Beowulf

http://web.utk.edu/~rliuzza/Beowulf/index.htm

Modern English Beowulf Passage

So. The Spear-Danes in days gone by and the kings who ruled them had courage and

greatness. We have heard of those princes’ heroic

campaigns.

There was Shield Sheafson, scourge of many tribes,

a wrecker of mead-benches, rampaging among foes.

This terror of the hall-troops had come far. A founding to start with,

he would flourish later on as his powers waxed and his worth was proved. In the end each clan on the outlying coasts beyond the whale-road had to yield to him and begin to pay tribute. That was one good

king.

Afterwards a boy-child was born to Shield, a cub in the yard, a comfort sent by God to that nation. He knew what they had

tholed, the long times and troubles they’d come through without a leader;  

Old English Beowulf Passage

The Manuscript Itself

Handwritten by a monk around 1000 A.D.

Written in Old English

Damaged by fire in 1731

Currently at British Museum

Historical Facts400-600 A.D. -- Angles,

Saxons, and Jutes invade (Beowulf set)

410 A.D. – Rome renounces control of Britain

521 A.D. – Hygelac invades the Netherlands

700-950 A.D. -- Christian poet composed the poem

Images of Beowulf

http://www.cathedralcatholic.org/academics/homework/johnson/beowulf_vs_grendel.jpg.rZd.47791[1].jpg

http://www.sacred-texts.com/neu/eng/hml/img/01600.jpg

Interior of a 9th C. Great Hall

http://www.viking.ucla.edu/hrolf/hallin.html

Sutton Hoo Burial Mound

http://web.utk.edu/~rliuzza/Beowulf/index.htm http://web.utk.edu/~rliuzza/Beowulf/index.htm

What is heroism?Strong will? BraveryValor in battle? Concern for others?

Are the same traits required for a warrior and for a king?

Think about it –Is Beowulf an Epic Hero?

Why does Beowulf take action?Selfish motives?

TreasureGlory

Selfless motives?To save the peoplePreservation of the community

Story Map Guidelines

Why?????

Summarize information Note taking methodPresent information in a format that shows

the overall structure of your subject

Story Map – the general idea

Example: Romeo & Juliet

Directions1. Start at the center of the page2. Use lots of colors, markers, pencils,

different textures3. Use images wherever possible4. Then branch off from the image5. Use key words and phrases as

necessary a. The word/phrase should sit on the line

and be the same length

Colors1. Color code for branches:

Red Setting -- time/place/historical period Blue Themes/motifs/moral/lesson/comment

on lifeGreen Plot -- exposition

conflicts rising action falling action resolution

2. Use other colors as needed to add dimension and variety

Have fun with this assignment!