Monday, Sept. 27 * "Beowulf" Notes * Time to work on reading logs Put your "Beowulf" packets in the basket before the bell! Sep 9 3:02 PM Please note: as an epic poem, Beowulf is either italicized or underlined when discussed in writing! BEOWULF The oldest surviving piece of Anglo Saxon literature Only manuscript we have is from the year 1000 & is stored at the British Library composed btwn. years A.D. 700 750, but the story takes place much earlier (around 520) written in what is now called Old English it somehow survived Henry VIII's burning of the monasteries he parted with the church b/c the Pope wouldn't give him dispensation to divorce and marry Anne Bolin first translated from Old English (Anglo Saxon) in 1815 1
BEOWULF Even though Beowulf is the oldest surviving English epic, it is not set in England and its characters are not English. In the 400s, Germanic peoples known as Anglo Saxons invaded the territory that would become known as England They brought the story of Beowulf with them. The text of Beowulf shows both Norse pagan belief and Christianity, often in the same line. BEOWULF - the poet Anglo Saxon Storyteller = SCOP (pronounced "shop") HISTORIAN OF A CULTURE PASSED DOWN HISTORY THROUGH RECITING POEMS Beowulf existed through oral tradition for an estimated 300 years passed on from one scop (shop) to another BEOWULF's Scop Author unknown Probably written by one man Lived in what is now England Probably Christian Was highly skilled in poetic technique Was thoroughly familiar with the traditions and legends of early Germanic culture 2
BEOWULF - language Anglo Saxon scops relied on certain poetic devices to aid their memory and give their poems structure and impact. These devices can be found in Beowulf: Alliteration repetition of similiar sounds at the beggining of words Kennings a metaphorical phrase or compound word used to name something indirectly "WHALE-ROAD" = SEA "shepherd OF EVIL" = grendel Caesura forced pause in the MIDDLE of a line of poetry BEOWULF - language Old English/Anglo Saxon Poetry original lines were divided in half with white space = CAESURA (forced pause in the middle of a line of poetry) 2 stressed syllables in the first half of the line with 2 ALLITERATIONS 2 stressed syllables in the second half of the line with 1 ALLITERATION Old English Translation 3
BEOWULF - language Alliteration repetition of sounds at the beginning of words Old English Translation BEOWULF - language Kennings special kinds of metaphors that use compound words, prepositional phrases, or possessives to name a person, place, thing, or event indirectly. 4
BEOWULF - an epic Epics were originally sang or recited orally with musical accompaniment. At that time, very few people could read. Audiences were enthralled by monsters, perilous journeys, and fierce battles. The Anglo Saxons, in their primitive and harsh environment, demanded of their heroes: *larger than life *elevate social status *courage *physical strength *loyalty to a tribal king * wisdom in guiding others *supreme self confidence The heroes in Beowulf meet these qualifications BEOWULF - an epic Characteristics of an Epic Hero: Embodies the goals & values of a culture Is on a quest Supernatural integrity, strength, intelligence, and courage Actions are of interest to the gods & they interfere Has flaws & faces challenges because of his flaws Is honored after death 5
BEOWULF - an epic is to England what The Iliad & The Odyssey are to Greece These are LITERARY EPICS Beowulf is an early Anglo Saxon FOLK EPIC. *a long narrative poem that recounts, in formal language, the exploits of a larger than life hero *the epic hero is usually a man of high social status and is often important in the history of his people Epic Poem Characteristics: *Long goal or journey *Superhuman deeds *Many obstacles that test bravery *Interference of the gods or supernatural *Huge setting *Purpose to teach & inspire *Main character is a hero (or capable of being a hero) *Long narrative poem BEOWULF - the Details Setting When? The 6 th Century Where? Scandinavia The Danes The Geats Characters The people are the Geats from southern Sweden and the Danes from Denmark 6
Sep 10 4:49 AM Who's Who? Why am I not italicized or underlined? BEOWULF Beowulf was a brave warrior who vanquished evil monsters. Haven't we seen this image a lot? He embodies courage, loyalty, and generosity. He traveled to Denmark from his home in Geatland (now southern Sweden) to slay Grendel. 7
Who's Who? Grendel An enormous ogre or demon like creature A descendent of the biblical Cain Adam and Eve had two sons, Cain and Abel. Cain killed Abel out of jealousy. Despises mankind s joy Menaces Hrothgar and the Danes for twelve years before facing Beowulf in battle Who's Who? Hrothgar The aging king of the Danes Welcomes Beowulf s assistance in facing Grendel Built Herot (his giant meadhall) to symbolize the kingdom s success, civilization, and joy 8
Who's Who? Grendel's Not like this. Mother Not as powerful as her son, but still a formidable foe Lives with her son Grendel in a cave beneath a swampy lake In her cave is a magical, giant sword More like this. Important! Herot Hrothgar s mead hall More like a palace Symbolizes the Scyldings (Danish people) success and mankind s joy Social, governmental, and emotional center of the village Grendel delights in raiding and capturing it nightly Mead honey based wine 9
Beowulf (Well, the part in our text at least) The story begins in medias res For twelve years, Grendel has raided Herot nightly, killing King Hrothgar s Danish warriors. Beowulf, who has heard of Grendel s evil deeds, decides to come to the aid of the Danes. Hrothgar had once sheltered Beowulf s father during a deadly feud, and Beowulf wants to return the favor. Beowulf also hopes to enhance his own reputation and gain treasure for his king, Higlac. Beowulf brings with him fourteen of his finest men... here's where our adventure with Beowulf begins! BEOWULF - why us? Historical value Inspiration for writers like Tolkein, etc. THEMES SPEAK TO US TODAY Good vs. Evil (victory at what cost?) What does it mean to be a hero? War vs. Religion What does it mean to be a good king (leader)? Results of exclusion Loyalty Self sacrifice 10
Attachments BREMENB.TTF