reveals Grendel’s corpse and a great dealof treasure.
Beowulf decapitates the corpse.Beowulf decapitates the corpse.
The magic sword melts to its hilt (handle).The magic sword melts to its hilt (handle).
Beowulf returns the surface carrying Grendel’shead, but leaves the treasure.Beowulf returns the surface carrying Grendel’shead, but leaves the treasure.
SynopsisSynopsis
After much celebration and gifts from Hrothgar,Beowulf and his men return home.After much celebration and gifts from Hrothgar,Beowulf and his men return home.
Later, Beowulf’s king Higlac is killed in battle.Higlac’s son is also killed in a feud.Later, Beowulf’s king Higlac is killed in battle.Higlac’s son is also killed in a feud.
Beowulf is named King of Geatland and rules for50 years.Beowulf is named King of Geatland and rules for50 years.
In his declining years, he must face one moredemon.In his declining years, he must face one moredemon.
The End of BeowulfThe End of Beowulf
A fiery dragon has become enraged whena fugitive stole a valuable cup from thedragon’s treasure-trove.A fiery dragon has become enraged whena fugitive stole a valuable cup from thedragon’s treasure-trove.
The dragon terrorizes the countryside atnight.The dragon terrorizes the countryside atnight.
Beowulf insists on taking the dragonalone, but his sword is no match for themonster.Beowulf insists on taking the dragonalone, but his sword is no match for themonster.
All of Beowulf’s men flee to the woods.All of Beowulf’s men flee to the woods.
Only one of them, Wiglaf, goes toBeowulf’s assistance.Only one of them, Wiglaf, goes toBeowulf’s assistance.
Beowulf is mortally wounded.Beowulf is mortally wounded.
Dying, he leaves his kingdom to Wiglaf.Dying, he leaves his kingdom to Wiglaf.
His body is cremated in a funeral pyreand buried high on a sea-side cliff wherepassing sailors can see.His body is cremated in a funeral pyreand buried high on a sea-side cliff wherepassing sailors can see.
The dragon’s treasure is buried with him.The dragon’s treasure is buried with him.
