Provenance Setting Why Beowulf? Beowulf Poetic devices Terms Themes Why Study Beowulf? 1. Beowulf is the oldest poem in the English language, so everything written since Beowulf stems from it in some way 2. The story of Beowulf encompasses common themes that we still see in English literature today 3. Beowulf is simply good writing Why Study Beowulf? 4. In some ways, it doesnt matter what you read, but how you read it, sosince Beowulf came first, you might as well start there. 5. Studying Old English improves your understanding of modern English 6. Its a great story Beowulfs Provenance What we dont know: who wrote it when exactly it was written how much, exactly, is based on historical truth Beowulfs Provenance What we do know: Beowulf is the oldest surviving English poem. Its written in Old English (or Anglo-Saxon), which is the basis for the language we speak today. Some of the characters in the poem actually existed. The only copy of the manuscript was written sometime around the 11 th century A.D. (1000s), however The actual poem probably dates from the 8 th century (700s) or so, and The story may be set even earlier, around 500 A.D. There are a lot of Christian references in the poem, but the characters and setting are Paganthis means a monk probably translated it. Beowulfs Provenance So why wasnt it written down in the first place? This story was probably passed down orally for centuries before it was first written down. It wasnt until after the Norman Invasion (1066) that writing stories down became common in this part of the world. Beowulfs Provenance So whats happened to the manuscript since the 11 th century? Eventually, it ended up in the library of this guy. Robert Cotton ( ) Beowulfs Provenance Unfortunately, Cottons library burned in Many manuscripts were entirely destroyed. Beowulf was partially damaged. The manuscript is now preserved and carefully cared for in the British Museum. Setting: Beowulfs time and place Although Beowulf was written in English, it is set in what is now Sweden, where a tribe called the Geats lived. The story may take place as early as 400 or 500 A.D. Setting: Beowulfs time and place Europe today Insert: Time of Beowulf How we date Beowulf Some Important Dates: 521 A.D. death of Hygelac, who is mentioned in the poem 680 A.D. appearance of alliterative verse 835 A.D. the Danish started raiding other areas; after this, few poets would consider them heroes SO: This version was likely composed between 680 and 835, though it may be set earlier The Poetry in Beowulf A few things to watch out for 1. Alliterative verse a.Repetition of initial sounds of words (occurs in every line) b. Generally, four feet/beats per line c. A caesura, or pause, between beats two and four d. No rhyme The Poetry in Beowulf A few things to watch out for Alliterative verse an example from Beowulf: Oft Scyld Scefingsceapena praetum, Monegum maegpummeodo-setla ofteah; Egsode Eorle,syddan aerest weard. There was Shield Sheafson, scourge of many tribes, A wrecker of mead-benches, rampaging among foes. The terror of the hall-troops had come far. The Poetry in Beowulf A few things to watch out for The Poetry in Beowulf A few things to watch out for 2. Kennings a. Compound metaphor (usually two words) b. Most were probably used over and over For instance: hronade literally means whale- road, but can be translated as sea The Poetry in Beowulf A few things to watch out for Other kennings from Beowulf: banhus = bone-house = body goldwine gumena = gold-friend of men = generous prince beaga brytta = ring-giver = lord beadoleoma = flashing light = sword The Poetry in Beowulf A few things to watch out for 3. Litotes A negative expression; usually an understatement Example: Hildeburh had no cause to praise the Jutes In this example, Hildeburhs brother has just been killed by the Jutes. This is a poetic way of telling us she hated the Jutes absolutely. Some terms youll want to know scop A bard or story-teller. The scop was responsible for praising deeds of past heroes, for recording history, and for providing entertainment comitatus Literally, this means escort or comrade This term identifies the concept of warriors and lords mutually pledging their loyalty to one another Some terms youll want to know thane A warrior mead-hall The large hall where the lord and his warriors slept, ate, held ceremonies, etc. Some terms youll want to know wyrd Fate. This idea crops up a lot in the poem, while at the same time there are Christian references to Gods will. Some terms youll want to know epic Beowulf is an epic poem. This means it has a larger- than life hero and the conflict is of universal importance. Theres a certain serious that accompanies most epics. Some terms youll want to know The hero is of noble birth Hero reflects ideal society Hero performs courageous, almost super-human deeds Hero determines the fate of a nation Major characters deliver long speeches Plot holds supernatural beings or events and long journeys over a vast setting Formal tone or diction Reflects timeless values, such as courage and honor How do I know if a story is an epic? elegy An elegy is a poem that is sad or mournful. The adjective is elegiac. homily A homily is a written sermon or section of the poem that gives direct advice. Some terms youll want to know Themes and Important Aspects Good vs. Evil Religion: Christian and Pagan influences The importance of wealth and treasure Loyalty and allegiance The importance of the sea and sailing The sanctity of the home Fate Heroism and heroic deeds