beowulf: an epic poem from the anglo-saxon period
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Mrs. Llanos 2013-2014. Beowulf: An Epic Poem from the Anglo-Saxon Period. Beowulf. Author unknown Epic – a long narrative poem detailing a hero ’ s deeds. Passed down orally by storytellers known as scops , who also played harp music - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
Beowulf: An Epic Poem from the
Anglo-Saxon Period
Mrs. Llanos2013-2014
BeowulfAuthor unknownEpic – a long narrative poem detailing a hero’s deeds.Passed down orally by storytellers
known as scops, who also played harp music
People gathered in mead halls the center of community, culture, & entertainment to hear stories.
The Manuscript
Written down between 8th & 10th centuries Many mysteries remain surrounding the text Written down after the Anglo-Saxons
converted to Christianity Originally written in Old English, the
language spoken in Britain during the Anglo-Saxon period
A single manuscript exists, now in the British Library in London; preserved by Christian monks who copied it
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkaPNlOz0N4&feature=related
The Story/The Poem Events in the poem take place
between late 5th century & early 7th century
Set in a pagan society, but translator was Christian so contains traces of both beliefs
Considered the earliest major work of English poetry to survive ( oral tradition)
Title added later, was not included in manuscript
Heroic CodeWarriors
Strength, courage, loyaltyKings
Generous to his thanes (warriors) Show hospitality Strong political leader King determined by deeds,
not family last nameSociety
A good reputation Supported king & thanes
An Overview: The Tale of Beowulf
Story of noble warrior, Beowulf
Becomes King of GeatsFights 3 major battles
(Grendel, Grendel’s Mother, Dragon)
He travels from modern day Sweden to Herot (in modern day Denmark)
Scandinavia
Britain
Scholars think Herot might have been built on the coast of Denmark.
Characteristics of an Epic Poem
Setting is vast in scope, often involving more than one nation
Plot is complicated by supernatural beings or events and may involve a long, dangerous journey
Poem reflects timeless values (ex: courage, honor)
Themes are universal (ex: life and death; good and evil; dark and light)
Major characters often deliver long, formal speeches
The diction is formal and the tone is serious
Characteristics of an Epic Hero Is of noble of birth or high position;
often of great historical or legendary importance
Character traits reflect important ideals of the society
Performs courageous (sometimes superhuman) deeds that reflect the values of the era
Actions of hero often determine the fate of a nation or group of people
Protagonist: Beowulf a mighty warrior from
the land of the Geats (modern day Sweden) Arrives in Denmark and
travels to Herot to see Hrothgar, king of the Danes
noble, courageous, bold, and stronger than anyone else
Arrives to fight Grendel, who is terrorizing Herot, as a favor to King Hrothgar
Antagonists
Grendel nightmarish creature–half-beast, half-
man–that strikes at night Born with dark heart and dark spirit Born out of chaos – from the lineage of
the biblical Cain (who killed his own brother)
AntagonistsGrendel's mother
Disgusting creature Lives in swamp with her son
Fire-breathing dragon Dragons believed to be
former kings who were greedy
Dragon is opposite of good king (i.e. Beowulf)
Tribes
Danes Hrothgar and his
thanes (warriors)Geats
Beowulf and his men
Wulfing Tribe Hrothgar
made peace with for Beowulf’s father