An epic is a long narrative poem that recounts, in formal language, the exploits of a larger-than-life hero.

They were usually performed orally with musical accompaniment.

The epic hero is usually a man of high social status and is often important in the history of his people.

Epic plots usually involve: Supernatural events Long time periods Life and death struggles

The epic hero is a mythical character who is strong, courageous, morally upright, and driven by the desire for glory.

He faces enormous obstacles in these pursuits, usually some force or character that represents evil.

Even if the hero loses his life, he is still victorious in his pursuit of glory.

Characteristics of an Epic Hero:

• Is significant and glorified• Is on a quest• Has superior strength,

intelligence, and courage• Is ethical• Risks death for the good

of society• Performs brave deeds• Is a strong and

responsible leader• Reflects the ideas and

values of his society

43 A.D. – Romans conquer Celts in southern England Bring technology and

Christianity

400-600 A.D. – Angles, Saxons, and Jutes invade (3 most powerful Germanic tribes)

410 A.D. – Rome renounces control of Britain By 500 A.D., Romans

abandoned Britain completely to defend failing Roman Empire

8th – 9th centuries: Danes (Vikings*) invade and conquer most of England

793 A.D. - Danes attack Lindisfarne, a holy settlement in which monks are enslaved / murdered and treasure is stolen

This event sends shockwaves through the Christian courts of Europe and causes Danes to be viewed as lawless, bloodthirsty, heathen savages for centuries.

It isn’t until the 1890s when the Danes are given credit for their artistry, seamanship, and technological skills.

878 A.D. – King Alfred the Great turns the tide

against the invading Danes at the Battle of Edington Alfred was a pious Christian and tried to spread Christianity

throughout Britain, even to the “heathen” Danes

Over the next century, Alfred’s son and grandson win back the rest of the country from the Danes, but the peace is short-lived…

1066 A.D. – King Edward III dies without an heir, but leaves the crown to Harold, head of a noble family William the Conqueror, Edward’s cousin (from

Normandy), claims the English throne The Battle of Hastings:

Most famous battle in British history Lasts only one day Harold killed with an arrow to the eye William defeats Harold’s forces William the Conqueror is crowned king on Christmas Day,

1066.

What’s the significance? The Anglo-Saxon period ends (lasted from 449 – 1066),

and the Norman period begins French becomes the language of the King’s court Gradually blends with Anglo-Saxon to become modern

English Remembered for the Domesday Book (1086), the oldest

surviving public record, which was a survey of England

Even though it is the oldest English epic, it is neither set in England, nor are its characters English!

It is the oldest surviving piece of Anglo-Saxon literature, an epic that reflects the values of its warrior culture.

Beowulf was composed around 700 A.D., but it was not written down until the 11th century, probably by an English monk. For 300 years, it was passed down orally

from one scop (pronounced shop) to another

This accounts for both Norse and Christian influences and references.

It is written in Old English, and only one complete manuscript remains. It is housed in the British Museum.

Loyalty and Honor Comitatus: brotherhood of men who owed allegiance

to a chieftain and expected his benevolence in return Avenging one’s kinsmen (wergild) Keeping one’s word

Religion – closely related to the old Norse religion Woden – chief god (Anglo-Saxon kings claim to be descendants) Thunor – god of thunder and sky Tiw – god of single combat, victory, and heroic glory Frige – goddess of the earth Valhalla – the great mead hall where fallen warriors go to await

Ragnorok Animal sacrifice Cremation

Generosity – gifts symbolize bonds (arm rings)

Brotherly love – not romantic love

Heroism Physical strength Skill and resourcefulness in battle Courage Dying with a sword in one’s hand

Public reputation, not private conscience Warriors strive for glory, fame, and wealth

Alliterative verse:Same initial consonantsLine halved by caesuraUsually four stresses per

line

Kenning: poetic renaming

Assonance: repeated vowel sounds in unrhymed, stressed syllables

Alliteration is the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words that are close together in a poem.

“Hrothgar’s men lived happy in his

hall.”

“miserable, mighty men tormented”

• An obvious pause in a line of poetry.

• In Old English poetry, it usually comes near the middle of a line, with two stressed syllables before and two after.

Out from the marsh, from the foot of mistyHills and bogs, bearing God’s hatred,Grendel came, hoping to killAnyone he could trap on this trip to high Herot.

(Notice all the alliteration, too?! )

• Kennings are special kinds of metaphors that use compound words, prepositional phrases, or possessives to name a person, place, thing, or event indirectly.

• Some examples from Beowulf:

• ““gold-shininggold-shining hall” hall” = Herot= Herot• ““guardian of crime” guardian of crime” = Grendel= Grendel• ““strong-hearted wakeful sleeper”strong-hearted wakeful sleeper” = =

BeowulfBeowulf• ““cave-guard”cave-guard” andand “sky-borne foe”“sky-borne foe” = dragon= dragon

Repeated vowel sounds in unrhymed, stressed syllables

Some examples from Beowulf:

A powerful monster, living downIn the darkness, growled in pain, impatientAs day after day the music rangLoud in that hall, the harp’s rejoicingCall and the poet’s clear songs, sungOf the ancient beginnings of us all …

What is the relationship between literature and place?

How does literature shape or reflect society?

What is the relationship of the writer to tradition?