CHARACTERISTICS OF AN EPIC - Beowulf

Epic Definition

Long narrative poem (sometimes called heroic poem)

Developed orallyCelebrates heroic deeds / legendary eventsEarliest forms of literatureIncludes legendary hero (epic hero)

Beowulf

In comparison to the standard of Homeric epics (15,000 lines) …

Beowulf is relatively short (3,200 lines)

Composed (first written down) between 700-750 in Old English by a monk in Scandinavia

Believed to be composed by a monk due to the Christian elements in the epic

Epic Characteristics

Epic Characteristic #1

The hero is a great leader who is identified strongly with a particular people or society.

Epic Characteristic #2

The setting is broad and often includes supernatural realms, especially the land of the dead.

Epic Characteristic #3

The hero does great deeds in battle or undertakes an extraordinary journey or quest.

Epic Characteristic #4

Sometimes gods or other supernatural or fantastic beings take part in the action.

Epic Characteristic #5

The story is told in heightened language.

HERO CHARACTERISTICS

Epic Hero Characteristics #1

The epic hero is a “LARGER THAN LIFE PERSON” who embodies the highest ideals of his culture

Beowulf as the epic hero

In Beowulf, the epic hero Beowulf is considered “larger-than-life”

He embodies LOYALTY, COURAGE, SENSE OF JUSTICE, DIGNITY, PERSISTENCE, and many other traits of the Anglo-Saxon culture

Epic Hero Characteristics #2

The epic hero usually undertakes a QUEST/ JOURNEY to achieve something of

great value to themselves or society

Epic Hero Characteristics #3

Epic heroes “LIVE ON AFTER DEATH”…

meaning they are forever remembered by those who live after them…

achieving a type of IMMORTALITY

Epic Hero Characteristics #4

Not a “Superman” with magical powers

But a “REGULAR” human whose aspirations

and accomplishments set him/her apart

Epic Hero Characteristics #5

Overcomes great obstacles/opponents but maintains HUMANITY

Epic Hero Characteristics #6

Epic hero experiences typical HUMAN EMOTIONS/ FEELINGS, yet is able to master and control these human traits to a greater degree than a typical person

Epic Hero Characteristics #7

It is often necessary for the epic hero to connect/make contact with “LESSER” humans in order to succeed

CHARACTERS - Beowulf

Beowulf main characters

Beowulf the Geat protagonist faces and conquers

evil classic hero who is

courageous, generous, and compassionate

Grendel a demon first antagonist

Beowulf faces descendant of Cain outcast who

epitomizes bitterness and evil

Beowulf main characters

Grendel’s Mother she-wolf unnamed demon who

lives in the gob second antagonist

Dragon animal-unlike many

other dragons in northern legends, it does not speak

becomes enraged and seeks vengeance when a thief takes something from his treasured hoard

third antagonist